Replacement Tuners

NSJ · #1 10-29-2010, 08:16 AM

I have the stock (looks to be plastic) tuners on my ES-339--what difference would getting new after market tuners make? Is it just aesthetic, as intonation is not a problem, now.

I've heard that Grovers are the best. Is this true? If so, which ones (Gold Rotomatics?) and why?

Tom Karol · #2 10-29-2010, 08:26 AM

Good question! I think you have Klusons on your Gibson. Grover, Schaller, Spertzel, Gotoh are some options - all good - but I don't know which is 'best'. I think the holes in the headstock may have to reamed out a bit in some (most?) cases. Locking tuners make string changes a breeze - are there any downsides to them?

brad4d8 · #3 11-02-2010, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

Grover, Schaller, Spertzel, Gotoh are some options...Locking tuners make string changes a breeze - are there any downsides to them?

Waverly is another good tuner, especially if you want the lighter weight of an open back tuner. I bought a set of locking tuners a year or so back, promptly put them in a safe place. Then promptly forgot where it was so I can't comment, sound like a good idea, though.
Brad

cosmic gumbo · #4 11-02-2010, 04:37 PM

Lots of higher end guitars have the tuners with plastic knobs for aesthetic reasons. It doesn't mean they are cheaper or inferior tuners. You can buy metal replacement knobs instead of the whole tuner.

mattymel · #5 11-02-2010, 05:37 PM

80% of all tuning issues have to do with a poorly cut nut. 19% with poor stringing technique, and 1% with bad tuners. being that this is a stock Gibson guitar, i'd say its more like 100% its the nut. they are infamous for their poorly cut nuts...go get a bone nut and ask the guy to show you how he puts on new strings and you will forget you ever had tuning issues.