This was a blog post that I wrote and I wanted to make sure that it did not get “lost in the sauce” so anyone who has problems with their plastic tuning key buttons could fix them.

The Question of the Day comes from Gus in Akron, Ohio. He asked me what he could do to fix the crumbled plastic tuning key buttons on his 1950’s Fender Lap Steel guitar. These are the same type of tuning keys used on Gibson Les Paul Jr’s and similar models.

If the tuning keys just have a few cracks or chips you can douse them with cyanoacrylate adhesive aka super glue. The super glue will penetrate all the cracks and sort of solidify the plastic tuning key button. After they dry you can use some fine grit sandpapers (#320, #400, #600, etc) to smooth them out and then buff with a Scotchbrite pad. This will preserve the integrity of the tuner and the instrument itself.

If they are too far gone however you will have to replace either the buttons or the entire set of tuners. You can get replacement buttons from Allparts. Replacing them can be tricky because you have to heat the shaft and press on the button. Then shoot some Super Glue down the shaft into the button. This repair has to be done with the tuners removed. Allparts also has a few different replacement tuner sets to choose from which are called “3×3 Tuning Keys” on their website. One set has pure white buttons, another with tinted of white buttons and a set with metal buttons.

So that’s really all you can do for crumbling plastic tuner buttons. I would just opt for the set with the metal buttons and take the originals and put them away for safe keeping. This way you will never have to worry about them again. I hope this answered your question Gus and remember……….stay tuned. :>0

Click here to visit Allparts for the items mentioned above.

My shop is located at 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755 Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or are in need of some tech work.

• Monday: 10am - 5pm
• Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10am - 5pm
• Friday: 10am - 5pm
• Saturday 10am - 2pm. (I am in every other Saturday).

I am also an Eminence, Mercury Magnetics, Mojo Musical Supply dealer. I do all the tech work myself so you deal directly with me. I am a one man shop and my hours can vary so please contact me to confirm that I will be open. Email me: billy@300guitars.com Call or text me: 848-218-0362 Shipping Info for all repair work: Please ship all repairs to: 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755

I am currently offering all phases of guitar work which includes:

• Set-ups
• Fret dressing
• Re-fretting
• New hand cut custom bone nuts & saddles
• Electronics work

And amplifier work which includes:

• Basic maintenance
• Bias adjustment
• Repairs and restorations
• Modifications
• And more....

Testimonials:

David Nicholas - The 20watt amp is sounding fantastic! Delivered the goods at the gig and I'm finding cool tones all over the place with it. Love the cab w Emenince Tonkerlites too- perfect for my sounds! Makes the 12 string sound like a grand piano!

Peter Lacis - I had an audition for something recently that was all about Led Zeppelin I -- my custom Pennalizer BLEW THE MINDS of the guys I was playing with. They couldn't believe the sounds coming out of that amp. That album was never in my mind when I came up with the idea....so that's yet another testament to the amazing work that you do.

Scott Goldberg - I am very satisfied with the set-up, and the fast turn around.  With the "lower" action it feels easier to play.  I will definitely spread the word.