I replaced the original tuners with Stewart McDonald tuners. Are there higher quality replacements that will fit the original hole spacing?
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I replaced the original tuners with Stewart McDonald tuners. Are there higher quality replacements that will fit the original hole spacing?
Assuming the holes are original and you have the StewMac Restoration Tuners rather than one of their basic models, the simple answer is "No".
I suppose you could get some custom made but that would probably cost more than you're prepared to pay.
The Restoration set is what I have.
The only tuners I know that will fit that spacing is this Stewmac model:
http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_..._Mandolin.html
Anything else available that I'm aware of is the modern spacing.
I have a set of those on my '14 A and they're fine. Why are you looking for something better?Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon Hall
I put Schallers on my '22 Gibson. They won't fit the spacing, but I don't mind altering a new set of tuners. Simply cutting the plate at the center of the screw hole with a jewelers saw will allow them to fit the spacing nicely. The screw will still work in the hole as the difference is very small, but enough to allow the tuners to not bind from the spacing difference.
I installed a set of the Stew-mac Golden Age Restoration tuners on a 'teens A model not long ago. They are perfectly good tuners, probably of better quality than the originals. A drop or two only of lubrication before installation might be a good idea.
I like them so much, I had them used on two custom mandolins. Honestly, they are the best choice for worm-under snakeheads.
f-d
I appreciate all of your replies. The S.M. tuners have been on my instrument for 6 months. The luthier lubricated the tuners when installed but they might need to be oiled again. The D strings are particularly difficult to tune. They keep "locking up" so I have to repeatedly tune down and try to tune up to pitch multiple times until I can finally get it in tune. Compared to the Schallers on my '98 Weber and my new KM956 the SM tuners are difficult to use.
It may not be the tuners at all. The strings may be pinching in the nut, or catching on the back edge of the nut. You can take a needle file and kiss the back end of the nut slots 2 or 3 times at a 30 degree angle. This often takes care of the problem. If not, opening the slots a few thousandths with a nut file usually takes care of it. But if you don't know what you're doing, there is a danger of lowering the nut slots. You don't want to do that. A little graphite in the slots never hurts anything, either.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon Hall
Thanks rcc56! The graphite solved the problem. Thanks for the advice. I should have given more of a description in my original post.