Replace 3-on-plate with non-plate tuners?

[chrisserger]

I want to swap the Golden Era 3-on-plate that are standard on my Martin 000-17SM. (This is a common complaint about this guitar.)

Ideally I'd get the Waverly 3-on-plate, but they're SO expensive. I'm wondering if I can replace them with some non-plate tuners, like the Grover 18:1 Sta-Tite Slotted Peghead. I like that they're 18:1.

Or, should I consider the Schaller 3-On-Plate? These are only 16:1.

Around here it seems Waverly's are everyone's favorites, but Grover seem to get some love. Not sure where y'all place the Schallers.

Thanks!

[gr81dorn]

The mounting holes aren't going to line-up, but you'll be able to hide the filled holes because the Sta-Tites will cover the previous ones ever so slightly. The tops and bottoms of each will be SUPER close to one another, but I believe they'll just fit and you won't have any issue. The ream is the same, too, so you can theoretically leave the bushing in place, but it;s relic'd on the current an chrome on the grovers, so you'll wanna swap.

[chrisserger]

Thank you for the advice!