songman Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 Hi all. I want to change the stock Grovers (1:14) on my two Gibsons to something more smooth and with a higher ratio (1:18 or better). I would strongly prefer a type which is just a drop-in, without need for drilling or anything. After checking what is available and doing a search on this forum I thought the Gotoh's 510 were the best choice. Is this indeed still the case or are there better alternatives? Thanks, cheers, Bob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliasphobias Posted September 9, 2017 Share Posted September 9, 2017 I am guessing you're replacing the Rotomatics? If so anything will work. You may have to drill another screw hole. If that makes you squeamish just pick something with a screw in bushing and let the bottom screw and bushing share the load. My choice tulips for the ' bird, Waverley for the j45. G'luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ or Burst Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Smart move to cast off the Grover Boat Anchors. They not only leave you with a visible hole at 8 o'clock position, but a extra large shaft opening. You'll have to fill the void with bushings. New pilot holes are necessary at 12 and 6 position for any open tuners, be they Waverly, Grover or Gotah. You must have the tuners perfectly snug. Or you'll be losing a bit of sustain...as you were with those tone robbing Grover's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ or Burst Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Sorry. My Mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songman Posted September 11, 2017 Author Share Posted September 11, 2017 Thank for the helpful replies! I asked the same question on the AGF and if anyone is interested in the replies there, here is the URL: http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=482533 Cheers, Bob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mafy31 Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Anyone knows about these ? It looks like they would work without drilling additional hole ? https://www.amazon.com/TK-0884-002-Gotoh-Vintage-Style-Keys/dp/B01M1BT6W5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhanners623 Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Well, if you're changing tuners, why not go whole-hog and get some Waverlys:http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Solid_Peghead_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/Waverly_Guitar_Tuners_with_Ivoroid_Knobs_for_Solid_Pegheads.html Your Grovers required 13/32" peghead holes, and since the Waverlys need only 11/32" holes, you'll need conversion bushings: http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Tuner_Parts/3_8_Conversion_Tuner_Bushing.html And, to each his/her own but I've always thought Gotoh 510s were perhaps the ugliest tuners ever slapped on a peghead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 If you replace rotomatics with something that doesn't have a large washer on the front, you will probably need to purchase bushings to adapt to the smaller shaft size. I did this, and that part was not really a problem, but you have to be careful about pressing the bushings into the original holes evenly (I used a c-clamp and block of wood to protect the headstock)) But a bigger problem was that the Rotomatic washers left a very noticeable "bullseye" mark on the front of the headstock. This required sanding and polishing, which was not trivial. If you haven't already done so, try removing just one of the original tuners and see how much of a mark the washers have made on the headstock. They were very ugly on my J-50. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinder Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Gotoh 301s or the 510s with the smooth nickel buttons and "6 o'clock" screw hole should drop in just fine. I like the Rotomatics though. Heavy and a bit ungainly but for a gigging guitar they're bulletproof. Most reliable machineheads I've come across in 21yrs of singing to make ends meet. Much prefer them to Klusons or most open back tuners. Having said that I have a set of Waverly open backs on my Michael Messer resonator which are very good. I'll take Rotos on a touring instrument any day though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songman Posted September 13, 2017 Author Share Posted September 13, 2017 Thank you all for the useful info. Still talking things over with my luthier. Cheers, Bob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrchill44 Posted April 4, 2021 Share Posted April 4, 2021 can you guys recommend good quality locking tuners for a custom shop hummingbird? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted April 4, 2021 Share Posted April 4, 2021 What kind of tuners are in it now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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