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Thread: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

  1. #1
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    Default Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    I "unearthed" this 1916 A4 from an elderly widow lady that had it under a bed for the past 40 years. Trying to get it back into decent playing condition and need a peg screw for one of the tuners machines (see attached photo). Not sure of the maker of the tuners, but have seen other posts with similar vintage Gibson's referring to them as Handel with fancy knobs. If anyone knows where I can get a replacement screw or something close it would be appreciated. It is a very small screw and I have not been able to find anything locally. I would be willing to buy an old unit if necessary to salvage a part.

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  2. #2
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    First things first. Thoroughly search the inside of the case (I assume it has a case). I've found "missing" tuner parts more than once by simply searching the case.

    If you have access to an old repair shop or music store (that hasn't been driven out of business by the Big Box and on-line sales) that has had a repair department for a long time, they will probably have a "tuner graveyard", and with luck, a matching screw might be found. Failing a perfect match, something that fits but looks different is a little more probable. That is your best bet. Finding something new with the right threats and the right head shape could prove to be difficult, and finding something new that matches, nearly impossible.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Quote Originally Posted by sunburst View Post
    First things first. Thoroughly search the inside of the case (I assume it has a case). I've found "missing" tuner parts more than once by simply searching the case.

    If you have access to an old repair shop or music store (that hasn't been driven out of business by the Big Box and on-line sales) that has had a repair department for a long time, they will probably have a "tuner graveyard", and with luck, a matching screw might be found. Failing a perfect match, something that fits but looks different is a little more probable. That is your best bet. Finding something new with the right threats and the right head shape could prove to be difficult, and finding something new that matches, nearly impossible.
    Thanks Sunburst, I hit the local "boneyard" already with no success. I will keep searching around different shops in the area. I am close to Nashville so maybe I can check a few shops next time I am there or maybe something will pop up on eBay that I can purchase and salvage.

  4. #4
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    If you know anyone with access to the repair guys at Gruhn's, I'll bet they have a matching screw.

  5. #5
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Quote Originally Posted by Plainsman View Post
    I would be willing to buy an old unit if necessary to salvage a part.
    I believe these were made by the old Waverly Company. Some of the luthiers here might have a clue as to the specs of the screw that goes there. BTW a set of Handel tuners in good functioning condition are prob somewhere from $400-600 dollars. Then again you prob don't need the Handel buttons but hopefully can find a decent set of other tuners that would have the screws that work.
    Jim

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  6. #6
    Hester Mandolins Gail Hester's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Those post screws size 4-36 X 3/16". They are hard to find but I found some new "old stock" in a parts warehouse. I can spare one if you need it, just send me a PM.
    Gail Hester

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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Would these work? They are the size given by Gail Hester above. http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/0177082

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    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    I think the "thread side" of the head is too massive, memory seems to tell me they are tapered, not so square. I may be mistaken.
    Timothy F. Lewis
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    Registered User Bill Snyder's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    More like these .
    Bill Snyder

  10. #10
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Stand back if you decide to buy an old unit to salvage. Those are Handel tuners. Send a PM to Gail.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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  11. #11
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    That's the shape Bill! At least I think so.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  12. #12

    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Ya just need a screw. PM Gail.

  13. #13
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Aw, c'mon Jeff! We can keep this going for at least a week!
    But, yeah, Gail's got one she's willing to part with.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  14. #14
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    Default Re: Vintage Gibson A4 tuner need

    Thanks to all, Gail to the rescue.

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