John42 - Posted - 07/20/2011:  10:55:56

How does one change the 5th string on the Waverly Planetary 5th string tuner. It seems a small window to thread the string through. How do you wrap the string to prevent slipping? This is my 1st Waverly; I'm more accustomed to the 5 Star 90 degree peg.

Thanks,

John

PeterJ - Posted - 07/20/2011:  11:15:59

It ain't easy, that's for sure. What I do is line up the hole so I can send the string end straight through. With the loop end on the tailpiece hook, I leave enough slack to tighten the string 3 full times around, then I snip the string end off as close to the peg body as I can.

I haven't had any slipping problems. The bigger issue is getting the old string off at changing time -- it takes some yanking on the string while going back and forth with the tuning peg. But, it's a well-made, accurate, durable tuning peg, so it really isn't a big deal.

mikehalloran - Posted - 07/20/2011:  11:28:48

There are a couple of ways to do it.

One is to put the end of the string through so a small amount is showing the other side - about 3/32". As you turn it, this will put a crimp in the end and help lock it in. I don't care for this as that small end is sharp and can get you.

The other way is to put the end in but don't let any show through the hole. Start turning and after a couple of wraps, gently take up the slack so it is firm - but not enough to pull it out. Finish wrapping the string and you will be fine.

You need to put enough wraps so that they clear the hole - otherwise, the edge of the hole makes a fulcrum point for metal fatigue. This is not a tuner where you want the string breaking off inside - you can get it out but it is a pain - not on stage. 5 wraps or more should clear the edge of the hole and keep it from slipping.

It takes a few times to know exactly how much string to wrap so you can cut it first. Once you know, keep a piece of paper in your case the correct length and you will always get it right.

I had the 5-Star version on a banjo for years and finally took it off. It looked great, worked fine but was time consuming to change strings. 

mikehalloran - Posted - 07/20/2011:  11:33:07

Peter is right - 3 wraps will keep it from slipping but I found that 5 cleared the edge of the hole so that it couldn't break inside.

Installing it so nothing comes through the hole is trickier but makes the string much, much easier to remove.

PeterJ - Posted - 07/20/2011:  11:40:27

Mike, I haven't tried installing a string so nothing comes out -- you're right, that would be easier to remove (but more time-consuming to install). I'll have to give it a try.

BTW, I haven't had any problems with breakage inside, but I guess I've been lucky.

klgera - Posted - 07/20/2011:  12:56:48

Simply cut off the string before you install it, so it is 1" to 1 1/2" past the the peg, slip it into the hole and tighten, easy 5th peg to string, also, unless you put in too much string, it will unwind easily when taking it off.
Ken

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 07/20/2011:  13:02:00

I found it best to follow the instructions the peg comes with.

Insert the string through the hole and pull until it is tight

Cut it off less than 1 inch beyond the hole

Back the string into the hole again until is is just beyond the inner hole

Tighten.

When it comes time to change strings you won't have this bit bale full of string that gets caught up and refuses to come out.

If you already have a lot of string around the inner hole, I suggest you remove it before it breaks. Keep tension on the string as you back wind the peg. If it starts to re-wind then cut it off and fish it out without a half mile of string to battle.

John42 - Posted - 07/20/2011:  14:42:49

Thanks for all the replies. The job doesn't seem as intimidating now as it did. Thanks to all.
John