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Does anyone have any input about Rubner classical machines?? I downloaded their PDF catalog and their machines look really nice and are very inexpensive compared to other makers. I am likely going to put in an order for a few machines (they have a very nice wholesale discount) so if anyone is interested in ordering some sets let me know. The more you order, the better the discount. Here's a website with the catalog and Pricelist (I would order directly from the factory).
The discount is:
(10 sets) = 15%
(25 sets) = 25%
(50 sets) = 40%

Rubner Catalog

Rubner Price List

Hi, Kristopher-
Thanks for the posting and the links.
I might be interested in a few, depending on the quality.
As you know, it's hard to tell about quality just from the catalog.
I'm interested in hearing from some folks who've actually tried these.
Any idea of shipping costs and duties to get these into the US?

Cheers
John

They sure look a lot like the Sloan Tuners that Stew Mac sells, in some ways.  I bought one set of Sloans, and they seem to be really nice. They are comparable in price too.  171 Euro is $235.  It would be nice to see some for comparison purposes.  What does shipping add to the cost?  Are they 14:1, 15:1, or 16:1 ratio tuners?  35mm centers?

_________________
Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

John,
I sent them an email inquiring about shipping costs. i will let you know when I hear from them. I have actually used a set of these machines in the past (hauser style, ebony buttons, black rollers) and they were really nice. Very smooth with no play in the gear/worm. I just don't know if the quality will be the same for the less fancy models. I assume they all use the same type of worms, etc. Communication is very difficult because they don't really speak english. I've been using this online translator thing and it doesn't work very well. they probably think I'm trying to order hot dogs or something. We'll see how it goes.

Waddy,
All of the machines are 15:1 and are 35mm. I have used sloan machines in the past and really liked them. The Rubner machines that I like are very plain looking (no engraving) and would only cost about $30-$40 after the discount. Sounds pretty good. It is really difficult to find anywhere in the states that has these machines for sale (only found 1 supplier in australia and 1 supplier in europe (germany??). I know Kenny Hill has been using them along with some other well known builders. Can't be all that bad I suppose.

Hesh,
you're hilarious...no they do not rubner anyone the wrong way      

Kristopher-
Which model Rubners have you used that were Hauser style?
I'm not that familiar with the Sloane tuners either- which Rubners are equivalent-looking?

Thanks

John

PS: I hope you appreciate what you may be getting into! Organizing a 'group buy' can be a lot of work-though much appreciated by those who can 'pile on' and get the better pricing. Thanks again.

i have used Rubners in the past.
cant recall which model exactly but i understand that they are all built the same, only difference is the amount and style of engraving.
this is what accounts for the prices differences between the cheaper and more expensive sets.

if i recall correctly, the recently deceased, Paulino Bernabe, was using them on all his models.

Udi.

When you compare the catalog and price list, the only ones that even seem expensive are the top of the line - last one entered.  Go down one step, and the price is almost cut in half.  $135.00 ($115.00 ea. for 10) for a pair of top line tuners seems pretty good.  Not only that, there is the discount to consider.  Looks like a good find.  Shipping and duty will be the determining factor.  If Kenny Hill and others are using them, they probably aren't bad anyway.  I have a pair of the Gotoh Hauser type ($68.00 range) and they are cheeeeep.  Useable, but lightweight, and flimsy feeling, and they are supposed to be a cut above the "Economy Tuners".  I also have a pair of Gilberts, and they are very nice, but, sort of (hmmmm), machine shop, hardware looking.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

John, Good call about the group buy. It can be very difficult. What I will likely do is pay for everything up front and then ship the sets out as needed. I am not looking to make money on these, I just wanted to get the word out and get everyone involved (including myself) a good deal on some machines. I just want to make sure I won't be stuck with 50 machines (I only put out 6 guitars/year). They will sit around for a LOOOOONG time . The model that I used in the past was 150-EH.

Waddy, I know what you're saying. I'm kinda in the mood for something different (beside schaller, gotoh, etc.). I have used quite a few tuners in the past and some have been okay, but the nice machines seem to cost a lot of money. We'll see how these work out I guess.

I will keep you posted about shipping costs.

Rubner is German based, as I am. I offer them since some time with a general 20% discount for any quantity, additional quantity discount applies on larger orders. More pics are on my web site, incl. some tuners that are not listed in their actual catalog (new steel string tuners). They can be sent with letter post for some $.

Martin

 

Martin, do you like these tuners?  Also, there is a broad range of pricing, so what price point is where the product changes in quality?  I know some of it is just in the engraving, etc.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Waddy,

sorry for the late reply: there is no change in quality, the price difference is mostly due to using real MOP tuner buttons or wood buttons (some models have it as standard) etc..

The rest is the same ... the price list is a bit confusing, in fact they have several base models of different material incl. brass and several options (like MOP, engraving etc.) -> this lifts the price up. I have a bunch here - if you like to pay the shipment/return (letter post) I can send you some for inspection. Technically the more economical ones are form the same quality as the high-end ones.

Hope it helps.

Best

Martin

 

Sorry for the late entry...the folks from Rubner just got back to me. The shipping would be 27 euro (about US $36) for 50 machines. I will take the shipping and divide it among all of the machines equally (will be $1.37 extra per set). If anyone is still interested, give me quantities and part numbers and I will order them (hopefully this week, budget permitting). Once I get them, you can send me the cash and I will send them to you.

Martin, can you match the offer Rubner is offering (40% discount for 50 machines). If so, I may end up ordering from you. Thanks.

Sorry for the late entry...the folks from Rubner just got back to me. The shipping would be 27 euro (about US $36) for 50 machines. I will take the shipping and divide it among all of the machines equally (will be $1.37 extra per set). If anyone is still interested, give me quantities and part numbers and I will order them (hopefully this week, budget permitting ). Once I get them, you can send me the cash and I will send them to you.

Martin, can you match the offer Rubner is offering (40% discount for 50 machines). If so, I may end up ordering from you . Thanks.

Sorry for the double post...by the way, I came across a set of the Tuners for my most recent guitar and they are very nice indeed.

Kristopher. do you have to order 50 of the same machines, or can you mix up your order?  I assume, from your post, that you can mix it up.  That sounds very reasonable.  You need to add something to the total for handling.  It's not fair for you to take all that on for free.  I'll look at the catalog again in the morning.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars