| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Replacement tuners - advice?
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Replacement tuners - advice?
Eric Philippsen


From:
Central Florida USA
Post  Posted 22 Jul 2008 11:45 am    
Reply with quote

I have older steels that have the single-line Klusons. Some of those have become worn and slip quite a bit and, truth be told, their turn ratio isn't all that good. New "vintage-style" Klusons are not exact replacements because their shaft diameter is less than the originals. So, once installed, the shaft is not snug in the keyhead and, given the pressure of certain strings, they actually bend a bit. I've heard that Gotoh tuners have the same specs as the original Klusons and, on top of that, their turn ratio is higher. What has anyone else heard about that? What have others used when replacing tuners - without modifying or drilling the keyhead? Thanks.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
John Billings


From:
Ohio, USA
Post  Posted 22 Jul 2008 2:27 pm    
Reply with quote

You need some of these!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Harvey Richman

 

From:
Georgia, USA
Post  Posted 25 Jul 2008 9:08 am     Ditto
Reply with quote

Hi Eric. I'm with you. I've never been impressed with Klusons. However, I'm not aware of any quality machine that can be used to replace them without enlarging the holes in the keyheads (and worse, having to countersink the back sides of the keyhead holes in some cases). If anyone knows of such a machine, I sure would like to hear about it.

Regards
Harvey
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Charles Dempsey


From:
Shongaloo, LA
Post  Posted 25 Jul 2008 11:55 am    
Reply with quote

I know what you mean. In Feb '06 I replaced the Kluson "Deluxe" tuners on my P/P with Gotohs. They were direct replacement. Perfect fit. No issues.

I discuss the topic here:

http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/011982.html

The pics are gone, but if you need 'em I can probably dig them up.

Pics and info on the tuners at this link:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Guitar,_solid_peghead/1/Gotoh_Vintage-style_Oval_Knob_Tuners.html

I like the new Gotoh's. They've got a 15:1 ratio which improves the precision quite a bit.

Charlie
_________________
Yes officer, I know I smell like beer. I'm not drinking it, I'm wearing it!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Eric Philippsen


From:
Central Florida USA
Post  Posted 25 Jul 2008 1:17 pm    
Reply with quote

Thanks, Charles. You said they were exact replacements so I just ordered three sets from Stewart McDonald. That'll be nice with their 15:1 gear ratio and not being so loose.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Zeek Duff


From:
Longmont, Colorado, USA
Post  Posted 25 Jul 2008 1:58 pm    
Reply with quote

Hey Eric, those do look like Klusons, which Stew-Mac doesn't carry. So, you should probably be happy with what you ordered. You might have done better on the price at MF or even eBay, though. I just got two sets of Planet Waves Auto Trim locking tuners that Stew Mac wants $65/set for, for $35/set off a guy selling them new on eBay. Got them in 3 days, Priority Mail, no extra charge. Just something to keep in mind when shopping for parts, Stew-Mac is pretty high priced unless you're a dealer/luthier. There's a thread called "Locking Tuners anyone" where we got into some good detail before I bought mine.

Best regards,
...z
_________________
Fingerstyle guitar jazz from a nice guy,
Zeek Duff in BEAUTIFUL COLORADO
http://www.zeekduff.com
http://www.myspace.com/zeekduffmusic
http://www.cdbaby.com/zeekduff
Http://www.facebook.com/zeekduff
http://www.twitter.com/zeekduff
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Mike Phillips


From:
Brooklyn, NY
Post  Posted 26 Jul 2008 6:21 am    
Reply with quote

I used those same Gotoh Vintage Kluson-style replacements on my S-10 Emmons which came to me with old, slippy, keystone style tuning machines. Perfect replacement - tight and precise. Just do yourself one favor -- and really this is pretty obvious but worth saying just to save anyone who is reading a hassle: save the machine screws off your steel! The Gotohs will ship with wood screws.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron