replacement tuners for Ibanez PM-120 (gotoh 510)

[jzucker]

due to back problems, i'm looking to lighten my PM120. Currently it weighs 7lbs although I just discovered my leather strap is adding an additional .6 lbs!

Looking for recommendations for replacement tuners that could save me 1/4lb. The current gotoh 510 medium tuners weigh more than 1/2 a lb. If possible - though I know this is probably hopeless - i'd like to avoid additional screw holes.

[GNAPPI]

I have a removed set of pearloid buttons from a Cort Triggs that weigh 1/4 ounce and a set of Grover kidney buttons that weigh 3 ounces. I wonder if just replacing the buttons for a plastic set may lose more weight than replacing the set of tuners.

Your strap is over a half pound? My wide all leather straps are about four ounces, maybe a strap change will help too? Failing that, removing the pup covers will remove 2 ounces or so also.

[Jim Soloway]

After many years of trying to solve these problems with lighter guitars and better straps, my ultimate solution to all of my aches aches and pains turned out to be Dynarette cushion. Most useful guitar accessory I've ever bought.

[mr. beaumont]

Doesn't Gotoh do a 510 mini?

How about the tailpiece, is that an option? Would wood be lighter?

[sgosnell]

Waverlys are probably the lightest option, but not cheap, and holes will need to be drilled almost certainly. Gotoh also makes an open tuner that's very light. IME removing big metal buttons and replacing them with ebony or plastic makes the most difference. I was surprised by how much lighter my guitars felt subjectively when I changed from leather to neoprene/nylon straps. I haven't actually weighed any of the straps, but the Neotech straps feel much lighter. I bought them because they lock securely onto the endpin jack, but the light weight is a real bonus. They also offer straps for regular endpins. My much more expensive leather straps are gathering dust now.

[Jim Soloway]

I'm pretty sure this is the lightest tuner on the market.

What is STEALTH-KEY | G-GOTOH Ltd.

[jzucker]

After many years of trying to solve these problems with lighter guitars and better straps, my ultimate solution to all of my aches aches and pains turned out to be Dynarette cushion. Most useful guitar accessory I've ever bought.

I can't get used to the height. Every one I've tried it just too high. Sitting is also painful for me unless I'm in a desk chair with good back support and am able to cross my legs, have the other foot on the floor and then lean back. Currently, I'm suffering with standing but the lighter the guitar, the better.

[jzucker]

I'm pretty sure this is the lightest tuner on the market.

What is STEALTH-KEY | G-GOTOH Ltd.

In the configuration needed for electric guitar (fitting from behind) those can only handle 22lbs of tension. The thomastik JS112 strings I use are over spec for those.

[Jim Soloway]

In the configuration needed for electric guitar (fitting from behind) those can only handle 22lbs of tension. The thomastik JS112 strings I use are over spec for those.

Really? Gotoh Stealths are the standard tuners on Ken Parker's archtops and we used them on a couple guitars with no problems. Maybe it's a different variant of the Stealth tuners in the page I linked too. I didn't look all that hard once I found the page but I've never heard of anyone having difficulty with them.

[sgosnell]

The website says 22kg, not 22 lb.

[Hammertone]

due to back problems, i'm looking to lighten my PM120. Currently it weighs 7lbs although I just discovered my leather strap is adding an additional .6 lbs! Looking for recommendations for replacement tuners that could save me 1/4lb. The current gotoh 510 medium tuners weigh more than 1/2 a lb. If possible - though I know this is probably hopeless - i'd like to avoid additional screw holes.

There are several options. Some will minimize the need for additional holes in the back of the headstock. Others, not so much. I don't have the weights, but any of these will save weight. There are no retro-fit lightweight tuners that match the hole pattern of the Gotoh 510 tuners, AFAIK.

1-Gotoh Stealth tuners. Installation requires two additional holes, visible if you re-install the original tuners. Will require conversion bushings.

2-Waverly or Gotoh vintage style open-back tuners w/plastic or wood buttons. Installation requires two additional holes, visible if you re-install the original tuners. Will require conversion bushings.

3-Schertler open-back tuners w/plastic or wood buttons. Installation requires two additional holes, visible if you re-install the original tuners. Will require conversion bushings.

4-Sperzel tuners (non-locking) w/plastic buttons. These have an aluminum body. Installation requires a single additional hole or indent, invisible if you re-install the original tuners. No conversion bushings required.

5-Sperzel open-back "skeleton" tuners w/plastic buttons. Very light. Installation requires a single additional hole or indent, invisible if you re-install the original tuners. No conversion bushings required.

I recommend either of the Sperzel sets - they will allow you to return the guitar to stock condition without any visible extra holes. Also, they are headquartered in Cleveland. You can get them in gold to match the other hardware on the guitar. I'm sure they'd be happy to provide you with the weight information:
Sperzel USA
15728 Industrial Parkway
Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Phone: (216) 281-6868

[rob taft]

+ 1 on the Sperzel Sound-Lok i.e. Open Backs. I have these on 5 of my guitars. Extremely light weight. The website linked below is for picture purposes. Hammertone provided the Sperzel info. Call them up. Its been a few years but the phone call with the owner's wife was a gas. Add a plastic or wood button for less weight.


https://guitaraudio.com/sperzel-3x3-...ys-gold-plated

[jzucker]

my repairman recommended the sperzel open back. The only issue (in theory, perhaps not a real one) is going from 21:1 to 12:1 gear ratio is disappointing...But I like the fact that you don't need to drill holes.