JoelHobbs
Feb-18-2006, 5:28pm
I'm hoping I can get some advice/help on a repair issue. #Here is my dilemma.
I have an F4 Style, #8, mandolin from Douglas Unger. #It's a really nice mandolin that he built using vintage Gibson parts. #One of the A string tuners (these are inlaid tuners probably off a very early F Gibson), is worn to the point that it won't hold under tension. #So I get it tuned up to about low e or f and it starts slipping and won't hold any more tension.
No problem, I thought, and ordered a nice new pair of Grovers. Well they didn't work. #The drill holes on the mando are apparently just bit longer than 29/32" post spacing. #Through a lot of web-surfing, I've read that early Gibson mandos did have a different post spacing. #However, I haven't found out exactly what that is or if/where i can find tuners with the old spacing.
Options as I see them:
- Redrill / fill the holes. #Not a good option, because this mando has very intricate inlays that encircle the drill holes. #Redrill would be a total shame.
- Find someone handy to repair the old tuners. #Not sure this could be done, but maybe replacing a gear is possible. #Would be okay, but I'd prefer modern more reliable tuners
- Find new tuning machines with old spacing
- Find someone handy with metal work to rework new tuning machines to a slighty longer post spacing
Anyone out there with advice for where I can find parts or service to solve this problem?
Many Thanks, Joel
I have an F4 Style, #8, mandolin from Douglas Unger. #It's a really nice mandolin that he built using vintage Gibson parts. #One of the A string tuners (these are inlaid tuners probably off a very early F Gibson), is worn to the point that it won't hold under tension. #So I get it tuned up to about low e or f and it starts slipping and won't hold any more tension.
No problem, I thought, and ordered a nice new pair of Grovers. Well they didn't work. #The drill holes on the mando are apparently just bit longer than 29/32" post spacing. #Through a lot of web-surfing, I've read that early Gibson mandos did have a different post spacing. #However, I haven't found out exactly what that is or if/where i can find tuners with the old spacing.
Options as I see them:
- Redrill / fill the holes. #Not a good option, because this mando has very intricate inlays that encircle the drill holes. #Redrill would be a total shame.
- Find someone handy to repair the old tuners. #Not sure this could be done, but maybe replacing a gear is possible. #Would be okay, but I'd prefer modern more reliable tuners
- Find new tuning machines with old spacing
- Find someone handy with metal work to rework new tuning machines to a slighty longer post spacing
Anyone out there with advice for where I can find parts or service to solve this problem?
Many Thanks, Joel