21:1 Mini Tuners?

[FleetwoodPC]

I have a Taylor 562ce. I have trouble tuning it accurately. The intonation is fine. The gears are 18:1. I'd like to upgrade to 21:1 ... what are my options? Gotoh 21:1 are not mini.

Thanks, Randy

[Mak2525]

Originally Posted by FleetwoodPC

I have a Taylor 562ce. I have trouble tuning it accurately. The intonation is fine. The gears are 18:1. I'd like to upgrade to 21:1 ... what are my options? Gotoh 21:1 are not mini.

Thanks, Randy

Hey Randy: Don't think there are any 12 String 21:1 tuners - too bad, because the Gotoh 510's are as smooth and precise as it gets! My guess is there is not enough room for the worm gear for a 21:1 ratio in the smaller mini body.

[Mandobart]

I learned what I call microtuning when I started violin in the early '70's. Violins are tuned with tapered wooden pegs with a 1:1 ratio, except for fine tuners on the E and sometimes A (or if you've changed to Perfection Pegs, without which tuning my 10 string Hardanger viola would be much less pleasant).

So when you're just a touch sharp, you stretch the string by gently flexing it perpendicular to the fingerboard (in the direct you would bow or pluck it). I recommend stopping (fretting) the string close to the nut to prevent side loading the nut slot.

When you're just a touch flat, use a fingertip to gently depress the forelength of the string (between the nut and peg).

As always, lubricating the nut slots with graphite helps on any stringed instrument.

I play 6, 8, 10 and 12 string steel stringed instruments using regular tuning machine ratios (15:1, 18:1). Gotohs, Grovers, Schallers, Waverly's, Golden Age. No problems tuning them up/down as needed.

[Wade Hampton]

Randy, Gotoh’s mini tuners have an 18 to 1 gear ratio. I’ve found them to be smooth and accurate tuners, and highly recommend them. The 21 to 1 ratio doesn’t seem to be necessary.

I’ve got those 18 to 1 minis on several instruments and am pleased with their performance.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[FleetwoodPC]

The Taylor stock tuners are 18:1.

[Wade Hampton]

Not all 18 to 1 tuners deliver equal performance.


whm

[FleetwoodPC]

"The Gotoh 510 is the best tuner I've used, but the Taylor tuners are just fine. And they're probably just as good, or better, than the Grovers and Schallers on your list."

http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarfor...p?topic=7063.0

[HogsNRoses]

I have good results with Gotoh SG381-05 16:1 tuners on my 12 string. The smooth action and well-designed posts help.

The Gotoh 510 mini tuners have a wide enough button to be troublesome on a 12 string, so I’d recommend replacing the buttons with smaller, lighter ones on a 12 string. Gotoh’s small oval buttons are a couple mm narrower, and that makes them a lot easier to use.

[HogsNRoses]

Originally Posted by FleetwoodPC

Ok, are Taylor 18:1 tuners subpar?

Good point - tuners are rarely the problem.

[jseth]

I have Gotoh machines on my Mark Angus 12 string, made in 1983, and they've been more than fine for nearly 40 years now... I have no idea what the "ratio" is, but they're the mini variety and they work very well...

[jimmy bookout]

The common mistake is to pay attention to ratio ONLY. That is a bad mistake to make. What you really need to pay attention to is the amount of "lash", which is the free play between turning the button and the tuner shaft actually turning. Wade is exactly right...not all 18:1 tuners are created equal. Compare a Gotoh 510 mini (18:1) with a Grover Rotomatic (18:1). Both are sealed gear, both are 18:1 ratio, and the Gotohs are far more precise, but also more expensive, so in this case, at least, more money = better product.

[FleetwoodPC]

Ahhh… lash.. thank you