Tuning Machines????

[Clancy]

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"Originally Posted on: Fri Jul 16, 2010 11:14 am"

Hi o'wise ones.

I have been collating all that is required to build around 1/2 dozen guitars, probably enough to see me through the next few years.

The next, and last, big expense for this is tuning machines.
As I build for a hobby and not a business, it is not economical for me to purchase the highly expensive sets such as Waverley & Schaller.

As far as I can tell (and please correct me if I'm wrong) this leaves Gotoh and Grover as the only affordable quality brands.

Price wise looking at their basic models....
From cheapest up is
Gotoh 'Schaller Style'
Grover 'Statite'
Grover 'Rotomatic'
Gotoh '510'

My question is this
As far as quality goes, is one brand preferred over the other by musicians/luthiers.
Will someone pick up the instrument and think "oh good, it's got G... tuners" or "oh damn, it's got G... tuners"

And having answered that question, where do my fellow aussies prefer to source their preference?

I know I'm probably playing into "personal taste" territory, so please excuse me if I cause any offense by starting this thread.

[kiwigeo]

I use Schaller's on most of my builds. The Gotohs are good but I just like the Schallers a little bit more.

[DarwinStrings]

Craig Clancy wrote:

Will someone pick up the instrument and think "oh good, it's got G... tuners" or "oh damn, it's got G... tuners"

I know I'm probably playing into "personal taste" territory, so please excuse me if I cause any offense by starting this thread.


Okay you are excused, only if that "oh damn, it's got G... tuners" stands for Grover though.

It should be obvious that Gotoh would be my choice if it comes to the sealed type although I know Gotoh was having some troubles with the open back type ( SE series), I am not sure if they have changed the design of these yet but they were making them with these little plastic bushes in them ( maybe to make them smoother) but the plastic bits broke leaving you no option but to throw them out.

Also I really like the smooth look of those 510 series ones.

Jim

[Kim]

Another vote for Gotoh 510's.

[Ron Wisdom]

I tried two sets of grovers and will not use them again. I'm a Schaller man.

Ron

[Nick]

Always built with Schallers, if you are building to sell these are a worthwhile investment for 'quality' factor of the instrument alone (Customer looking over it will appreciate the name), if these are for your self then it's years of trouble free service and worth the extra.

Having just said that, the latest two I'm making I've gone to the 510's, nice looking tuners and I've heard nothing but good comments about them. I remember years ago when I first started building leccies, Gotoh was the new kid on the block and their reliablity & quality control left a little to be desired (casting flash left on bridge parts e.t.c, they felt what they were- cheap) but they have really come on and smartened their act up. I think they are being recognized now across the industry as makers of quality components so if it's anybody worth their salt buying your guitar, you shouldn't get that "Oh my gawd! Gotoh's" comment. Even some of the "High End" 'Merican builders (Olsen for one) are using them now I believe.

[Pete Brown]

Depending on the size and shape of your headstock, I think the Gotoh 510 minis are the bee's knees. A word of caution though: the posts are significantly shorter than Schaller minis and it pays to be aware of the dimensions before you're commited. Stew-Mac's site includes specs for each model, for instance, details of the 510 minis are shown here

[Allen]

Depends on the look you are going for obvously, For the modern sleek look the Gotoh 510's are just about my favourite.

For a more classical open back look, I've used both the Grover or Gotohs. I prefer the Gotohs of the two.

And for slot head then there are a few options there as well. I really like the options that Stew Mac have, without every going into the Waverly section.

[DarwinStrings]

Looks like so far the score is 4 - 3, Japan V Germany.
If you want to check dimensions of Gotoh, the entire range is here http://www.g-gotoh.com/category.php?id_ ... %20English

Jim

[Clancy]

Thanks to all for their contributions. Every opinion has helped me.
I've used Schaller on both the Archtops and really,really like them - but can't sustain the cost, especially in Gold.

Will look closely at the Gotoh models. I never used to like the look of 510's but they have grown on me - may have to get at least 1 set to see how they feel to use.

Glad there's been no hostilities over this subject, although a good dummy spit can be amusing to view from the sidelines

Again, thanks everyone.

[jeffhigh]

I quite like the second generation Grover 18:1 Statites.
And I have 18:1 "Grover" rotomatics sourced from china on a couple of guitars an they work great
What I will never use again is "Kuson type" tuners whatever the brand unless they are the upgraded Tonepros Klusons.

[Dominic]

I'm with Jeff on these. I like the waverlys but the starlites are much cheaper and look just as good. I've had no problems with them yet. And about 40ish bucks including postage if you buy 3 or more sets from SM.
Cheers
Dom



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