Gotoh SGV510Z as drop in replacement for Rotomatic

[Zhoken]

Heya all,

I know this question has been asked before but I can't seem to find a definitive answer. I'm looking to replace some Grover Rotomatic's (102-18n) with Gotoh's SGV510Z.

The description on japarts says: "... It's a perfect replacement for classic guitars equipped with Rotomatics..." but I want to be sure that I won't have to do any reaming as I don't want to do any irreversible modding to my cole clark.

I've emailed them but I am still waiting for a response. In the meantime I figured I'd ask here to see if anyone has done the same.

[stringjunky]

[rogthefrog]

I have done that, and no reaming was necessary. However, the Gotoh-supplied screws are a little bigger, so the screw holes will be larger. It's invisible when the tuners are on, obviously, but if you ever want to go back to the Rotomatics and their factory screws, you'll have to fill the screw holes. It's a 10-minute job with toothpicks and glue.

[Zhoken]

Originally Posted by rogthefrog

I have done that, and no reaming was necessary. However, the Gotoh-supplied screws are a little bigger, so the screw holes will be larger. It's invisible when the tuners are on, obviously, but if you ever want to go back to the Rotomatics and their factory screws, you'll have to fill the screw holes. It's a 10-minute job with toothpicks and glue.

Thanks rogthefrog! I doubt I'll go back to the Rotomatics but it's nice to know if for some reason, the option is there.

[Brucebubs]

There is also a brand new Gotoh open gear tuner with a threaded bushing which is a drop in replacement for sealed gear Grover rotomatics.(Thanks go to martingitdave here on the AGF for finding these)
Previously all open-geared tuners had a push-fit bushing designed for a smaller 11/32" hole so you needed to buy 'reduction' bushings to fit open gear tuners in the larger rotomatic 3/8" hole.
You only need to ream out the holes if you go from traditional open gear tuners to sealed gear tuners.
This has now been solved with these new Gotoh SXN510V tuners.
These do have 2 locating screws per tuner where the sealed gear only has one, up to you if you want to fit 2 screws or just leave it at 1.
These are so new that suppliers here in Australia quoted me a 2 month wait.
Here's the link; http://g-gotoh.com/international/product/sxn510v.html

[Zhoken]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

This has now been solved with these new Gotoh SXN510V tuners.
These are so new that suppliers here in Australia quoted me a 2 month wait.
Here's the link; http://g-gotoh.com/international/product/sxn510v.html

Ooooh Thanks!
I wonder why they don't make these in 18:1 or even 21:1 ?

Also wonder how these match up in terms of smoothness and functionality compared with the 510 series

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Zhoken

Ooooh Thanks!
I wonder why they don't make these in 18:1 or even 21:1 ?

Also wonder how these match up in terms of smoothness and functionality compared with the 510 series

Funny you should ask that because I asked the resident AGF tuner expert Wade Hampton the exact same thing and he replied, 'It's not the ratio that's most important, it's the smoothness'.
I truly value Wades opinion on all things acoustic so I believe him on this too.

[Zhoken]

Makes sense!

Josh from Japarts says they will start shipping them at the end of May. I'm tempted to wait although it depends on the price. Waiting on Josh for a quote.

[jas]

I put these on my D18