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Post by langford on Mar 22, 2020 9:31:20 GMT -5
I have an old Gretsch "Synchromatic" electric, a remnant of the the company's first foray into Asian production. It's a cheap-o guitar—a gold-flake sparkle approximation of a Duo Jet—and I love it (especially after upgrading the pickups). The tuners, however, have a tendency to go walkabout at inopportune times. After a few years of making due, I've reached the limits of my tolerance and decided it's time to replace them. Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Mar 22, 2020 10:04:35 GMT -5
What's the format of the current tuners? I ask because Gretsch has used several different styles on their imports over the years. Is it the two-screw open type like this? These tuners are the most common style on these guitars.  If so, look at Wilkinson or Grover-branded open back tuners. The style of the original tuner matters, because it allows you to match up new tuners to your guitar without having to drill new holes in the headstock. If these open backs are not what you have, post a picture of your tuners and we can aim you at a good replacement set. |
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Post by langford on Mar 22, 2020 11:12:18 GMT -5
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Post by LTB on Mar 22, 2020 21:08:39 GMT -5
What's the format of the current tuners? I ask because Gretsch has used several different styles on their imports over the years. Is it the two-screw open type like this? These tuners are the most common style on these guitars. If so, look at Wilkinson or Grover-branded open back tuners. The style of the original tuner matters, because it allows you to match up new tuners to your guitar without having to drill new holes in the headstock. If these open backs are not what you have, post a picture of your tuners and we can aim you at a good replacement set. I have used both Wilkinson and Grover tuners. Always went for Grover because they are a long known good name in Tuners. Having said that, I ordered a Wilkinson tuners and found they are not only as good as Grover but the particular set I chose were a couple notches better in my opinion. |
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Mar 23, 2020 1:25:22 GMT -5
langford, those are called Schaller-type cast body tuners. The Schaller company in Germany introduced that style in the late 70s/early 80s and they were such a great design that many makers copied them. The best ones available today include Gotoh...and they are reasonably priced: www.amazon.com/Gotoh-Large-Schaller-Type-Knob-Tuners/dp/B00EB121KG/ref=sr_1_39To remove the old tuners, use a 10mm wrench to loosen the nuts on the front of the headstock. Remove the nut and washer from each tuner, then flip the guitar face down and carefully remove the little screw that secures each tuner to the wood. These little screws simply prevent the tuner from twisting under string tension should the nut on the front work loose. The Gotohs are a drop-in replacement. Drop each tuner in from the rear and install the little screw, but don't snug the screws all the way down. Just get them almost snug. Flip the guitar over, install a washer and barrel nut on each tuner, and snug the nuts down. Snug, not super tight. If you're compressing the wood--that is too tight. Flip the guitar back over and snug each screw down, and it's ready to string up. |
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Post by langford on Mar 23, 2020 8:48:41 GMT -5
Thanks, Peegoo. I remember when Schallers came along in the late '70s as the go-to tuner. I figured these were knock-offs. But I'm not great on guitar minutiae, so I avoided the temptation to jump to conclusions. I'll follow up with the Gotohs.
LTB. Thanks for the tip on Wilkinson. I have another guitar that uses that style of tuner. I keep your recommendation in mind should the need arise.
Cheers!
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