changing tuners

[dmbfan1981]

I would like to change out tuners on my electric and a couple of acoustics to get a higher quality tuner with a better ratio for fine tuning. Is this a pretty straight forward repair, or are there any tips or tricks someone can give me? Thanks

 

[Treeline]

Check on the diameter of the holes for the shafts. If you have to drill them out, that's a one-way street. So if the instruments have vintage value, think about how to upgrade without compromising that. If you do need to drill, be sure to use a drill press and a backing block to reduce the chance of splitting the headstock. Not a hand drill kind of job. Other than that, it's not difficult.

 

[dmbfan1981]

thanks alot, I will be sure to check on that.

They definately arent vintage, just some cheaper acoustics. an alvarez and then an ibanez artwood. I love the alvarez ( great full sound for such a cheap guitar) I just hate the tuning machines cause they dont hold tune for anything.

 

[travelin travis]

thanks alot, I will be sure to check on that.

They definately arent vintage, just some cheaper acoustics. an alvarez and then an ibanez artwood. I love the alvarez ( great full sound for such a cheap guitar) I just hate the tuning machines cause they dont hold tune for anything.

amen. cheap tuners suck.

sorry, i don't have anything to recommend. i've always used stock tuners but have noticed how crappy the tuners are on really cheap stock guitars.

 

[Micter]

Don't drill the headstock! Use a tapered reemer. If you don't have one take it to a trustworthy guitar shop. Usually it would be a minimum charge. One hour labor sort of thing. It's worth it rather than trying to glue the chips back in place.

 

[dmbfan1981]

yeah, I would probably have someone do it if it involved drilling, that way when they screw it up they can buy me a new one atleast I know my local place charges like 10 bucks just for the labor of the install, not too bad, but would rather do it myself if I can because I have a total of 4 guitars that I want to do that on. 1 LP, 1strat, and 2 acoustics.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[CoolCat]

there's probably numerous tuners that will fit your guitar without drilling holes in it.

I had someone fhk up on a guitar of mine once while drilling for "new" tuners.
as the drill came through it chipped my headstock. Grandma's Music ALBQ,NM.

 

[Light]

If you need to enlarge the holes, take it to a good repair person. The cost of the job is less than the cost of tool to do it right, and you do NOT want to use a drill bit. It is all but impossible to do it right with a drill bit.

The most important question, however, is WHY do you want new tuners. If you are having tuning problems, there is probably something else at fault. If you decide to get the higher ratio tuners, Gotoh 510s are the way to go, hands down. They are the best made gears on the market, in every way.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[Light]

there's probably numerous tuners that will fit your guitar without drilling holes in it.

I had someone fhk up on a guitar of mine once while drilling for "new" tuners.
as the drill came through it chipped my headstock. Grandma's Music ALBQ,NM.

Just one of the reasons to never use a drill bit.


Oh, and you may well have to drill new screw holes as well, and it is entirely possible that the old ones will show. It probably won't look perfect, no matter who does it.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi