Tips on changing old 12 string tuners?

[HeyMikey]

I picked up some Grover Roto minis (locking) with the intent of changing out the original tuners on my 69/70 F312. I have not unpackaged them yet.

If anyone has done this before do you have any advice or tips? The last time I changed out tuners was in the 70’s on a cheap 6 string electric, and have no memory of what I did. Then again I have no memory of what I did last weekend, but that’s for another thread.

 

[GAD]

If the holes line up it’s quite simple especially if they’re also grovers.

Unscrew the nut on the top, and then remove the screw(s) on the bottom. The machine should then come out.

Repeat for all 12 and reverse to put back.

If you have to drill holes then things get more exciting.

 

[wileypickett]

If you have to drill holes then things get more exciting.

Don't drill -- ream!

Besides having more control with a reamer, reaming the holes will keep them centered. When you drill by hand, the bit will not stay centered, which means the new tuner holes will not be in exact alignment.

 

[GAD]

Don't drill -- ream!

Besides having more control with a reamer, reaming the holes will keep them centered. When you drill by hand, the bit will not stay centered, which means the new tuner holes will not be in exact alignment.

If you need to drill new screw holes a reamer won’t help, but I agree with you if you need to widen the main tuner hole.

 

[HeyMikey]

Don't drill -- ream!

Besides having more control with a reamer, reaming the holes will keep them centered. When you drill by hand, the bit will not stay centered, which means the new tuner holes will not be in exact alignment.

Glenn what gets reamed - not the screw holes I assume? I do have a couple reamers for bridge pin holes but they are tapered.

 

[Brucebubs]

If the locating screw holes line up, check the length of the new locating screws supplied against the old ones - I did a Grover swap once where the new screws were a tiny bit longer and difficult to get that last turn or two when tightening.

 

[wileypickett]

Sorry not to be clearer re: reaming: ream the tuner holes, assuming they're bigger than whatever tuners were in there before.

When drilling new screw holes (if you have to do that), mark the bit (with tape or whatever) so you don't go too far into (or through!) the headstock.

 

[Nuuska]

In case the little screws on back match existing holes your'e about ready.

In case they don't - tighten the nut on top enough to keep the new tuners snugly so you can align them nicely before drilling new holes for the screws.

 

[Guildedagain]

Never ever drill a peghead out for bigger tuner bushings unless you're into self inflicted heartbreak and looking at something you ruined day in day out... buy a tapered reamer made for this, or even better, buy the Stew Mac specialized reamer for 3/8/10mm bore most tuners with screw in bushings have.

Drilling new screw holes is the least of your worries.,

Put a rule against the tuners to get them perfectly straight before marking for drilling.

I did 18 Grovers on this guitar.

You have to plug the old holes, doweling is the correct way.