Why is the ball end of the string sticking out the back of the tuner?
If you notice that the ball end of your string is protruding through the back of the tuner on your guitar, don’t worry. This happens when the tuner hasn't been properly prepared before restringing, and it's a simple fix.
When the plunger isn't pushed all the way in before inserting the string, there isn’t enough tuning range, and the plunger needs to be pulled back so long that the ball end of the string sticks out.
To resolve this and ensure optimal tuning range and longevity of your hardware, follow these steps:
- Tune down the string to slack and unlock the string lock locking screw. If you are fitting new strings, remove the old strings. If you want to keep the same string, keep it on for now but slacked.
- Unscrew the tuning bolt completely and remove it from the threaded plunger. Then, reattach the tuning bolt by screwing it on just a couple of turns. It just needs to catch the threads.
- After screwing the tuning bolt back in just a few turns, push the plunger all the way in. This preps the tuner for maximum tuning range.
- If fitting a new string, install it through the tuner and the string lock as usual. With the string in place in the string lock, pull it and lock it with the string lock locking screw. There's no need to pull too tight, just remove the slack.
- Tune the string back up to pitch, and the ball end should not stick out the back of the tuner.