Old-Style Full-Backplate Tuners

[Boge Quinn]

I just bought an old Martin-style flattop (bent-top) mandolin with replacement tuners. It originally had full-backplate tuners, like these:



Anybody know where I can find a set of these in good working order? Or reproductions?

Thanks,

Boge Quinn
boge@gunblast.com

[MikeEdgerton]

Watch on ebay but the ones you get may not be exactly the same. Are you missing the plates or the tuners? Generally what you see on the outside is covering tuner units that are similar to uncovered units only cut down. The posts are probably a bit shorter as well.

[Boge Quinn]

Watch on ebay but the ones you get may not be exactly the same. Are you missing the plates or the tuners? Generally what you see on the outside is covering tuner units that are similar to uncovered units only cut down. The posts are probably a bit shorter as well.

Thanks. I don't need them to be exactly the same, one-piece backplate would be fine. I am missing both the plate(s) and the tuners. They have been replaced with a set of regular A-style tuners with a couple pieces of clear plastic jammed-in from the sides as spacers. I am loath to tune it up as-is, though the previous owner says they work OK.

Boge

[red7flag]

I suggest you contact Charles Johnson of Mandolin World Headquarters, he has a huge collection of Martin mandolins. I am sure he could steer you in the right way.
Here is a link to his webite (NFI): http://www.vintagemandolin.com/
Hope this helps.

[MikeEdgerton]

These just popped up on eBay. Not Martin but the tuners underneath might be the same. I've never seen these metal buttons on a Martin.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WEYMANN-BANJ...gAAOSwbopZVSub

[Boge Quinn]

Thanks to both of you!

I am not sure mine is a Martin, I believe it is a Regal.

[MikeEdgerton]

If you have a picture we can probably make an educated guess as to who made it.