Kluson Tuners for Hummingbird.. Help please!

[davidguevara80]

I need help from an expert here. I recently bought a Gibson Hummingbird. It has always been the guitar of my dreams, so I plan to keep it, so make it worthwhile modifications to customize it. First I would like to change the tuners, there is nothing wrong with grovers, but I love how the vintage style look like.

Could anyone tell me exactly which model Kluson tuners need to avoid drilling the guitar? I'm planning to buy on ebay because the prices are lower there.

[Brucebubs]

I can't tell you which model Kluson to get (Gotoh?) but I will offer this advice.
I've made 3 kit guitars and bought tuners for each of them.
Avoid anything that uses the word 'style' in the description, like Grover 'style' tuners. I bought some that are pretty bad copies. Lesson learned!
Keep your source in the USA and only buy tuners that come in their original packing/box.
Your Gibson is a great guitar, it deserves the best.

[davidguevara80]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I can't tell you which model Kluson to get (Gotoh?) but I will offer this advice.
I've made 3 kit guitars and bought tuners for each of them.
Avoid anything that uses the word 'style' in the description, like Grover 'style' tuners. I bought some that are pretty bad copies. Lesson learned!
Keep your source in the USA and only buy tuners that come in their original packing/box.
Your Gibson is a great guitar, it deserves the best.

Thanks for the advice!!

[Brucebubs]

Found this link on a Gibson forum; http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/t...grover-tuners/
Looks like an easy conversion but you will need to drill a 2nd locating screw hole on the back of the headstock.
I think Gotoh makes these Kluson tuners? You could try asking Gibson?

[davidguevara80]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Found this link on a Gibson forum; http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/t...grover-tuners/
Looks like an easy conversion but you will need to drill a 2nd locating screw hole on the back of the headstock.
I think Gotoh makes these Kluson tuners? You could try asking Gibson?

Thanks! I was reading that thread, but they are not quite clear about the number, and I am confused, I think that they are talking about a SJ200 is it the same size needed?

[Play2PraiseHim]

My TV Hummingbird came with Gold Gotoh Green Button Kluson Vintage style tuners.

[davidguevara80]

Originally Posted by Play2PraiseHim

My TV Hummingbird came with Gold Gotoh Green Button Kluson Vintage style tuners.

Do you have any pictures?

[Brucebubs]

If the replacement Klusons use a 'push-in' ferrule you won't be able to use them because the hole made in the headstock for the Grovers will be too large.
Easy fix, you just need these 'reduction' ferrules; http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Kluso...item43cc04d988
The picture of the Klusons used on the Gibson forum SJ-200 looks like it has the same washer/screw in nut set up as your Grovers. So there must be different types of Klusons?

[T Texas]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/261589036503?lpid=82

I got these for my 62...they are a direct fit even down to the screw holes. My problem is the bushing size. the holes on the guitar take huge bushings so i have to hunt those down separately but if you're talking about a new bird, these should work for ya

[Brucebubs]

Here`s a link to the Klusons at Stewmac
http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_..._Machines.html
They also have the 3/8" conversion bushes/ferrules you will need on the same page.

[davidguevara80]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Here`s a link to the Klusons at Stewmac
http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_..._Machines.html
They also have the 3/8" conversion bushes/ferrules you will need on the same page.

Any cheapest ideas? I couldn't find any of those on eBay

[Brucebubs]

These are made to replace Grovers;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tone-Pros-Kl...item51c358af46
I don't know anything about them but they are made for the larger hole from Grovers.

[davidguevara80]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

These are made to replace Grovers;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tone-Pros-Kl...item51c358af46
I don't know anything about them but they are made for the larger hole from Grovers.

Thanks Bruce! That price fits better for my budget I hope they are not a ripoff...

[davidguevara80]

Here's the story, and I hope that works for others who wish to give it a vintage look to the HB. I was about to order a set of used Gibson deluxe tuners from ebay for $ 55. When I went through GC to see what they have (at least I could make a return with them if they don't work) bought a new set of Gibson Deluxe Nickel machine heads for $ 57 plus tax. I changed it and they worked perfectly. I just had to make the extra hole on each machine head, I did it with the same screwdriver without any problem. (I didn't had to drill it). How do they work? Much better than the grovers! more consistent, lighter and easy to tweak. Here are some pictures. I also put abalone bone bridge pins on it.

[davidguevara80]

This is the link for the exact product:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...arloid-buttons