Orpheum slothead tuner question

[Brad Little]

General consensus is that the tuners on the Orpheum models aren't up to the standard of the instrument itself, and seems most of the paddle head owners have replaced them. Anybody know if the Waverly 3 on a plate tuners are basically a drop in? Mostly concerned with the roller spacing and diameter, as screw holes can be dealt with.
Waverly Tuners

 

[BradHK]

I agree that the Gotoh tuners on the solid headstock Orpheums are poor and I have replacement tuners ready to drop in at the next string change on mine. However, I have not heard the same complaints from the slothead tuners on Orpheums. My understanding is that they are the Golden Age tuners from Stewmac. Comparing the mounting hole patterns using Stewmac specs the Golden Age tuners (the square end ones that match the looks of the ones used on the Orpheums) and Waverly tuners, the distance between the mounting holes do not match. The spacing between the tuning post are the same but the diameter of the tuning post are different (Golden Age are 6mm vs 6.32mm on Waverly). Not sure if the larger diameter would require the holes to be enlarged. Does not look like a matching drop in replacement based upon the specs on the Stewmac website unless Guild had a custom set made with different specs. I don’t have a slothead Orpheum to measure and confirm.

 

[chazmo]

Brad, are you having problem with the tuners on your slothead? The ones on my 12-string are fine!

 

[merlin6666]

I have been procrastinating a string change and fretboard cleaning on my 12 string for way too long now and thinking about changing tuners is not even close to be on my radar. But I am determined to have her in shape again before the Xmas holiday.

 

[SFIV1967]

...unless Guild had a custom set made with different specs.

As far as I know they used the standard size with ceam buttons as shown on the StewMac webpage and not a custom version.
The detailed drawing is on the webpage.



Ralf

 

[Brad Little]

Thanks for all the input, I haven't had any problems, but was thinking a little too much, Won't worry about it unless I do have a problem!

 

[SFIV1967]

Won't worry about it unless I do have a problem!

A little drop of any teflon lube on the worm screws will do wonders. (Don't use mineral oil on open tuners, it will just collect dirt).



Ralf