Replacing machine heads for a basher

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Dudnote

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 13 2007

Replacing machine heads for a basher

The machine heads on my basher are starting to feel quite chewed. This is more noticable when changing strings than when tuning, but looking ahead... If you were replacing machineheads on a basher which brands / models would you be considerring? She carries a 2004 sticker from the A. Morales shop in Granada. Also wonerring if this job is simple enough to avoid a trip to a repair man - just a few screws to deal with, what could go wrong?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 9 2016 1:29:18

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Replacing machine heads for a basher (in reply to Dudnote)

Basically its pretty easy. Old screw holes might get in the way.
Its actually more important that machine heads are installed so that there´s as little friction as possible in the roller holes, than the price of the machine head itself. That said, more expensive ones tend to be more precise and last longer than cheapo ones if correctly installed.
Also make sure that there´s space for an eventual lyra and that the roller spacing goes with the guitar. Standard is 35mm between rollers.
I would recommend something like DJ.
These are from madinter cost 17,-€ are ok for purpose. They have others which are more expensive and maybe better. I havent tried them all:
http://www.madinter.com/accesorios/clavijeros-y-clavijas/classical-dj-tuner-dj305gk-141.html

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 9 2016 7:00:32

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Replacing machine heads for a basher (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

You also need to check the roller size. There are at least three different diameters in common use.

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John Shelton - www.sheltonfarrettaguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 9 2016 14:05:08

Dudnote

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 13 2007

RE: Replacing machine heads for a basher (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Anders Eliasson
Basically its pretty easy. Old screw holes might get in the way.
Its actually more important that machine heads are installed so that there´s as little friction as possible in the roller holes, than the price of the machine head itself. That said, more expensive ones tend to be more precise and last longer than cheapo ones if correctly installed.
Also make sure that there´s space for an eventual lyra and that the roller spacing goes with the guitar. Standard is 35mm between rollers.
I would recommend something like DJ.
These are from madinter cost 17,-€ are ok for purpose. They have others which are more expensive and maybe better. I havent tried them all:
http://www.madinter.com/accesorios/clavijeros-y-clavijas/classical-dj-tuner-dj305gk-141.html

Thanks Anders & John for the feedback.

For old screw holes would you use a filler, or just opt for a design that most likely misses (and hides) them?

Not sure what "lyra" is referring to here?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 9 2016 21:53:30

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Replacing machine heads for a basher (in reply to Dudnote)

If I had to, I would fill holes. If not I would hide behind new machine heads. The problem with the old screw holes is not so much because of esthetiscs, but because sometimes a screw hole is a tad off on the new machine heads and then they get dragged slightly to a side and the rollers "hang" in the holes with fiction and poor funcionality as a result.

Lyra is this fork thing on some machine heads. And since your basher from España, then most probably the rollers are 10mm. But better meassure first.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 10 2016 7:32:03