L05 Tuner Change - Gotoh 0903

[drathbun]

I just changed out the stock Larrivee tuners on my L05 for Gotoh 0903's. Now these might not be a sexy as the 510's, but they are smooth as silk at 16:1 and I got 'em for $20 brand new.

Here's a photo essay of the change process.

Original Larrivee (Pings) with ebonite knobs:


Swapped out for the Gotohs (took about 15 minutes):


Replaced the chrome knobs for the ebonite knobs:


Completely painless change.

Anybody want some used Larrivee/Ping tuners?

[Fstpicker]

Those sure look really nice, and seem to be a less-expensive alternative to the 510's.

If you decide to get rid of your old Larrivee tuners, I may possibly be interested. Please let me know.

thanks.

jeff

BTW, where did your purchase those Gotoh's?

[jeremy3220]

I like the look of those alot better than the 510's. The 510's look too modern for either of my guitars.

[joopie]

I like the look of those alot better than the 510's. The 510's look too modern for either of my guitars.

 agree w/ jeremy- i think these would look nice on my OM-03. were the 1951s dead drop in as well?

thanks,  :mellow: J.

[Calvin]

those look much better, these actually match the shape of the peghead.  You dont put anything on your guitar just 'cause it's expensive.  Rappper Spinner Necklace will only look right with a rapper (in a fur coat or somehting I dont know), but it will look real dumb with a fine italian suit.

[Walkerman]

I like the look of those alot better than the 510's. The 510's look too modern for either of my guitars.

I used the 510's, but I swapped out the "kidney buttons" for Schaller-style butons.

[Ol Achey]

drathbun,

Those tuners look great (and what a great price!).

I've been considering the same change on my L-03MT. Question: Stew-Mac lists the 1951s as "mini" Schaller style. The 0903s are listed as "large" Schaller style.

Yours don't look mini to me - they look very well proportioned to the headstock.  Have you or has anyone here made a comparison of these two Gotoh styles?

My tuners have the ebonite buttons and often feel like the button slips a bit on the shaft. It's the only complaint I have about this guitar. A simple enough remedy for sure. I've tightened the buttons but the snugger feel doesn't seem to last long.

Walkerman, your 510s look super with the Schaller style buttons. A bit over my budget right now, though.

Very interested if anyone has checked into the difference between the 1951s and the 0903s.

Thanks to all,
-- O.A.

[drathbun]

Thanks for the responses! I bought the tuners on eBay for $20US. The guy said they were brand new as he replaced them with some more expensive tuners I guess. Anyway, they arrived in pristine shape and work beautifully. I had a search on eBay like this:

"gotoh 3x3 -fits -style -type -like"

that I had email me when ever there were any strikes. I almost got some gold 510's but was beat at the last second :(

Yes, they are drop in replacements - dead simple replacement. The ebonite knobs (from Larrivee) do fit the Gotoh 0903's perfectly.

Ol Achey: I have had the same problem with the ebonite knobs where the little white-metal insert starts to spin in the plastic and doesn't grip the tuner shaft anymore. I had one replaced by Brian T. at Larrivee when it shattered. If the ebonite came with your Larrivee or you purchased the ebonite knob replacements from Larrivee like I did, Brian provides next day delivery for a replacement.

BTW: You are right about the tuners being 0903's and not 1951's... which are the mini tuners.

Fstpicker: You have mail! :)

[drathbun]

I used the 510's, but I swapped out the "kidney buttons" for Schaller-style butons.

Those blonde knobs look pretty cool with the gold tuners!

The big difference between the 510's and the 0903's other than their shape is the gear ratio. The 510's are 18:1 whereas the 0903's are 16:1 (same as the Pings)

[Ol Achey]

Hey, drathbun - thanks for the clarification on the model numbers. I suppose Stew-Mac's 0903 series are very similar to your 0950s - they look darned close, anyway.

My OM-21 has Gotoh's, though branded "Martin" most likely they are right in the same ballpark as the 0950 and 0903 series tuners. And, they are smooth and rock solid. Now, do I want chrome or black??? hmmmmm....

Also, thanks for the info on the ebonite buttons and the white metal inserts. I bought the guitar used (hardly used... ) but most likely Brian T. could still help me buy some, should I want to fix up the Pings. He emailed me with the start date of my L-03MT: July, '05. Just a baby :-) I never stopped being impressed with this Larrivee company. They really do seem to have a personal involvement with their instruments.

-- O.A.

[emmonsh]

i have a different opioun on the 510,s. i put some all gold on my do3 and they look absolutely great. even my luthier[new bone saddle and nut] loved how they set off the satin on the o3

[drathbun]

Hmm... I must be slipping... read the number wrong.... 0903!

Oh... and... Ol Achey, I was assuming you were the original owner of the Larrivee. If that were the case, Larrivee would replace a bad tuner immediately at no charge. However, not being under warranty, I think they'd sell you a replacement.

[drathbun]

i have a different opioun on the 510,s. i put some all gold on my do3 and they look absolutely great. even my luthier[new bone saddle and nut] loved how they set off the satin on the o3

I think the gold 510's look great with ebony knobs. I was very close to taking the plunge on that purchase!

[JohnM2001]

Heres my D-02 with a set of the regular Schaller-style Gotoh tuners.  Using a gold set really dresses up an 02 or 03 guitar nicely, providing a very classy look.  Not only do they look great, but they absolutely slay the stock Pings.  They turn MUCH smoother, hold well,  and just feel like a higher quality tuner all around.  They drop right in exactly, same screw hole,  so this is one of the easiest mods you can do.

See them at StewMac





*

[drathbun]

That D02 kicks! Any chance of a pic of the whole guitar??