[JimB1]

So a few months back I picked up a NOS 2015 Gibson ES Les Paul in Bourbon Burst. http://www.gibson.co...rbon-Burst.aspx
It’s a very nice guitar and I love the feel and sound but the tuners they chose to use are a bit of a pain. They are Kluson style but have a lot of play in them and once you get past the play they are stiff. It’s really tough to get in tune and they seem to slip out of tune more often then my Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Les Paul with standard Grover 14:1 tuners.
I figured I’d play it a while and see if things got better with use but they don’t seem to be. I’m a little disappointed that on a premium guitar they went this route on the tuners but maybe I just got a bad set. Anyway, does anyone know a good, drop-in set of tuners for this guitar? I’d like to keep the look of the Kluson’s if at all possible but just a better functioning set.
Any ideas on this would be appreciated.Thanks-Jim

[Twang Gang]

Maybe you got a bad set, but you could try a couple other things before replacing them. First have you had the nut filed at all? Often the Gibson nuts aren't accurately filed and the string will stick in them and ping when it releases. A luthier that knows what he is doing can solve that problem in 10 minutes. Also a basic thing, that you probably already know, but can cause tuning problems - make sure you always tune the string UP to pitch. If you go a little sharp and then loosen slightly, the string will almost always go out of tune if you stretch it a little.

I agree the Grovers seem a lot smoother and easier to work with, but Klusons can be lived with if you're careful with them.

[JimB1]

Thanks for the reply. I’ll take a look at the nut but it seemed ok when I changed the strings. I used a little stewmac guitar grease in the slots too just to make sure but you never know.... -Jim

[JimB1]

I ended up picking up a set of TonePros Kluson “upgrade” tuning machines that Stewmac had on clearance. I had a $15 reward from them over the holidays so I ended up spending $15 including shipping on them. For that price, I’ll take a chance
http://www.stewmac.c...t_Bushings.html

At the next string change I’ll see about installing them. They looks like a drop in fit so, I’m hoping for no drama Hopefully that’ll take care of my issue.-Jim