"Frank's Cranks" custom Gryphon string winder review

Dustinfurlow · #1 08-03-2020, 12:27 PM

Hey all,

This is definitely one of the coolest birthday gifts I've ever received. Frank Ford over at Gryphon Strings builds these custom string winders with beautiful figured woods and acrylics along with a softer material around the main housing to prevent any finish damage to the headstock and tuner buttons. Super smooth and quiet. I'd wanted something exactly like this for awhile but didn't know it existed! Can recommend nabbing one of these either as a gift or a self-treat whole heartedly. Seems very sturdy and well-made.

HFox · #2 08-03-2020, 12:54 PM

I've had one for 6 years.
My late friend and singer/songwriter Alex Austin told me to get one .
I think you need to order correct size as Frank makes them with several different tuning peg slots.
Happy Birthday...great present.

Dustinfurlow · #3 08-03-2020, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFox

I've had one for 6 years.
My late friend and singer/songwriter Alex Austin told me to get one .
I think you need to order correct size as Frank makes them with several different tuning peg slots.
Happy Birthday...great present.

Yes, there’s three sizes, I got the biggest and it works great for all of mine!

BrunoBlack · #4 08-03-2020, 02:46 PM

Is yours a koa version? I’ve had a medium and a large version for a long time and think they are great. I was teased into buying one with a maple handle a couple of weeks ago and added it to the collection. These are my favorite cranks. Beautiful and very well made.

MCDEMO1 · #5 08-03-2020, 02:46 PM

Couldn't resist buying a set of three in colorful acrylic a few years ago when I was thinking of doing repair work. Hard to miss them on the bench or around your shop.

Frank makes good stuff. His tapered Hawaiian steel slide bars are great too.

jaymarsch · #6 08-03-2020, 03:12 PM

I got mine last year and I love it. A pleasure to use and a wonderfully designed and crafted tool.

Best,
Jayne

lodi_55 · #7 08-03-2020, 05:12 PM

Just got my Koa version last week!!

Can't wait to try it. Also bringing in a guitar and Uke for some work. Love Gryphon Strings!

Brucebubs · #8 08-03-2020, 05:25 PM

I can see the attraction, they look beautiful but when I discovered the ease and accuracy of a power winder I just can't go back.

BrunoBlack · #9 08-03-2020, 06:11 PM

I know, it’s my fault for being careless. But this was the 2nd and last time I had a run-in with a power winder. Overall, there is no appreciable time savings using a power winder and the hand winder is enjoyable in its own way.

Dustinfurlow · #10 08-03-2020, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haasome

I know, it’s my fault for being careless. But this was the 2nd and last time I had a run-in with a power winder. Overall, there is no appreciable time savings using a power winder and the hand winder is enjoyable in its own way.

I have to agree using the crank is pretty darn satisfying compared to the last 500 string changes on that squeaky Planet Waves string winder.

Brucebubs · #11 08-03-2020, 07:27 PM

Ouch! ... and I know how beautiful your guitars are too.

I use a small cup attachment on my powered winder - it doesn't come close to the sides of the headstock (even less with a little padding in the bottom)- don't like the other bigger, bulkier attachments out there.

FormerFoodie · #12 08-03-2020, 09:45 PM

Nice score!

I have one of his cranks, although the wood isn't as nicely figured as the one you have!!!

If Frank Ford made it, it's gonna be good!!!!

StillStephen · #13 08-04-2020, 06:59 AM

I've had a rosewood version for many years - most comfortable, smoothest string winder I've ever used (and the eye candy value can't be overlooked!).

Dustinfurlow · #14 08-04-2020, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StillStephen

I've had a rosewood version for many years - most comfortable, smoothest string winder I've ever used (and the eye candy value can't be overlooked!).

Those presentation ones with the gold/brass and Brazilian sure are worth a drool...maybe one day when I’m a bit more carefree financially lol!

Earl49 · #15 08-04-2020, 04:17 PM

Very nice. I have been using a $10 Black & Decker power screwdriver with a Dr. Duck's insert that I sanded the end off a bit. (I have not damaged the side of the peg head like the photos, but there are some scuffs on one guitar - pure carelessness on my part). I may sock one of these away for the day when that device dies. I like the convenience of the power winder, but nice tools are a wonder to behold - and use. It doesn't hurt that I have a weakness for koa wood....