1972-ish D-35 3x3 on a plate Tuner drop-in replacement?

[MyaByrne]

Hi hi! Yes I know these original tuners aren’t terrible, yes I know they are rare, and they do work, but I just don’t like them a whole lot for fine tuning. I scoured the site quite a bit, but I couldn’t find anyone talking about a drop-in replacement—I know the shaft is the same as Kluson reissue plate tuners (they fit the bushings precisely!), but the screw holes don’t line up and that’s not correct anyway. I’m wondering if anyone has found anything - whether 3x3 singles or on a plate - that drop in with finer tuning? I use this guitar for recording a lot and I just want a little more precision. (Also if anyone knows the exact year - flat back D-35, Hoboken-style label with no city listed and relative HB lightness/neck shape) I’d be grateful. Ser #72386.

 

[MyaByrne]

By “rare” I mean they are sought by originality ppl and aren’t commonly in stock as they were ripped out so often. I just want something that doesn’t require drilling or reaming and which is light.

 

[SFIV1967]

Also if anyone knows the exact year - flat back D-35, Hoboken-style label with no city listed and relative HB lightness/neck shape) I’d be grateful. Ser #72386.

That serial number is a 1972 serial number and guitar was made in Westerly, RI.



Ralf

 

[Br1ck]

My 70 D 35 has those tuners. I have no issues with tuning. Sure, they are not modern high ratio tuners, but they work fine, and I've never seen a tuner swap on these that did not suck aesthetically. They are no worse than the Martin tuners that came on my slot head 00 15. Compared to Rotomatics or the like, they aren't and will never be smooth and silky. I'd learn to love them. They work in an inelegant way.

 

[E-Type]

I used the Kluson Deluxe 3-on-a-plate for my '74 D-25. I thought they used the same screw holes, but it has been a while. I think they look great. I did get the safe-ti post ones which only come in nickel. I think they complement the guitar just fine.

 

[wileypickett]

You might also consider Hipshot tuner replacements. They mimic the look of 3-on-plank style tuners, and require no drilling of new screw-holes and they cover the original holes.

The tuning ratio is either 18:1 or 21:1, I forget which. I've used them on a couple guitars and quite like them -- smooth and precise.

Here's a link to a set on eBay -- they come in various colors and styles. Just look for ones with UMPs -- Universal Mounting Plates.

Hipshot BLACK 3+3 Classic Open-Gear Guitar Machines 3x3 Tuners with UMP Kit | eBay

Screws also included in case your guitar is not compatible with the UMP™. The tuner kit includes REAL SUPPORT. (United States Orders Only). Authorized Dealer.

www.ebay.com

 

[bobouz]

Gotoh also makes a 3-on-a-plate Kluson replacement, with a 15:1 ratio. I have a set for one of my Gibsons, but to date have not gotten around to installing them. Gotoh’s quality always seems to be high, so thought I’d mention it.

 

[MyaByrne]

Thanks everyone!

 

[MyaByrne]

My 70 D 35 has those tuners. I have no issues with tuning. Sure, they are not modern high ratio tuners, but they work fine, and I've never seen a tuner swap on these that did not suck aesthetically. They are no worse than the Martin tuners that came on my slot head 00 15. Compared to Rotomatics or the like, they aren't and will never be smooth and silky. I'd learn to love them. They work in an inelegant way.

It’s the slop in them that bugs me. They hold tune ok, I just have been living with them for a long time and I’m like meh.

 

[wileypickett]

It’s the slop in them that bugs me. They hold tune ok, I just have been living with them for a long time and I’m like meh.

Change 'em up!

Speaking of slop -- my first car was a 1961 Oldsmobile, which my uncle sold to me for peanuts in 1971. Driving on the highway, you could turn the steering wheel from the center position a good 10 degrees in either direction without the car budging from the lane you were in. I sorta got used to it, yeah, but. . . .

 

[MyaByrne]

I kinda figured out a way to de-slop them! I set the screws sort of tight then backed them off a bit, tuned the guitar up to pitch, then found the slop points and while the tuners were loose I futzed with the screws while slightly down tuning and up tuning until there was just enough resistance for them to turn smoothly without having backlash. Kinda like setting adjustment on drum brakes or tuning a carburetor by feel. I’m gonna try this on my 73-ish F30 and take a vid.

 

[chazmo]

I kinda figured out a way to de-slop them! I set the screws sort of tight then backed them off a bit, tuned the guitar up to pitch, then found the slop points and while the tuners were loose I futzed with the screws while slightly down tuning and up tuning until there was just enough resistance for them to turn smoothly without having backlash. Kinda like setting adjustment on drum brakes or tuning a carburetor by feel. I’m gonna try this on my 73-ish F30 and take a vid.

Hey, Mya!

In case you haven't already tried it, a little tri-flow works wonders. Make sure the gears are cleaned first before working this stuff in. Just a thought.

Tri-Flow Pin Point Lubricator - StewMac

Luthiers' favorite for lubricating tuners, tools and metal guitar hardware.

www.stewmac.com

 

[MyaByrne]

Ooo I haven’t tried this yet and I need to make an SM purchase anyway! Thank u

 

[chazmo]

Ooo I haven’t tried this yet and I need to make an SM purchase anyway! Thank u

Even if it's not the cause of the slop, Mya, it might help with smoothness. You're adjustments of the screw are great... Given that that's helping, I'm guessing some lube will help too. Good luck!

 

[MyaByrne]

I appreciate it!