Slot head tuning machines

[Charles E.]

Here is a source for Schaller mandolin tuners for slotted head stocks. Unfortunatly they only sell to business's but at least your favorite shop could order them. I guess if you are a business it should not be a problem. They are the MNi2-cntr hole.

http://www.harristeller.com/HT10-11website.pdf

[John Flynn]

Just FYI, about two years ago I was looking for a set of slot-head Schallers, couldn't find them and wound up buying a set of German-made Rubner 710-S tuners from Australian Luthier Supplies. They were quite a bit cheaper than Schallers and I liked them better. They are really good machines. ALS sells retail, BTW.

http://luthierssupplies.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=24_486_61&products_id=198

[Charles E.]

John, thanks for the info. The price listed on the Harris Teller is suggested retail, the actual cost is less 40% or so.
I have heard good things about the Rubner's, I should give them a try.

[fishtownmike]

Thanks for both these links. I have needed these in the past and couldn't find anyone with them. Their not to popular in the states anymore like they are overseas....Mike

[Dfyngravity]

If you are looking for a great set of higher end tuners, you can always contact Nicolo Alessi (http://www.alessituningmachines.it/) and have a custom set made. James may chime in here as he has had more contact with Nicolo and knows him as bit better. But from my experience, he was fairly easy to deal with and the product he delivers is pretty awesome. Remember these are hand-made, hand engraved tuners. Here is a set he made for my new Holst soon to be on the way, they have Black MOP dots and Ebony Buttons, simple clean lines with no fancy engravings, I believe these were $300:

[Charles E.]

Ben, What a great looking mandolin. When I was in the search for slot head tuners the Alessi's came up. I contacted LMI, who carry Alessi classical guitar tuners, to see if they would carry the mandolin tuners and the answer was no. They look beautiful. For my next mandolin I was looking for something more modest.

[Dfyngravity]

Charley, thanks so much, Steve has really outdone himself with this mandolin. But I contact Alessi myself through e-mail and that's how I ordered them. He sent them directly to Steve Holst once they were ready.

[JEStanek]

FWIW, I have standard Rubner tuners on my Spira (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?33109-New-spira-due-mid-august&highlight=spira) (see post 19 and 20 for photos). They work very well and look quite nice. I wouldn't hesitate to use them on an instrument. They aren't very expensive either.

Jamie