Gotoh Open Gear?

[WillRoland]

Lots of info about the 510s on the forum, but I can't find anything about replacing the pings with open gear Gotohs.  I know, it requires an extra hole, but do they fit?  And how visible are the original screw holes?  I love the look and feel of open gear tuners.  Anyone made this switch?

[tuffythepug]

Have you thought about Grover Sta-tite open-back tuners instead ?    they require new holes but the backplate covers the old holes.

[Stephen Basil]

This doesn't really address your question, although I think the Gotoh open backs would cover the drilling holes as they have quite large surface plates.  They came spec'ed on my OM-03R (12th Fret special edition) and they are a good vintage-style tuner.

[unclrob]

With the Grover you need to replace the bushing around the post as the opening is too large.I would have to assume the same with the Gotohs so check first for availability of bushings that will fit the post plus the larger hole.I could be wrong but I seem to remember something from stew-mac being available that has a wider collar for just such a problem.

[tuffythepug]

With the Grover you need to replace the bushing around the post as the opening is too large.I would have to assume the same with the Gotohs so check first for availability of bushings that will fit the post plus the larger hole.I could be wrong but I seem to remember something from stew-mac being available that has a wider collar for just such a problem.

For the Grovers you can get the proper sized bushings from StewMac when you order the tuners from them.  They have the proper size for Larrivee pegheads.   they even have them in two styles;  round or hex shaped flange.

[JOYCEfromNS]

you can get the proper sized bushings from StewMac when you order the tuners from them.  They have the proper size for Larrivee pegheads.   they even have them in two styles;  round or hex shaped flange.

Lynn do you know the proper size bushings for solid peghead is it 10mm or 10.5mm

[L07 Shooting Star]

Lynn do you know the proper size bushings for solid peghead is it 10mm or 10.5mm

From my understanding, you would need the 10mm bushings to retrofit both Grover Sta-tite, and Waverly open back tuners on a current Larrivee.  This is just based on my checking out the specs for the tuners.  Don't take my word for it, MEASURE ACCURATELY, the diameter of the holes in your peghead.  Make sure you measure at the top of the peghead, not underneath.

[tuffythepug]

From my understanding, you would need the 10mm bushings to retrofit both Grover Sta-tite, and Waverly open back tuners on a current Larrivee.  This is just based on my checking out the specs for the tuners.  Don't take my word for it, MEASURE ACCURATELY, the diameter of the holes in your peghead.  Make sure you measure at the top of the peghead, not underneath.

I believe the smaller size is the one you need for Larrivee pegheads with Grover Sta-tites.   I don't have my receipts any more but I remember the first set I got with the tuners were too big.  I then ordered the smaller ones which were correct.  They were, in fact, slightly too small;  it wasn't a tight fit so I used just a little dab of white glue when I installed the bushings and they were nice and tight when I installed the tuning machines.     

As to the original question regarding Gotoh open-backs..    They appear to be nice looking, well-made machines.   If money's not a factor get a set of Waverlies.     The Sta-tites are the least expensive of the three and work very well in my experience.   

[unclrob]

You would be better off getting the slightley larger one's and opening up the hole for a tighter fit,less chamce of losing one to the floor.For giggle's and grins I pulled one and it took 2 1/2 wraps of silver duct tape to get it to fit snuggley.

[tuffythepug]

You would be better off getting the slightley larger one's and opening up the hole for a tighter fit,less chamce of losing one to the floor.For giggle's and grins I pulled one and it took 2 1/2 wraps of silver duct tape to get it to fit snuggley.

unclrob, I was reluctant to ream the hole for the larger bushings.   the smaller ones were good and solid after a dab of white glue.   When I change strings I check to see if they are still seated firmly and they are never loose when I do that.   enlarging the hole for the larger bushings would be a way to achieve a more snug, pressed fit scenario though

[Danny]

You would be better off getting the slightley larger one's and opening up the hole for a tighter fit,less chamce of losing one to the floor.For giggle's and grins I pulled one and it took 2 1/2 wraps of silver duct tape to get it to fit snuggley.

Well, I used scotch tape and had to deal with each hole individually. All were drilled a bit different and had to be dealt with accordingly.

                        But I like the end results

[unclrob]

A hand reamer is all thats needed but Andrew its your choice,me I'm more anal {NO SNIDE REMARKS} then most.And yes all are welcome to use the other word that fits that one I hold with pride close too my heart.

[naboz]

And...as far as the Grover Sta-Tites open gear (which look very similar to the Waverlies), I put them on my harp guitar and am really pleased with their smoothness--and looks!  Of course, mine are slot-head type, but the knob and gear structure are essentially the same.

[Danny]

   My 39 Martin has the Grover open style as well, still working fine.

[Zohn]

Fwiw - I have the same Sta-tites (18:1) as Lynn's on my OM and love them. Smooth operators and definately the lightest tuners available.