preston english guitar tuners

[ollaimh]

i have a preston english guitar almost refitted and repaired. however my luthier says that the watch key i have for the tuners is too loose. it was the closest i could find at the local watch makers. i was windering if anyone out there knew of a source for vintage or replica watch keys for the prestin tuners, or some one who could make one. alternatively does any one make a complete set of tuners like the prestons? i could replace the old tuners and keep them in the case but use new ones. this is a guitar made in 1747 so its worth resurecting.

thanks

[Jim Garber]

Dave Hynds (http://www.mandolinluthier.com/fado_page.htm) says:


I have been able to find a supplier for Preston-style tuners in Portugal, so as they are used also for waldzithers, I now have some available for repairs.... 8 string and 12 string.

You can reach Dave thru his contact page (http://www.mandolinluthier.com/contact.htm).

[Jim Garber]

I just realized that Preston tuners may refer to something else. This is from a page about an actual Preston English guitar (http://www.fernandezmusic.com/PrestonGuittar.html). These are much different tuners than the ones called Preston or clock-key that are often found on the Portuguese guitarras.