Conference napalm::guitar

    
    
    
    	I just took a set of minis rom Stewart-MacDonalds because they were
    out of Grovers and I'm really pleased... they don't look or feel as
    heavy duty as the grover or shaller minis but they work very smoothly
    and I like the higher ratio... much easier to tune.  I haven't tried
    the vintage LPs but I'm pleased with the GOTOHs that I did get.
    
    Regards,
    Steve

    I've had a set of Gotohs on a LP copy guitar I have for over three
    years.  I've always thought they felt and performed very well.  They
    aren't showing any signs of wear so far.
    
    I also put a set of Gotoh mini tuners on a friends SG (melody maker)
    for him recently.  He was very happy with them.
    
    Greg

    I have a set of GOTOHs on my Strat and they work great and stay
    in tune perfectly. 
    
    
    
    Don

    I bought a set of Gotah "Classic LP" tuners for my ES345. They are virtually
    the only tuners that are a direct replacement for the original Klusons.
    This means no drilling, or unslightly scars on the headstock.
    They are also available in gold or chrome. 
    
    Personally, I feel they work pretty good, but don't seem to be as tight
    as a Grover, Schaller or other precision tuner. For the money I am
    satisfied. They are definately an improvement over the original
    Klusons. I kept the original Klusons, because the guitar is probably 
    worth more money with the original tuners on it.
    
    Usually switching from original tuners like Klusons to precision tuners
    means reaming the holes in the peghead from 1/4" to 5/16. This is an
    irreversable process, and once you make the switch, you can never go
    back to the original tuners. I had my ES345 for over 10 years, and 
    refused to butcher the headstock. I kept hoping that eventually some-
    one would come out with a direct replacement precision tuner. At long
    last they finally did it. Now I would like to see someone make a direct
    replacement precision tuner for Fender Klusons, and the more modern
    Fender 6/side tuners.
    
    
    	Mark
    
    

    re: -1
    
    Tight as Grovers?!?
    
    I put Grover's on my Paul after the original ones died, and I hated
    them!  They were real loose, never kept good tension, or tuning for
    that matter.  I like the Schallers much better.  I have Gotoh's on
    my Jackson, but I don't use them much due to the Kahler unit.

    I have Grovers on my Guild acoustic guitar. They are the original
    tuners from 1973. Like most Grovers I've seen, they have a screw
    on the side so you can make them as tight or loose as you like.
    I have heard other people say they don't like Grovers, but I have
    no complaints. They work fine for me.
    
    Mark
    

    I'd echo the previous comment that they're decent machines, if your
    priority is sticking with a direct replacement for the original
    Klusons.  If you're not all that concerned with staying original, then
    you should at least examine a couple of guitars with Grovers and
    Schallers.  My LoPrinzi acostic came with Grovers, and when the
    originals went, I opted for Schallers on my Les-Paul style Hagstrom,
    and both have performed and stood up well.  In my opinion, there's
    really no comparison between the performance of the premium precision
    machines and the cheaper ones.

I've had Gotohs, shallers and grovers. All of them are good, the gotoh's have
the highest turns ratio if you're buying the mini 6 inline (fot strat or
tele). I never had any trouble with my gotohs, buy 'em.

dbii

    The high ratio (16:1) sealed Gotoh tuners are also available in the
    three per side model.  Just got some from Stewart-McDonald and put them
    on a friends guitar.   :-)
    
    Greg

    re .8   I think you will find that there is a differance between
    Gotahs standard precision tuners, and the Classic LP tuners that
    they make. Gotahs standard precision tuners are very similar to
    other precision tuners, and I believe they have a screw for loosening/
    tightening them.
    
    Gotah "Classic LP" tuners are made to be a replica of the original 
    Klusons with more precise internal parts. They have included a lube
    hole just for looks. These have no screw for tightening/loosening
    the cranks. They are a definate improvement over the original Kluson 
    tuners found on LP's and other Gibsons, however they are not cast as
    precise as a true Precision tuner.
    
    Mark 
    

    
    Couple of questions....
    
    
    What size peghead hole would a '74 Les Paul Custom have?  11/32 or 3/8?
    
    I ask because the Gotoh Kluson type tuner requires 11/32 and the Schaller 
    Kluson type requires 3/8.  I'd rather get the one that exactly fits.
    (I also happen to like the "keystone" button look.)
    
    BTW, the Elderly Instruments catalog doesn't specifically list 
    Gotah "Classic LP" tuners.  Are they a better choice than the Gotoh
    Kluson type tuner which, according to the catalog, is covered but not 
    sealed?
    
    Kevin
    

I bet a reamer would make the hole the proper size for you Kev.
1/32" isn't too much material to remove...  ??
jc

    
    True, but I'd rather not remove anything if I don't have to.  If I can
    get an exact fit, I'll do it.
    
    

    Make sure you post your findings, Kevin.  Looks like I'm gonna need to
    replace the tuners on my Deluxe before too long.
    
    Greg