Tuner Replacement Recommendations For D25?

[Central Florida Folkie]

Good Morning, Friends:

Hope everyone is well today. Much as I am taken with my ‘79 D25M, I do realize the original tuners could be improved upon. IF I think about replacing them sometime, any recommendations on what will fit into the standard headstock holes so I don’t have to do any drilling?

As always, your collective wisdom is greatly appreciated!

Peace,
Shawn

 

[chazmo]

I suspect you have the Schaller closed-gear tuners on your '79 D-25, right? Perhaps a picture would help, Shawn.

In any case, I'm not sure of a direct match. I'll move this thread to the tech shop.

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

Here ya go!

 

[chazmo]

Ooh, I got it wrong. I didn't realize they were still using open-gear tuners. You can make those work like butter if you want with a little cleaning and lubrication, Shawn. But, I'm sure we've talked about replacements for these before. GOod luck when the others chime in.

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

They all work great but for for low E tuner which has quite a bit of free play when turning the key before the gear turns. I’ve tightened the center screw as best I can yet the play persists. I’m content to live with it, but should I ever want to replace them just curious what folks have used in theirs. Thanks as always for responding!

 

[chazmo]

Got it. Well, I think you an fix the low E tuner with some new bushing(s), but I've never done it personally.

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

Got it. Well, I think you a fix the low E tuner with some new bushing(s), but I've never done it personally.

Interestingly, I put a set of DR Rare Mediums on it today (taking off light Silk and Steels) and all the play in the gear went away. I guess the added tension did the trick…? And WOW what a difference in the tone of the guitar. It is now the cannon I always heard these guitars can be.

 

[Wilmywood]

I had that type tuner on my '72 G37, first thing my luthier did to it was take those off and install Grover Rotomatics and replace the nut with bone, all within a few months of new.

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

I had that type tuner on my '72 G37, first thing my luthier did to it was take those off and install Grover Rotomatics and replace the nut with bone, all within a few months of new.

Those were the tuners I was considering…thanks for letting me know!

 

[Wilmywood]

Those were the tuners I was considering…thanks for letting me know!

Now I cannot say there would be no drilling involved. but I'd never go back to open tuners.

 

[Boneman]

Problem solved! Now those should be your go to string forever lol. I personally love the look of the three on a plate open tuners on the D25, wouldn’t change a thing.

 

[Central Florida Folkie]

Agreed!