Replacement tuner choices for 1922 gibson f-4

[bdeivert]

HI!

I am in the middle of buying a 1922 Loar period F-4 which is original, except for the tuners, which are Gibsons, replaced during the 30's. Were the original tuners for these F-4s the Handel tuners or something else? Is there anyplace possible to buy original tuners for it or are there some good replacement tuners that work well and look nice and original?

I am new to these things. I have an old Gibson whiteface A-3 and know nothing about the F models, but it will be a mean blues machine. That is what I will be doing on it.

cheers
BERT in Sweden
www.deivert.com/blues.html

[evanreilly]

The originals could have been the inlaid Handels, or some flavor of Waverly tuners.
A set of working vintage/period tuners could be a major expense, maybe even exceeding the cost of a new set of Waverly tuners, approx. $500.00USD.
Check Stewart-MacDonald's website for tuner replacement options.

[danb]

a 1922 would have had plain celluloid buttons. Depending on the 30's plates, it may have (probably was) redrilled. If you want a smoothly functioning set, the waverlies are the sports cars in the tuner world. Getting vintage F tuners that fit a possibly redrilled peghead is an interesting conundrum. Personally, if they've already been replaced and redrilled, I would go with the set that worked the best as it will never look exactly right

[bdeivert]

Dan and Evan
thanks for the help. I guess I will stick with the Gibson 30's tuners on there. haven't got the mando yet, but the seller said they work fine. They were redrilled, but he says it isn't very noticeable unless you look very close.
Dan, I used to be on the cittern list and I bought your Shatter the Calm after talk there about it. Nice playing! I play irish too, with Christy O'Leary, zook and guitar. This blues mandolin thing is my alter ego!

cheers
Bert in Sweden
www.deivert.com

[Gail Hester]

I would install a set of these with 20s Loar spacing or occasionally a set of the originals will pop up if you don't mind waiting. If the holes have been drilled out of whack, have them filled and re-drilled properly. #

http://www.stewmac.com/shop....es.html (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Mandolin_tuners/Waverly_Mandolin_Machines.html)

[Yellowmandolin]

I bought a set of period correct tuners for my '22 A4 as replacements for a set of newer tuners that didn't fit right but were installed by the previous owner. I just put an ad in the classifieds and a guy who parts out smashed up Gibsons contacted me. I could drag out his info if you're interested...