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Post new topic Tuning Machine replacements/ZumSteel?
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Author Topic:  Tuning Machine replacements/ZumSteel?
Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 11 Jun 2008 4:31 am    
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Older Zum.... has the Sperzel tuning machines. We're thinking of replacing them with mini-Grovers. I just like the action and looks of the buttons.

I see from pics here, later Zums have what appear to be Schaller tuners which resemble the old Sperzels.

?...are these tuner specs different from what you can buy in the guitar catalogs? Do they need to come from a builder of steel guitars or particularly Zumsteel?

Anybody know if the mini-Grovers will interchange with the old Sperzels? I don't think keyhead mod is an option.

I realize I can call Bruce. I plan to sometime as I have other questions, but I thought I'd check with you guys first. Thanks everybody.
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John Fabian


From:
Mesquite, Texas USA * R.I.P.
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2008 6:10 am    
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You'll need to mod the key head (drill new mounting holes) to accommodate the Grovers. You may also find a difference in the post length that causes problems in the alignment of the strings.
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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 12 Jun 2008 9:21 am    
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Thanks John.
Don't think that's an option. Hopefully, down the road, we can find some suitable machines that will fit the keyhead's existing config.
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Eric Philippsen


From:
Central Florida USA
Post  Posted 13 Jun 2008 5:16 am    
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I've got a couple of older Zums with Kluson tuners. I talked with Bruce (heck of a nice guy) about changing the tuners and he said I could try the Grover 210s that he uses now. He wasn't sure if they would fit the older models. I'm a little hesitant about buying the Grovers and then finding out that they either don't fit or look bad with the current Kluson screw holes. Maybe I'll just get replacement Kluson-TYPES because I hear the new ones have a higher turn-ratio than the originals. That higher turn ratio is what I'm looking for in "tuner performance." On that subject I do know that replacement Klusons are NOT always exact replacements for the originals. Often, the string posts on the new ones are a smaller diameter.
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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 13 Jun 2008 5:25 am    
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Thanks Eric. I've heard from a couple others re: the 210's. It's possible that the pin locating holes don't align up according to them. I had not thought of the Klusons though.

This is fodder for a future project at this point, be we will be checking on these and gathering more info as we proceed.
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John Fabian


From:
Mesquite, Texas USA * R.I.P.
Post  Posted 13 Jun 2008 6:21 am    
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Quote:
PEDAL STEEL GUITAR MACHINES (210 SERIES)
This model is designed specifically for use with pedal steels. The shortened string post and bushing are designed for the slotted head of a pedal steel. It will accommodate a headstock thickness varying from .235” (5.97mm) to .400” (10.16mm). The string post extends .900” (22.87mm) from the base of the housing. The new housing has a mounting pin at the back, eliminating the need for a mounting screw. This also facilitates mounting on the cast headstocks used on pedal steel guitars.


From the Grover website.
http://www.grotro.com
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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 13 Jun 2008 1:24 pm    
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Thanks again John. Yeah, I was checking their site earlier and saw this model and specs. Looks like some specific measurements need to be taken.
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