Replacing tuning machines

bshpmark · 11-07-2009, 11:03 AM

I just picked up a nice Johnson Knoxville that has the worm over the tuner type tuning machines. The tuners could use replacing as they are somewhat loose. Will it make a difference whether or not I use worm over or worm under as long as I get F-style tuning machines?

Michael Lewis · 11-08-2009, 12:43 AM

Yes, it will make a difference in that the shafts will be in a different position, in this case they would be below the spur gear. The shafts are cut to follow the contour of the Gibson style headstock of some similar shape. The main point you need to check is the length of the shafts in relation to the edge of the headstock when the string posts are in the bushings. Not all headstocks are drilled equal. Some machines have long shafts and some rather short, so you need to do your homework in this regard.

bshpmark · 11-08-2009, 12:47 PM

Thanks for the info.

Tim2723 · 11-08-2009, 01:15 PM

Before you replace them, are you certain they are shot, or do they just need adjustment? We have lots of great info here about adjusting tuners for top performance. Tuners don't wear out normally, as they're not exactly doing 6000 RPM. It's pretty hard to wear out tuners.

bshpmark · 11-09-2009, 09:39 AM

They just feel a little too loose to me. I will search and see about tightening them up and see if that works.

11-07-2009, 11:03 AM	#1
bshpmark Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, GA Posts: 103	Replacing tuning machines I just picked up a nice Johnson Knoxville that has the worm over the tuner type tuning machines. The tuners could use replacing as they are somewhat loose. Will it make a difference whether or not I use worm over or worm under as long as I get F-style tuning machines? __________________ http://mcacoustics.com Larrivee D-03 Yamaha FG730S Yamaha FS720S Alvarez AD80SSB Alvarez RD2012S Little Martin LXM Johnson Knoxville mandolin Kala KA-SB baritone uke

11-08-2009, 12:43 AM	#2
Michael Lewis Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Grass Valley California Posts: 2,466	Re: Replacing tuning machines Yes, it will make a difference in that the shafts will be in a different position, in this case they would be below the spur gear. The shafts are cut to follow the contour of the Gibson style headstock of some similar shape. The main point you need to check is the length of the shafts in relation to the edge of the headstock when the string posts are in the bushings. Not all headstocks are drilled equal. Some machines have long shafts and some rather short, so you need to do your homework in this regard. __________________ http://www.michaellewisinstruments.com

11-08-2009, 12:47 PM	#3
bshpmark Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, GA Posts: 103	Re: Replacing tuning machines Thanks for the info. __________________ http://mcacoustics.com Larrivee D-03 Yamaha FG730S Yamaha FS720S Alvarez AD80SSB Alvarez RD2012S Little Martin LXM Johnson Knoxville mandolin Kala KA-SB baritone uke

11-08-2009, 01:15 PM	#4
Tim2723 Destroyer of Mandolins Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,783	Re: Replacing tuning machines Before you replace them, are you certain they are shot, or do they just need adjustment? We have lots of great info here about adjusting tuners for top performance. Tuners don't wear out normally, as they're not exactly doing 6000 RPM. It's pretty hard to wear out tuners. __________________ 1. We are our own worst critics. 2. They're all drunk and don't care. 3. Sometimes you're just wallpaper. 4. Step off the stage and you're only a memory. 5. Music isn't a hard life. Coal mining is a hard life. 6. Mainstream music is not the only music. 7. If you want to be taken seriously, get serious. 8. If you think your strings are old, they are. 9. Tune it or die. 10. Mandolin bridges move. Unless you play an Ovation.

11-09-2009, 09:39 AM	#5
bshpmark Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, GA Posts: 103	Re: Replacing tuning machines They just feel a little too loose to me. I will search and see about tightening them up and see if that works. __________________ http://mcacoustics.com Larrivee D-03 Yamaha FG730S Yamaha FS720S Alvarez AD80SSB Alvarez RD2012S Little Martin LXM Johnson Knoxville mandolin Kala KA-SB baritone uke