How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms

Subject: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From:
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 03:30 AM

The title of the thread is so awkward because I didn't want to confuse it with the subject of electronic tuners which are discussed in a different thread called "tuners". This is about the tuners found on the headstock of a guitar. I hear people talking about the brand of tuners they have on their instruments. I looked at my two guitars and I can't see any way to identify the tuner maker.

Is there a way to do it? Is there a website that gives pictures of the different brands so I can get familiar with their appearance?

Thanks

Murray

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 05:17 AM

Hi Murray. Chances are your tuners are one of about 5 brands. Do they have any markings at all?
Rick

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From:
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 04:07 AM

Rick, I have two guitars. One is a Maton Steel-string with the usual closed in tuners that go with a solid headstock. The only markings is a very ornate script "M" which is Maton's trade mark. The other guitar is a LaPatrie which is a nylon string and has the typical open tuners found on most classical guitars with slotted headstocks. The only markings are the ornate engravings that this type of tuner seems to always have. Since both guitars are fairly new, I can probably find out from the manudacturer what brand tuners are used. (You might know about the LaPatrie.) I was not only trying to identify my tuners; but to learn if there is a way to identify them on a guitar that I am just casually looking at.

You say there are about 5 brands of importance. Is there any information published describing the characteristics of each of these? If there are only five, It seems possible to identify by elimination.

Murray

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Vixen
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 08:37 AM

This is a topic I'm interested in, since my D tuner on my Alvarez is getting really stiff and creaky. I have a Suzuki guitar that has Guild tuners on it; they operate very smoothly, and I was wondering if I should replace the tuners on my Alvarez.

Any advice is, as always, gratefully appreciated.

V

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Bert
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 09:48 AM

Tuning machines are cheap enough that it is worth replacing them if they need it; and it only takes a few minutes. However, you should save the old ones if the guitar is a collectable.

Bert.

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 10:15 AM

The best way I know to become tuner-literate is to get an Elderly Instruments catalogue. They've got just about everything on the market listed, and if you're a music nurd like myself, you'll find hours of happy reading. Some personal opinions: Grovers and Klusons are the veterans of tuning peg history. Shallers are modern and well-thought of, Gotoh-Gut are cheaper but work fine. Stay away from Grover Imperials- they look great but are VERY inaccurate.
The ones you describe Murray are probably budget Korean tuners (which doesn't mean they're bad). If you really want to spend that money from your new raise, you can get custom tuners for about 500 bucks. Only you (and maybe me) will know what they are, but it's cheaper than a Rolls.clank here
Rick

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Vixen
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 10:16 AM

Rick-- What *are* the "five brands" you mention?

V

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Easy Rider
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 10:33 AM

I didn't like the Klusons that came with my Gibson, thirty-six years ago, so I changed them for Grover Rotomatics, which are great. My new Martin came with opem back tuners that say "CF Martin" but look like Waverlys. Waverly makes the best tuners, in some peoples' opinions. They have a 16:1 turning ratio, while most others have 12:1.

If you go to frets.com, you will find some good articles about tuner maintenance.

EZR

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 12:39 PM

Hi group

Machine Heads (to be accurate) are extremely varied in quality even within a brand as Rick alluded to earlier. You get what you pay for and unfortunately, sometimes that's just a name. I assume that the 5 Rick referred to are Kluson, Waverly, Schaller, Grover, and Gotoh. These are all carried by Elderly and lots of others. A great catalog also comes from Stewart-MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply in Athens, Ohio.... a truly great parts place!!! Great repair too.

A couple of other quick notes.....1--If you have any reason to believe that your guitar will enter the "collector/vintage" market, save the originals or replace them with exact duplicates. ......2--Obviously, the higher the gear ratio, the more accurate, but if the Peghead fit is bad, you're SBT. Be sure you have a nice fit and the machine heads are propperly installed.....3--Your best value for the buck is probably Gotoh for solid pegheads and Waverly for slotted. (One Asshole,One Opinion)

Spaw

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 02:03 PM

Hi from a new kid on the block!

As a one time guitar repairer I would echo what others have already said ...if you have a vintage instrument try to keep the originals or replace with similar tuners. Otherwise I have excellent experience with both Gotohs and Schallers on more recent instruments...the Gotohs are somewhat cheaper and good quality if cost is the main concern. My current instruments are all Gotoh or Scaller-equipped.

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 02:14 PM

Hi mcmoo and welcome aboard.........have you looked this place over a bit, readin' threads and the like? You can also go back and read older threads and gemerally get a "handle" on who's who and what's what. If you have any questions please ask anytime. This is a great little village with some wonderful folk and we'll be happy to have you with us too. Got any boilerplate info you want to share? I'm catspaw, generally referred to as Spaw, village idiot and resident wiseass...live in Ohio, just turned 50 married, 2kids, play a lot of instruments badly and sing even worse!

Post anytime on any thread...Glad to see you here where "Mud Is Thicker Than Water."

Spaw

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 02:39 PM

Many thanks for the welcome Spaw! I have a similar profile to yours by the sound of it although you have three years on me. I'm Irish (so capable of blarney myself!) but live in Belgium now. Thanks for the encouragement ...I'll certainly look over the threads and get a feel for things. I can already sense though that this is a good place! Best regards,

mcmoo

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 03:08 PM

Well mcmoo, being Irish, you'll find plent of threads around on all types of matters...music and otherwise. Now on the Belgian front....Here's one of our typically whackier threads CLICK HERE

Spaw

Subject: RE: How to Identify Tuning Mechanisms
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 07:07 AM

Dear Spaw,

I desperately sorry not to have been around for that Belgian thread! Many thanks for sending it. As Belgium is the land of the surreal I feel I could have contributed so much!