Help with Korg WT-12 Tuner

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 19 Jan 2004 6:12 pm

A few months ago I bought this tuner on the Forum and it works but I have noticed that I can set it on a note and tune a string, turn the dial around a few notes and return it to the original note without changing the tuning on the string but the meter reads off from 1 to 3 Hertz. Has anyone experienced this problem and if so can you tell me what is wrong? Is the the meter or the tuner?
Thanks, Jerry

Bill Crook · Post by **Bill Crook** » 20 Jan 2004 5:57 am

I would suspect the meter is the problem.
I've had several cases where spray cleaner has been squirted into the case (to clean the rotary switch)and gotten into the meter.

This loads up the movement physically and degrades free movement.

If one is VERY careful, the movement can be cleaned,but this involves disassembly of the meter case. A contact cleaner & alcohol will remove the gook and free up the movement. Hold the spray-can a distance away from the movement to prevent damage to the spring in the device. The propelant(air) WILL distroy the spring if the nozzele is right on the spring.

Or,Replace the meter.

emil noothout · Post by **emil noothout** » 20 Jan 2004 11:11 am

I sometimes have the same problem, a temporary solution is to push the battery-test knob (on the left side) a few times. This causes the needle to go back and forth, and so far it works for me.

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 20 Jan 2004 12:30 pm

These tuners suffer from a couple of quirks at their older age.

First of all you MUST open up the tuner in order to clean the batt.check switch and the calib. switch. DO NOT just spray from the outside or you run the risk of creating the problem in the above post. These switches get nasty and usually most of the problems with the tuner can be traced to poor contact at these switches.

The battery terminals have a penchant for bending back and losing contact. Take a pair of needle nose pliers and bend them back.
Also this tuner works best with fresh batteries. Don't use it with half charged batteries. You will get strange readings.

John Lacey · Post by **John Lacey** » 21 Jan 2004 7:22 am

I must say, I've had my old trusty Wt-12 for at least 24 years and it looks like it! The knobs for the calibration and tuning have long since fallen off, the battery and cal. buttons are gone and the meter face has a major crack on it but the sucker still works great!!

Robert Parent · Post by **Robert Parent** » 21 Jan 2004 9:51 am

I have not noticed a problem like yours on my tuner.

I bought mine in 1977 and other than some scratches and one minor chip in the case it still looks pretty good. The only problem I have had is that the battery clip needed to be replaced about 4-5 years ago. A few months back I checked the calibration against my DTR-1 and it was right on the money, pretty amazing.......

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 21 Jan 2004 2:10 pm

I always carry a AT-12 and have a WT-12 that I have had 20 years and it is still fine. I got this one for a spare and will try to clean the needle action and see if that helps. Thanks for the tips.

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 21 Jan 2004 8:10 pm

Thanks to Bill Hatcher and Larry Petree for their advise on this problem. Bill posted and Larry sent an email both suggesting that I clean the pots. I sprayed all the controls with control cleaner and "presto", I can turn the tone knob all over the place and return it and it comes back dead center. Thanks all!!! Why did I not think of that?
Jerry<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jerry Roller on 21 January 2004 at 09:27 PM.]</p></FONT>