Martin 000-17SM tuning key upgrade?

[Brudda Dakine]

StewMac has a set of tuners I am thinking of putting on my Martin 000-17SM:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/G..._Pegheads.html

I'm considering the ones with the Snakewood knobs. I think the gold color will look better. Has anyone else swapped out their tuners? Also, can anyone recommend an ebony nut/saddle and are there any bridge pins with a gold inlay? Thanks!

[CoolerKing]

Multiple people on UMGF have done this exact swap and have been very pleased. Which I guess speaks to two issues, you aren't the only one that has been dissatisfied with the stock tuners and this seems to be a pattern with this model, and also that the stewmac switch out also seems to be a good bet.

[brian a.]

Check out Bob Colosi and his saddles, nuts and bridge pins. Perhaps he has what you want.

http://www.guitarsaddles.com/

[Misty44]

Multiple people on UMGF have done this exact swap and have been very pleased.

And here's one example: http://theunofficialmartinguitarforu...m#.UzyXclcvBy8

Apparently the plate holes will align, but you may have to slightly ream the peg holes (I've used sandpaper wrapped on a pencil for this process). I replaced the original single tuners on an old 000-15S with better single tuners, and had to replace the stock bushing with a conversion bushing (sold by StewMac to accommodate the larger shaft. However, I have no idea if the 3-on-a-plates even use a bushing. But it might be something else to consider.

Good luck!

[Brudda Dakine]

Originally Posted by brian a.

Check out Bob Colosi and his saddles, nuts and bridge pins. Perhaps he has what you want.

http://www.guitarsaddles.com/

Brian, thanks so much. That looks like real nice stuff. Really like some of those dark bridge pins and aged nuts/saddles. Thanks again.