1980 es 335 needs new tuners

[pelkie123]

I have original tuners on my 1980 es 335 that are sloppy.

They have "GIBSON" labeled on back of each tuner, are chrome, and have a "tulip" style button.

I believe they may be Schallers.

I can't seem to find a current drop in replacement with tulip buttons.

[Q] Can anyone recommend a tuner that will drop in that I could use my original tulip buttons on?

John

Seattle

[merciful-evans]

You could measure your tuners & compare them with the likes of these.

https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/tuning-machines/solid-peghead-guitar-tuning-machines/gotoh-large-schaller-style-knob-33-tuning-machines

 

[Twang Gang]

Is there an adjustment screw in the end of the button?  Maybe after 41 years they have gotten loose and you could tighten them up?  A lot easier then replacing them and keeps the guitar all original.

[pelkie123]

The slop, or "play" seems to be in the tuner worm gears themselves. Just years of use have created play that I cannot reduce by simply tightening the button screw.

When rotating the button, it will rotate say 10 deg before rotating the string post shaft in either direction. Very frustrating.

It is just time for some new tuners that are drop-in replacements for a 1980 ES 335 where I don't have to drill any new holes.

I just can't find any with tulip style chrome buttons.

Or - if anyone knows where I could ship these tuners to a tuner reconditioning guru - maybe someone is out there.

I can buy a used set from eBay, but those may be just as worn and sloppy.

John