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25 Jan 13 - 09:51 AM (#3471209) Subject: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: GUEST,highlandman at work My beloved old J-50 experienced a sort of tuner hernia shortly before a performance. I managed an emergency repair and got through it, but before replacing the machines I'd like opinions. These were already replacement machines, maybe 20 years old on a 40+ year old instrument. They say "Gibson Deluxe" on the backs and have pearl-colored plastic keys. What happened was that the cover of one, only staked on to the base plate, worked its way loose and let the gears leak out. I was able to sort of stake it back together with a punch, but it and another one look ready to jump apart at any moment. Does anyone have recommendations for better-constructed machines (but not too crazy on the price)? I'd rather not modify the headstock. Thanks -Glenn |
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25 Jan 13 - 11:27 AM (#3471249) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: GUEST,999 You'll need to measure the inside diameter of the holes left by your present heads, haw. I've always used Grovers, but there are many other good tuning heads out there. You'll need to shop around because prices can vary considerably. |
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25 Jan 13 - 11:48 AM (#3471259) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: Stanron Lots of tuning machines on ebay. Many have dimensions as well. |
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25 Jan 13 - 11:54 AM (#3471260) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: GUEST,999 Sorry. I should have said Glenn. |
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25 Jan 13 - 12:05 PM (#3471267) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: Pete Jennings Gotoh are one of the best, IMO THE best, and they have a good range of open/enclosed gear types with different shaped peg heads. |
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26 Jan 13 - 04:02 AM (#3471556) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: Bee-dubya-ell These Gotohs (CLICK) should be nearly identical to the Gibson Deluxe tuners you describe at about half the price. |
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26 Jan 13 - 09:47 AM (#3471657) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: Pete Jennings Well found, Bee-dub. I had a look at the Gotoh site (here), but not being a Gibson man I didn't know what I should be looking for. Pete. |
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28 Jan 13 - 09:12 AM (#3472427) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: GUEST,highlandman at work Thanks... not clear on that Elderly Instruments site if that price is for one machine or a set. I'll look into it. -G |
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28 Jan 13 - 09:44 AM (#3472444) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: GUEST Whoa up.....There are a lot of fine tuners and other places to buy. Waverly, Schallert and otheres often specialize in Vintage tuners AND.....Your best buying source is definitely Stewart MacDonald in Athens, Ohio. They are known all over as a fine supplier of parts and an excellent technical resource. Stew-Mac Tuners here but read through the rest of the catalog when you get a chance. You'll quit buying anywhere else and they are always available for professional advice. Spaw
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28 Jan 13 - 01:32 PM (#3472553) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: GUEST,highlandman at work Thanks, Spaw, I receive their print catalogs regularly. Just looking for independent ideas. (I have bought various repair items and tools from them now and then.) -G |
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28 Jan 13 - 04:54 PM (#3472628) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: PHJim Martins and Gibsons from the 50s and 60s often had Klusons. The Gibsons often had plastic knobs which seemed to deteriorate after a few decades. These were not too difficult or expensive to replace. The Martins usually had metal knobs. I have a 1950 Gibson with the original Klusons and I have never replaced the knobs. My brother's '58 Gibson has had all of the knobs replaced as have many others I've seen. My '62 D-21 had Klusons which I replaced with Gotohs, but I kept the original Klusons at the recommendation of my luthier. I believe that Martin switched over to Grovers some time in the sixties. Stew-Mac or Elderly can supply you with repo Klusons if you want to stay original. |
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29 Jan 13 - 09:22 AM (#3472916) Subject: RE: Tech: Gibson guitar tuners From: GUEST,highlandman at work Thanks everyone. Looks like Stew-Mac is the winner again. They offer both Gotoh and Kluson; I've still got to pull one and check the dimensions carefully. The guitar was built early 70's (not Gibson's finest hour, I know, but I still love the sound and feel) and had keystone nickel knobs on waffle-back machines. The replacements I got in the 90's (after my firstborn confirmed that guitars obey the laws of gravitation) were Gibson branded but had beige plastic keystone knobs. Either will do, I just want to make sure they fit. Thanks for the help all -Glenn |