estebanana -> RE: Difference between models of Gotoh tuners (Nov. 19 2012 17:05:12)
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The Gilbert tuners I put on your guitar are the same or lighter than the Gotohs mentioned here. The problem is headstock being to heavy on a light blanca and pulling the neck down when in sitting position. Classical guitars usually have heaver bodies and counter balance the weight of tuners that are heavier than 5.5 ounces. On the seven strings it seems to help too with balance to use light tuners, but I have moved to using Schertler tuners from Switzerland. The real working difference between these two series of tuners is that 510 series has a 16:1 gear ratio and the 35G has a 14:1 gear ratio. So that is the difference. Each series is a good quality tuner and usually does not have the problems of backlash and friction sticking if installed well. The 35G series is not a cheap tuner, it is a good tuner and the other series is a higher quality tuner. But other than the shiny plating and 16:1 gear ratio they have the same robustness and durability in the plate and gear frames. Ordinarily 14:1 is considered a proper gear ratio to give accurate tuning with nylon strings, however 16:1 is better. 16:1 is often used as the standard for steel string guitar gear ratios and some manufacturers make both gear ratios as Gotoh does. That said, the Pegheds tuners by Chuck Herrin are a 4:1 gear ratio wrapped around a 1/4" post. I've have never had any trouble tuning them, occasionally they need adjustment or need a touch to keep them seated, but 4:1 on that size post is accurate enough for very fine tuning. To go further, regular wood friction pegs also with a diameter of 1/4" - 8 mm on the post protruding from the head stock will also tune very fine if the peg is properly seated and treated to be supple yet non slipping when turned. I just did a set for a foro member who came to take some guitar making tutorials and his pegs worked perfectly. ***I might add we also used Anders Brand Glycerin Hippie Soap TM*, mixed with marble dust. Marble dust is the best fine powder medium I've found to ground the soap lubricant in. The important thing to understand is that the cheaper plates will have hooked retainers for the tuner grip shaft. They are not as reliable and are not made as well. Often the hooked retain faikls the and the grip shaft goes flying out. Think of a car losing its axel while on the freeway. In the case of Gotoh tuners the plates with the full enclosed loop of metal for the grip shaft are the better quality. The same plate design goes into making both the 16:1 ratio tuners and the 14:1 tuners. With the loop design the grip shaft can be replaced and gears rebuilt should they wear or bend, but if the hook design bends or fails it's over. quote:
I've never really seen the benefits of lightweight tuners outweighing the quality of better heavier tuners. I can't understand that one.
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