Guild M-20 Tuner Replacement

[Mr.Bluesky]

Hello LTG,

Taking advantage of the great insight and support following my D-55 questions earlier this week I thought I would toss out another question about my 1962 M-20.

Many years ago the original open style tuners were replaced with Grovers. The original tuners are long gone unfortunately. Not sure I will try to restore to the originals but am curious if its even an option as I do like the idea of it being original.

Two questions:
1) Is it possible to find replacement tuners that would fit the factory holes, size, spacing etc?
2) If I do switch back to factory style open-back tuners, any chance they would cover up the screw holes created to accommodate the Grovers?

TIA

 

[Knash]

All Parts sells oversized tuner grommets that fit the larger hole of a modern sealed tuner. As long the hole is clean and round. I've seen tuners holes enlarged using files which make a mess. You might have to ream the hole to fit and the inside diameter has to match the tuner you buy. Might be wise to bring to a repairman.

 

[SFIV1967]

What Ken is talking about is something like this to reduce the oversized hole back to a smaller size:

TK-0900 Return to Vintage 9.5mm Adapter BushingsNickel

Adapter bushings (6 pcs.), return to vintage post keys 3/8" (9.5mm) OD, 1/4" ID.

www.allparts.com

TK-0901 Return to Vintage 10mm Adapter Bushings

Adapter bushings (6 pcs.), return to vintage post keys 13/32" (10mm) OD, 1/4" ID, Gotoh.

www.allparts.com

But a good luthier would simply close the oversized holes with mahogany dowels and drill new smaller holes matching the new tuners.

I your case the M-20 had Waverly made tuners with cream buttons and shaped like this:

An option could be StewMac:

Golden Age Restoration Tuners for Solid Peghead Guitar with Scallop-end - StewMac

Our replica 3-on-plate pre-war Kluson style tuners for vintage restorations and repair work.

www.stewmac.com

Or even better those:

Golden Age 2513-RN restoration tuners, solid headstock, relic nickel, cream knob | eBay

Set of replica 3-on-plate tuners with simple incised pattern on the baseplate, as supplied by Waverly to guitar manufacturers from the 1920s to the '40s. They feature authentic baseplates in a relic nickel finish and cream knobs, plus 15:1 gear ratio for better tuning than the originals.

www.ebay.com

Sometimes you find similar looking used Waverly tuners on ebay or Reverb: (in that case a "cheaper" version as used by Kay, Harmony and so on)

Vintage 3x3 plate tuners w/ Orig. Buttons. Waverly-style for Harmony, Gibson Etc | eBay

<p>Vintage Waverly-type 3x3 on a plate open-back tuners w/ Original Cream Buttons. These were used on Harmony, Kay, Gibson, etc. Condition is "Used". Tuners turn smoothly. Buttons are intact and nicely aged. G string tuner shaft slightly bent but works fine. All tuners hold tune well. Some of...

www.ebay.com

Ralf

 

[Mr.Bluesky]

Great suggestions and thank you both. Several great options to consider.