Official Luthiers Forum!

I really don't get a lot of requests for slotheads. I have used Shaller & Gotoh steel string slot head tuners. Both are OK but I am wondering what are some other [high quality] options. What do you like, dislike and why? Have you found any with buttery smooth (Gotoh-510-like) action and minimal to no backlask?

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

1) Waverly...both 3 on a plate and individuals
2) Grovers...individuals only

I've made 4 slotheads so far and the Waverlies are definitely my favorites.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

If the price of the Waverly's isn't too off-putting, then go for it. They are gorgeous and work very well. I overloaded my 000-15S Martin with a set. I've also used a couple of sets of Grover Sta-tite's and I am quite happy with them and the price is right.

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

I love the 3 on plate Waverlys. I have used them on all of the slotteds I have built

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

For slot heads, I use mainly either the waverly 3 on a plate or the gotoh 3 on a plate tuners that LMII sells. They are about equal for feel and acurracy I think but not in price however most people like the waves best. I wish Waverly would come up with a plain steel vintage style 3 on a plate tuner that really looks the vintage part instead of the fancy squiggles they have. Stewmac had some at Miami beach (not waves) that they say will be available in a month or two but I am doubtfull about the quality as they were priced pretty low but I'm still waiting to check them out.

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Waverly of course, but also I like the current Grover. Another one I like, though I'm not sure if they are avaialble in the US is the Rubner, small family firm in Germany.



Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

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One thing that's concerned me is structural failure with the individual tuners. Seems like the three on a plate design would strengthen a potentially weak area of the peghead whereas the multiple stress risers from the screw and shaft holes of the individuals would weaken it. Is that a valid concern?
Terry

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I prefer the Waverly's. Not the 3 on a plate style.
They are both great, but my eyes gravitate toward the individual tuners. maybe its the non classical look?

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

I like the Gotoh SEP700 individuals:





If I had the money there would be Robsons and Rodgers. Now if only Hammerstein made tuners there would be some Rodgers & Hammerstein tuners - very musical ones indeed

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Tim! How nice of you to drop by!

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Tim;
I use the Waverlys allot & love them !
BUT-I just got a set of Gilberts for a slotted steel head and they are so smooth and beautiful!!!!!!!
Abalone dots over the gear screws!!
Ebony handles!!
Very well made!!!!!
The price was great!!(less than $200)
but as with everything that can change tomorrow!!!
Check them out!!!!!

Did you & Mary have a good time in Montreal this year??

Take care

mike

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Mike Collins

Thanks for posting the pic of Rubner tuners that I took in my workshop and pubished on my website, here you can download the catalog + price list, too: http://best-eurospruce.com/8.html
German Rubner tuners are excellent and can be made available to the US via ordering i.e. through me, I am offering a 10% discount on the list prices for a limited time.

Regards,
Martin

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Martin G.
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www.best-eurospruce.com

Where can you get those waverly tuners? I haven't found them and I like!

Thanks,
Joe

Well, I like the waverly tuners, they look nice, and their price seems to suggest quality. My Harp project needs slot tuners. Ya think this would be the best choice? Why are Waverly tuners so expensive?

Mike