Re: Tuning machines: whats your favorite and why?
I would probably go with the Grover 309 as best bang for the buck. I wish you could get something other than pearloid knobs for them. If it were F style I would definitely seriously consider Stew Mac Golden Age. They completely redesigned those recently, and they now have replaceable knobs, closer tolerances, and nylon bearings. Also available in relic finishes with black or ivoroid knobs. I would not consider the A style as they have glued on knobs like the Schallers (which I also do not care for). I suspect these have not been re-worked like the F style ones and I had trouble with binding on a set I used to have.
Ping used to be horrible but I used to have a Kentucky with Golden Gate tuners on it, made by Ping (I think) and I thought they were very good, pretty close copies of Gotoh. It seems Ping has been trying hard to improve their quality, but of course their ‘economy” tuners are still junk. You get what you pay for. But I have to give them credit for what they’ve done with their upper line.
Don
2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
2011 Weber Bitterroot A
1974 Martin Style A
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