Machine Heads (Alhambra)

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Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

Machine Heads (Alhambra)

Hi,

I was browsing for new and inexpensive machine heads and found Gotoh Classic 35G420 (23,50€). I know nothing about these tuners but they're supposes to be nice, arent they?

Well, then I found Alhambra's at the same store. I remember that the ones they use on their guitars (C and P models) are pretty nice and reliable, are these mod. 2 (22€) and mod.3 (38€) the same?

By the way, I posted the prices in case you know places to get it cheaper :p

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 5 2012 18:23:15

keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Machine Heads (Alhambra) (in reply to Sr. Martins)

rui--the gotohs and the alhambra tuners on the left side are similar as the "holders" (not exactly sure the correct word) on both are the incomplete circle type which are typically found on inexpensive models. the alhambra tuners on the right have a complete holder and are typically found on more expensive models. additionally, the buttons on the right side alhambras are held onto the shaft by a screw rather than glue.

if you are not pressed to have the tuners replaced at this moment and can wait a few days i would recommend going to the bay and buying a set from one of the chinese/taiwan dealers. the tuners are quite nice, most have the complete circle holder and many have nice looking buttons. you can get a much nicer set for about the same price as the inexpensive tuners you posted.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 6 2012 19:13:20

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Machine Heads (Alhambra) (in reply to keith)

Thanks for your reply.

Here is the current model 3:

Its supposes to be better than the white mod.3 and I can get it for 31€. Iam not buying from china because of customs, I dont want to take risks.

These tuners look very solid for 31€, dont you think?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 6 2012 20:07:31

JuanDaBomb

Posts: 189
Joined: May 18 2011

RE: Machine Heads (Alhambra) (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Keith,

What do you mean by "holders", incomplete versus complete?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 6 2012 20:33:44

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Machine Heads (Alhambra) (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Its the two parts that hold down the peg screw. The ones that came with the guitar are open and the metal is a bit on the soft side (its sh*t). Its getting chaotic with jumps and crackles while tuning.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 6 2012 20:54:30

keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Machine Heads (Alhambra) (in reply to JuanDaBomb)

juan--not sure what the word is but the screw (worm?) is held in by either the half circle piece of metal (the cheap ones) where if one were to take out the gear the worm would come out to the side; or the metal that completely encases the worm and to remove the worm one would have to remove the gear and pull the worm out rather than to the side.

rui--nice tuners. i like the antique-ish gold and black look..

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 6 2012 21:52:16

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Machine Heads (Alhambra) (in reply to keith)

Besides the things that you've pointed out there's something about the lyre design in this tuners that looks way better than the typical cheap looking exaggerated lyre.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 6 2012 23:17:29

keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Machine Heads (Alhambra) (in reply to Sr. Martins)

rui--alhambra tuners, to me, have an indian/native american feel to the design--the lyre seems almost totem pole like. definitely a nice looking pattern.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 6 2012 23:55:23