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Thread: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

  1. #1
    Quietly Making Noise Dave Greenspoon's Avatar
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    Default Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    I had disliked the Pingwells from early on. Bought some gorgeous Rubners, but they didn't fit quite perfectly. Grover 409's from StewMac were a seemless swap, and instant improvement. I'm thinking the El Rey is next.
    Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
    Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10

  2. #2

    Default Re: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    Yes Grovers are a great bargain. I've put 309s on several of my A style builds and they are nearly as smooth and predictable as Rubners. If only they had replaceable knobs or at least other options. Their open back guitar tuners (Sta-Tites) have really gone down in quality in recent years, making Gotoh's a better choice.

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  4. #3

    Default Re: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    Put 409's on my 615 last month. Big improvement.

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  6. #4
    Registered User Mando Esq's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Greenspoon View Post
    I had disliked the Pingwells from early on. Bought some gorgeous Rubners, but they didn't fit quite perfectly. Grover 409's from StewMac were a seemless swap, and instant improvement. I'm thinking the El Rey is next.
    Did you have any issues with post or screw holes lining up?
    Eastman MD515 mandolin
    Gretsch G9310 mandolin
    Eastman MDO305E-SB octave mandolin
    Eastman E20om guitar
    Vega Little Wonder tenor banjo
    Epiphone El Capitan acoustic bass

  7. #5
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by Mando Esq View Post
    Did you have any issues with post or screw holes lining up?
    I, too, would like an answer
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  8. #6
    Quietly Making Noise Dave Greenspoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    Took it to the local dealer and had the tech do it. He didn't indicate anything other than an easy swap.
    Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
    Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10

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  10. #7
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    Default Re: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    I have no issues at all with the stock tuners on my 515V. They work as well as the Rubners I have on a different mandolin. Maybe I just got lucky.
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    Listen to original tune "When You Fly" by my old band The Kindreds

  11. #8
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    Default Re: Eastman 515 tuning machines upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by RobP View Post
    I have no issues at all with the stock tuners on my 515V. They work as well as the Rubners I have on a different mandolin. Maybe I just got lucky.
    The same here. My 515 cc stays in tune with the original tuners. No need to change.
    “Mandolin brands are a guide, not Gospel “
    - Data Nick

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