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Thread: What kind of tuners are these?

  1. #1
    Registered User EvanElk's Avatar
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    Default What kind of tuners are these?

    I don't have the best tuner literacy. I suspect they are older Waverly, but don't recognize the floral engraving Click image for larger version. 

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    2003 John Sullivan F5 "Roy"
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  2. #2
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Yes, those are Waverly tuners.

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  4. #3
    Registered User EvanElk's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Thanks Skip!
    2003 John Sullivan F5 "Roy"
    2015 Heiden F Artist
    2019 Ruhland F5 #35

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    The older Waverly tuners were apparently hand engraved. The newer Waverly tuners are engraved by a CNC machine. They are not quite as flowery. I have a set of both and the depth of the engraving is really different.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  8. #5
    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Interesting. The need for hand engraving might have justified the high price demanded for Waverly tuners in the past, but by changing to CNC engraving (apparently, with less depth and definition), the makers have dramatically cut their labor and manufacturing costs -- but not their prices. So profitability increased with no change in quality. Meanwhile, the quality and precision of alternative tuner sets has steadily improved, in part due to improved manufacturing methods (e.g., Golden Age, Rubner, Schaller, etc.), and even custom-made tuners (Alessi) are available at competitive prices. The free market will speak.

  9. #6
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    The older Waverly tuners were apparently hand engraved. The newer Waverly tuners are engraved by a CNC machine. They are not quite as flowery. I have a set of both and the depth of the engraving is really different.
    Do you have a guess at about when the CNC engraving was started?
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  10. #7
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Not a clue because I bought both of my sets used. I'll note that I got that information from a Cafe member and assume it is correct. My sets are definitely different. The worm-over tuners in my image appear to match the current engraving on the Stewmac page. The worm under set in my image are definitely different.
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    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  12. #8
    Registered User Hendrik Ahrend's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Quote Originally Posted by Philphool View Post
    Do you have a guess at about when the CNC engraving was started?
    As far as I remember, the newer style Waverlies became available some time after 2005.

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  14. #9
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Thanks guys. That explains why I haven't seen the old ones. All mine have been on instruments made since 2005.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Exclamation Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Asking 'what kind?' is more general than brand, you obviously were asking what brand Manufacturer made them..

    what kind= open gear, worm over, A style.. the F mentioned is Worm Under.. the loose one, worm over ,the round gear..


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  17. #11

    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Look very interesting and old-fashioned, but also cool. When they were produced?

  18. #12
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: What kind of tuners are these?

    Quote Originally Posted by Gwen View Post
    Look very interesting and old-fashioned, but also cool. When they were produced?
    They are modern Waverly tuners that are produced by StewMac (www.stewmac.com).

    Here is the link to the tuners. They are available in a variety of finishes and knob colors as well as in F and A style.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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