How do these tuners look???

[ataylor]

Of the two I definitely prefer the ivoroid. You could probably use some shoe polish or similar to get the color closer to the binding.

What about nickel button or butterbean tuners? Perhaps not period correct on a classic J-45, but neither is the inlaid headstock or thick pickguard, so it’s already an interpretation of a clsssic look.

[bufflehead]

Ivoroid would not only look better, but would look less like an owner modification.

[guitar george]

Did you say somewhere in this thread what the original tuners looked like and why you want to change them?

[maxtheaxe]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

I guess I should have explained that I couldn’t find ivroid or cream anywhere that fit the Gotohs....any advice?

I found some Grover vintage/Kluson style tuners for my SG and they work very well...smooth accurate and hold tune, even with the Bigsby on that guitar. The ones I got have keystone type buttons but I think they have the ovals as well.

[Shades of Blue]

Originally Posted by guitar george

Did you say somewhere in this thread what the original tuners looked like and why you want to change them?

They were the butterbean Grovers. I just hated the look. I wanted something more vintage. I just also wanted to tinker. I haven't owned an acoustic that really made me want to tinker like this guitar does.

[guitar george]

How about these ones?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GOTOH-SD90-...UAAOSwuVdZcqDj

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

I put some Gotoh 18:1 tuners on my J-45, with pearloid buttons. What do you think? I like them but think Ivroid would look better.


UPDATE:

I just bought some Kluson tuners, and I LOVE the look, but they still don’t match the binding. The binding is more yellow and the buttons are ivroid.

What do you think? Pearloid Gotoh or Kluson??? Close enough?

Pearloid.

"Not matching" is way better than "Trying to match but failing."

[Shades of Blue]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

Pearloid.



"Not matching" is way better than "Trying to match but failing."

Ha! Like failing with style? Lol

[exterra1]

Those tuners look beautiful on that J45, they actually make it look like a more expensive guitar (which it is) and give just a touch of today to mix with vintange, I'd love to have that set up! Of course you could always go with the black or the natural wood, those are awesome to, but not as cool as what you have.

[Shades of Blue]

So I took the J-45 with the Pearloid Gotohs to a jam yesterday, and everyone loved the tuners. These guys are more players than they are brand aficionados. They all agreed that the Pearloid looked better than the Klusons. I tend to agree that they do look quite nice in person, but I still am partial to the more traditional white/cream button look of the J-45. I just don't know that I'm ready to drill into the headstock yet.

I also discovered that even among other Martin players, I'm becoming a Gibson guy. At least for strumming around in country and folk, I'm digging this guitar.

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

So I took the J-45 with the Pearloid Gotohs to a jam yesterday, and everyone loved the tuners. These guys are more players than they are brand aficionados. They all agreed that the Pearloid looked better than the Klusons. I tend to agree that they do look quite nice in person, but I still am partial to the more traditional white/cream button look of the J-45. I just don't know that I'm ready to drill into the headstock yet.

I also discovered that even among other Martin players, I'm becoming a Gibson guy. At least for strumming around in country and folk, I'm digging this guitar.

Yep...that’s what I was beginning to think, too...until I got my D-41. My 45 is still one of my favorite guitars ever...but definitely second fiddle to the 41.

[Shades of Blue]

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Yep...that’s what I was beginning to think, too...until I got my D-41. My 45 is still one of my favorite guitars ever...but definitely second fiddle to the 41.

You just won't rest until I get a D-41 Roy! HAHAHA

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

You just won't rest until I get a D-41 Roy! HAHAHA

Just trying to help a brother out.

[Shades of Blue]

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Just trying to help a brother out.

I'm moving in that direction. Just have to sell my 000-28. Hopefully that will be soon....

What do you think about the tuners though Roy? Focus man! lol

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

I'm moving in that direction. Just have to sell my 000-28. Hopefully that will be soon....

What do you think about the tuners though Roy? Focus man! lol

Guess I’m a traditionalist. Gotta admit that when it comes to the iconic looks of a 45 I say leave well enough alone. Easy for me to say, though, because my 41 is a bling machine which more than satisfies my desire for guitar eye candy.

I did upgrade my 45 with bone nut/saddle and unslotted bone pins...and it gave the tone a little extra zing.