Replacement tuners for a '73 D-35, any suggestions?

[E-Type]

You may want to take a look at the HIpshot line of tuners. They do have open back tuners with 18:1 ratios, and they are very, very smooth in tuning action, and rock solid in tuning stability. Only thing to be careful about is that the tuning shaft size may not be rignt for you ( I think they come in 10mm shafts (mostly good for imported guitars) and in 8,5mm sizes). I haven't used them on an acoustic yet, but do have one set of locking open back tuners on an Epiphone Les Paul, and another set on a Squier Stratocaster. Love the tuners in both cases, but these do have 10mm tuning post holes. I used the UMP plates on both guitars, and they worked great. If the tuning post holes on your guitars fit, the tuning post spacing won't be an issue, as the UMP plates allow the spacing to vary, and do not require re-drilling the back of the headstock. Also, even though these are individual tuners, the UMP plates sort of make the tuners look like 3 on a plate tuners. Lastly, there are like 18 different tuner button options, some of which don't really apply to acoustics (the black T style buttons come to mind) but most of the standard type buttons are available (large and small oval (sometimes called butterbean) and metal and plastic keystones), as well as chrome, gold, and in some cases, black. They usually run about half the price of Klusons or Gotohs.

I have actually used hipshots with the UMP plate. Great shout, thanks!

 

[E-Type]

The closest to the Kolb aesthetic may be the Schertler tuners. According to the StewMac site, a set weighs in at 8.8oz, but they don't list the screw hole spacing. At $125, they are getting kinda spendy.

 

[chazmo]

E-type, have you taken off one of the existing tuners yet to see what you're dealing with? My expectations is that you'll have several screw holes visible and you should just take some measurements to see if any other tuners match up.

 

[E-Type]

E-type, have you taken off one of the existing tuners yet to see what you're dealing with? My expectations is that you'll have several screw holes visible and you should just take some measurements to see if any other tuners match up.

It is in for new frets, and I asked the luthier to take one off and send pics. I have not gotten them yet. All I know is that the selling shop claimed there were just the original screw holes and they used them for the replacements.

 

[E-Type]

Here is what was under the tuners. Not sure what to make of it!

 

[hansmoust]

Here is what was under the tuners. Not sure what to make of it!

Pretty much what I told you to expect! Original Grover StaTites removed and headstock drilled out for modern enclosed tuners; most likely early style Schaller M-6. You will need conversion bushings to go back to original.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[chazmo]

Here is what was under the tuners. Not sure what to make of it!

Excellent. I was thinking there might be more screw holes under there, E-type. Now it's a relatively simple situation of deciding what you want with the new ones. Good luck.

 

[E-Type]

Pretty much what I told you to expect! Original Grover StaTites removed and headstock drilled out for modern enclosed tuners; most likely early style Schaller M-6. You will need conversion bushings to go back to original.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

Thanks!

 

[E-Type]

While I love the idea of that old set of vintage Grover’s on Reverb, I just fear they won’t work well (why did someone remove them in the first place?). Seller claims “they work perfectly”, but I know what that’s worth.
So I’m leaning towards the Kluson Prestige ones, which would be $40 cheaper to boot. But if anyone thinks they’d go vintage, lmk.

 

[E-Type]

I ordered a set of Kluson Prestige tuners. They look right and I’m guessing work better than 50 year old Grover’s.

 

[E-Type]

Kluson Prestige open back tuners fit perfectly and I am sure will work better than salvaged vintage Grover’s.