Tuning Machine Opinions
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2021 12:45 pm
Many years ago when I was getting started in luthiery, the field of guitar tuners was pretty small and Schaller was considered the top of the list by many (they were also $30 a set). Over the years so many new options have become available I thought I would ask this sage community for opinions based on your experience with various manufacturers, styles, types and configurations.
I'll start with a short list ofs ome of the stuff I've worked with and something I've yet to learn. Chime in if you have something to share or have other input.
Schaller
I have found that Schaller is still a very fine choice though quite a bit more expensive than it's counterparts. I defaulted to these for years on acoustic builds and have never had a complaint.
Waverly
I've installed a number of sets of Waverly tuners and they are some of the highest quality workmanship I've seen. I haven't had a chance to use them long term but I love the look, feel and rock-solid mechanisms. The price on these tuners appear high at first but you definitely get what you pay for.
Schertler
Very good open gear tuners. These are expensive, but again, you get what you pay for.
Grover
I've had recurring issues with Grover StaTite open gear tuner sets with the brass/bronze gear wearing very quickly and then exhibiting slipping of the teeth within the worm gear. Grover Rotomatics have been great with customers telling me they like the smooth mechanism.
Gotoh
I've used the Gotoh Mini 3x3 tuners on quite a few 3/4 sized guitars with great success. Good performers at a good price.
Kluson
I've installed a number of sets of Kluson Deluxe inline tuners in both 3 x 3 and 6 x 6 configurations. I've also straightened my share of Kluson tuner shafts. Not sure why it's always the Klusons, maybe they have a softer key shaft metal. These tuners are workhorses. They have a style all their own and I don't have any hesitation using them when requested.
Economy Tuners
We've all seen these and worked on these little gems. Stamped metal, loose gears, rattley housings, flaking chrome. I still keep them when I replace them and use them for other purposes but I've never actually purchased or installed them.
Plate-mounted Tuners
I don't have any experience here other than cleaning up existing plate mounted tuners on some older Gibsons. Would love to hear what others have experienced.
I'll start with a short list ofs ome of the stuff I've worked with and something I've yet to learn. Chime in if you have something to share or have other input.
Schaller
I have found that Schaller is still a very fine choice though quite a bit more expensive than it's counterparts. I defaulted to these for years on acoustic builds and have never had a complaint.
Waverly
I've installed a number of sets of Waverly tuners and they are some of the highest quality workmanship I've seen. I haven't had a chance to use them long term but I love the look, feel and rock-solid mechanisms. The price on these tuners appear high at first but you definitely get what you pay for.
Schertler
Very good open gear tuners. These are expensive, but again, you get what you pay for.
Grover
I've had recurring issues with Grover StaTite open gear tuner sets with the brass/bronze gear wearing very quickly and then exhibiting slipping of the teeth within the worm gear. Grover Rotomatics have been great with customers telling me they like the smooth mechanism.
Gotoh
I've used the Gotoh Mini 3x3 tuners on quite a few 3/4 sized guitars with great success. Good performers at a good price.
Kluson
I've installed a number of sets of Kluson Deluxe inline tuners in both 3 x 3 and 6 x 6 configurations. I've also straightened my share of Kluson tuner shafts. Not sure why it's always the Klusons, maybe they have a softer key shaft metal. These tuners are workhorses. They have a style all their own and I don't have any hesitation using them when requested.
Economy Tuners
We've all seen these and worked on these little gems. Stamped metal, loose gears, rattley housings, flaking chrome. I still keep them when I replace them and use them for other purposes but I've never actually purchased or installed them.
Plate-mounted Tuners
I don't have any experience here other than cleaning up existing plate mounted tuners on some older Gibsons. Would love to hear what others have experienced.