Another tuner upgrade question - Cordoba
 

Have done some thread searches for this, but am finding myself getting a bit overwhelmed and could use some advice..

I’m not a classical guitarists per se, but more of a “crossover” type. Considering if it is worthwhile to upgrade tuning machines on my Cordoba Orchestra CE. I’m not having any specific issues with the stock tuners, but this is becoming my “go to” guitar so I am willing to invest a little bit for tuning stability. Since this is a modestly priced guitar I’m not looking for “premium” tuners that might cost a relatively high percentage of what I paid for the guitar- $500. I’m thinking $75.00 or hopefully less might get the job done. I have a good bit of experience with steel string tuners (Grover, Schaller, Gotoh, etc.), but not nylon string.

Anyone have experience with this upgrade on this model or similar Fusion series Cordobas?

What are some good online sources beyond StewMac and AllParts?

Thanks…

You should be able to find what you need here.
https://allstringsnylon.com/nylon-st...strument-parts

GMR, thanks looks like a great source.

The Rubner Classic Tuning Machines 150 look like a possible solution

I wasn't happy with the appearance of the tuners on my GK Pro and tried swapping out just the knobs, but wasn't fully satisfied.

Did a lot of research on the Delcamp forum on tuner recommendations and Rubner's were always pretty high on the list of good affordable reliable tuners.

Note; I was stunned to discover that there are tuners out there that will cost you almost as much as a guitar would.

I contacted Chuck at Allstringsnylon. We spent quite a bit of time talking on the phone about tuning machines and appearance. Chuck's a great guy to deal with!

I finally settled on these for my GK Pro.

https://allstringsnylon.com/rubner-t...ic-150-300a-co

I paid my local luthier $50 to remove the old ones and install them. Couldn't be happier!!

Thanks DK,

I'm thinking that maybe the GK and the Orchestra should have pretty similar characteristics related to the tuning machines. Good to know that you've been happy with the Rubner upgrade.

The tuners on the Cordoba are about as good as anything else (relatively speaking). If you want a REAL upgrade, try these.

https://www.rubnertuners.com/hauser-...-ivory-buttons

I have these on all three of my classicals and they are JOY to use. The end bearing (Rubner Roll) makes all the difference.

At $127 a set, far above your price point, but they are worth it.

Jimmy


PS. Don't confuse the "MoldFlon" bearings with "Rubner Roll" rollers. The MoldFlon "bearings" (actually anti friction discs) are between the roller and base plate (that is standard on all Rubners). The Rubner Roll rollers (optional, use the "Select roller style for pricing") pull down box have a bearing on the end of the roller that fits in the center section of the headstock. These rollers eliminate the roller binding on the wood of the headstock, the tuners are literally as smooth as Gotoh 510 sealed tuners (for steel strings).
This shows them:
https://www.rubnertuners.com/new-page-3/

PSS. You learned about the high end tuner business, I see!!! I splurged on a set of Irving Sloane's ($300) for a classical I used to have and thought that was crazy. And then I saw Rogers/Alessi/etc at $600 or MORE....

OK Jimmy, now you got me dreaming of a way to find some "found funds". Got a birthday coming up, so who knows? FYI the linked set is showing "from $74.80" so maybe there's a price break for the moment.

Use the pull down box (Select roller style for pricing) and you can see the options. I know it's more but it is worth it.

The tuner I linked to is what I have on my guitars. Plain gold base plate, ivoroid buttons, and ivoroid rollers with Rubner Roll bearings. $127/set.

OK now I see (said the blind man). I can see how the design of an internal roller would be a significant upgrade.

I have to say I like those rubners (thanks for the info).

While I've never tried them I did upgrade a previous guitar buying the tuners straight from Cordoba. Their stuff is here:https://www.cordobaguitars.com/shop/?filter_gear=parts

I bought the master series tuners for a C12. They are pricy ($135) but very good tuners. Don't have the Rubner roll though that's a nice feature.

TK

Here are the Rubners on my Pavan


https://i.imgur.com/9KNCxsMl.jpg

Also:

https://www.lmii.com/

https://www.stewmac.com/

John R.

The last I checked, lmii doesn't carry tuning machines for classical guitars & Stewmac is too god-awfully expensive.

Allstringsnylon specializes in classical guitar parts and accessories and is very reasonably priced. Chuck is great to talk to about needs, desires.

Dave

you mentioned crossover guitar...usually with a 1 7/8 nut width.

If a tuner set with a bearing at the end of the roller is your choice, make sure your head stock is wide enough at the E strings to allow the tuner plates to both screw down.
My Martin 000c crossover has a peg head that is too narrow at the E strings and one side will not seat as the bearings hit one another. This is not a problem with a plastic roller because a tiny bit can be trimmed off.

just something that happened to me...don't know about the Cordoba

Chuck at all strings nylon sells the complete line of Cordoba guitars. He can easily tell you what fits & what doesn't.