1946 Epiphone Triumph replacement tuners?

[Chris236]

Does anyone know of any good options? The originals on mine are in nice shape but probably belong on someone’s more collectible instrument…..I’m looking for a modern replacement.

[wintermoon]

If they work fine why save em for the next guy?
If they're not gold they didn't come on a higher model Epi than a Triumph anyway.

[Chris236]

If they work fine why save em for the next guy?
If they're not gold they didn't come on a higher model Epi than a Triumph anyway.

they are original to this guitar no doubt. I’m looking for a more robust replacement… would be catastrophic if a button broke off at the wrong time.

[Hammertone]

Please post photos of the headstock front and back.

[Chris236]

Please post photos of the headstock front and back.

[Boss Man Zwiebelsohn]

Silverback Vintage Paulus guitar machine heads
– Guitar Monkey

If you do not mind that the form of the buttons is different. There are technical drawings so you can check if the distance of the screwholes fits.

[Hammertone]

Thanks for the pix. The diameter of the holes drilled for the original tuners is important in determining what can fit without having to make modifications to the holes. It is unwise to modify those holes further, since at some point someone may wish to re-install the original tuners without the need for any remediation. Modification will have an impact of some kind on the value of the guitar

Similarly, new tuners may require drilling new screw holes in the back of the headstock to allow for the secure installment of different tuners. This will also have an impact of some kind on the value of the guitar.

The challenge is simply to find repacement tuners that do not require such modifications.

[customxke]

The Epiphone Masterbilt Deluxes from a few years back had reissues of the Kolb tuners….might be worth reaching out to Epiphone to see if they might have sets available.

[Chris236]

Thanks for the pix. The diameter of the holes drilled for the original tuners is important in determining what can fit without having to make modifications to the holes. It is unwise to modify those holes further, since at some point someone may wish to re-install the original tuners without the need for any remediation. Modification will have an impact of some kind on the value of the guitar

Similarly, new tuners may require drilling new screw holes in the back of the headstock to allow for the secure installment of different tuners. This will also have an impact of some kind on the value of the guitar.

The challenge is simply to find repacement tuners that do not require such modifications.

ummm….yeah. This is why I created the thread!

[Chris236]

FYI - the screw holes are a non issue for me I guess. Does anyone know the bore diameter for the machines on these guitars?

[wintermoon]

FYI - the screw holes are a non issue for me I guess. Does anyone know the bore diameter for the machines on these guitars?

Should be 5/16" I believe

[Chris236]

Should be 5/16" I believe

thanks!

[Boss Man Zwiebelsohn]

FYI - the screw holes are a non issue for me I guess. Does anyone know the bore diameter for the machines on these guitars?

Simply measure the inner diameter of those reinforcement rings (don't know the correct name for those) with calipers?

[wintermoon]

Simply measure the inner diameter of those reinforcement rings (don't know the correct name for those) with calipers?

They're bushings but it's easier to measure the shafts w calipers or even just a ruler.

[SierraTango]

they are original to this guitar no doubt. I’m looking for a more robust replacement… would be catastrophic if a button broke off at the wrong time.

I gig with my '53 Triumph Regent, no pickup, just into a mic. It's a small quiet venue. The tuners on the instrument are original, look exactly like yours, and they work perfectly. The buttons are stout and in great shape. What is the issue? Why worry if they are working fine?