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i've got a amalio burguet abf built in 2003 and now i've got a serious problem with one tuning peg concerning the 1st string (e). yesterday while i was putting on new strings i recognized that the cogwheel of this peg is that woren out so that it is making like wheelspins, i had to use a screwdriver in order to tune the guitar.
this never happened to me before. so i'm right noch in a kind of shock. it's my only guitar and now it seems that i have to change the machine head. at the same time i find it rather odd, because it is not a cheap instrument made by amalio himself, so i suposed it would last longer than 5 years...
nevertheless, i'm no luthier, but would you advise to change the machine head on my own or better go to a luthier? which machine heads could you recommend, are there any things i have to watch out like size, material, is there a norm so that any machine head must fit...
i will attach a picture where you can see the machine head.
thank you!!!
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You can find rubner at Madinter.com The different machines with different prices are basically using the same gear, so you can swap gears using a cheap one just as Kevin says. Or you can just put a new set on using the same holes and use the old machines for spare parts
To me it looks like the hole is not really where it should be. Has it always been causing trouble, being hard to tune etc?
yes, there has been many lubrication - perhaps that is why it is looking a little oxidized wright now. propably i try that one with the graphite of a pencil the next time.
in the last 5 years i played a lot, hihi, it also seems to me that the savarez (carbon strings) have left some insures on my guitar - there is a little scar in the wood caused by a bursted string and it seems that the high tension did something to the machine head. now i usually play la bella 2001 (for the 'flamenco' sound) luthier or savarez 520r.
woudln't it be better to put some other brands of machines on the guitar, or are rubner a good choice?
apart from the wear-problem i think they are quite good, never had problems with tuning or changing string, also i didn't have to turn the pegs with much force...
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From the looks of those tuner's an upgrade to even a plain old set of Gotoh's would be a BIG improvement. I don't understand why people make tuner's out of brass, and then don't put any kind of corrosion protective coating on them.
Having been in the Navy and polished a lot of Brass I can say for sure that Brass is NOT my favorite metal. :)
yeah, it seems to bee better replacing the whole machine head.
if i would buy a new set from rubner in order to fit into the old wholes, would it be better to buy a set made of nickel or brass regarding the corrosion?
As a non-luthier with relatively modest fix-it skills, I can attest that changing tuners is a simple and easy task. I like the Gotoh Matte, which are clean looking, well-made, brass jobs that cost about 65 usd when I got them. I’ve had them probably a year and a half and they look good as new; no tarnish, no noticeable wear on the gears.
Just put a new set of tuners on. The one thing to note is the roller spacing. Most tuners being built have rollers spaced 35mm (1 3/8"). Be sure and measure yours before you order new ones.
They old plates will likely have left an outline in the finish which may not be covered with the new plates, but it won't be a big deal. Be sure and pre drill the holes for the screws if they don't line up with the old ones (which they likely won't). If you don't, you run the risk of twisting the head off a screw.
just received the new machine head an putted them on the guitar. it seem's that in future i have to care much more about it. perhaps i used an oil that did affect the brass too.
what kind of oil or lubrication do you use, appart of graphite?
thanx!!!
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what kind of oil or lubrication do you use, appart of graphite?
Anything low acid. I actually prefer to use a very little amount of roller bearing grease. (bicycle grease)
I have a set tuners like yours, the new ones. They are about 5 years old have received a couple of drops and a tad of grease of oil during their life time. No problems with oxidation but they are a little worn now. Will most probably funcion for some 3 - 5 years more.