Joe M Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 I've really enjoyed playing my new Gibby's, Hummingbird and Dove. As nice as they play and sound, I just can't get by the thought that they'd look better with the tulip Kluson tuners instead of the Grovers they currently have. Is the swap something doable without drilling any new holes? I've got a feeling that, at minimum, I'll need to drill an additional hole for each Kluson since they have two holes as opposed to the one on the Grovers. Other than that, are they a drop in swap or am I looking for more trouble than it's worth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modoc_333 Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 the hole for the Grover is larger than the Kluson. you will need conversion bushings. you can get them at Stew-Mac or Allparts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hummingbird2000 Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 I've really enjoyed playing my new Gibby's, Hummingbird and Dove. As nice as they play and sound, I just can't get by the thought that they'd look better with the tulip Kluson tuners instead of the Grovers they currently have. Is the swap something doable without drilling any new holes? I've got a feeling that, at minimum, I'll need to drill an additional hole for each Kluson since they have two holes as opposed to the one on the Grovers. Other than that, are they a drop in swap or am I looking for more trouble than it's worth? Joe, I haven't done this myself, but here's what I plan to do for my Hummingbird before the end of this year. The TonePros Kluson tuners are drop-in replacements for Grovers, and they use a bolt bushing, just like the Grovers do. I am going to have my local (Gibson authorized) warranty and repair center install them in place of the Grovers. The TonePros Kluson tuners do call for two screws per tuner, but if you're concerned about the extra hole to be drilled, I don't see why they couldn't be installed using only the existing (bottom) screw hole currently used by the Grover tuners. Rather than have an empty screw-hole at the top of each Kluson tuner, it should be simple to saw or Dremel off most of the length of the screw, and thread the shortened screw into place, using non-permanent Loc-Tite to keep them there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 I follow your urge to switch - drill away. Yes you modify the original Gibson, but the tulips are far sweeter. They belong to that model – the cherryburst, the butterflies, the bird, the flower-plants, , , , then of course the tulips. I'm sure a potential buyer in the future will think the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe M Posted November 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Thanks for the replies, guys. Now I just have to get up the courage to do it (or have it done professionally)..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Ouh, I see you intend to do it on both. Did you consider metal-ones for the Dove ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe M Posted November 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Ouh, I see you intend to do it on both. Did you consider metal-ones for the Dove ? Nope, I dislike the metal buttons almost as much as the Grovers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Nope, , , , Clear talk – How about a comparative in depth review of the 2 wonders when you get a bit further into their personalities. It would be a hit here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe M Posted November 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 Clear talk – How about a comparative in depth review of the 2 wonders when you get a bit further into their personalities. It would be a hit here. Will do; already my mind hasn't changed much as to the playability and the sound of the two guitars....they play pretty much the same, the 'Bird maybe a little easier since it has a shorter scale. The sound is still the same as when I first bought them; kinda soft and mellow with the 'Bird, even when I hit it hard and loud and proud with the Dove, that baby really projects. It may be as loud as my HD28V, which I didn't think was possible. We'll see if my assessment changes in time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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