Official Luthiers Forum!

I don't have the decorative one, just the plain one, but it is rough and substantial looking. I can't imagine the decorative one looking plastic or cheap.

Fillippo,

First off I have not tried these tuners...yet, and truthfully when I saw them I didn't even notice that they were engraved. What I did notice is that they are listed as "Golden Age" and the profile looks very similar to the Waverlys from the '20s. New Waverlys are not drop ins for Martins from that era and I am kinda hoping that these will be. If I remember to take the catalog to work I am going to call them tomorrow. Plating is a problem on a lot of things lately.

Tim

Too shiny for me, I use the plain ones with the rustic look, but then, I am the rustic look.

I've used the non-engraved models on a few restorations as well as a 12-string I built. They work quite well and are a nice option to have. I'll use them again as needed.

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

A matter of taste, I suppose. I like satin nickel tuners with ebony buttons but I agree that something that looks worn should go on a worn guitar. Then again, if that's what you like on your guitar then that's what you should do.

_________________
Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Good point...If the shiny engraved tuners had been available when I built that guitar, I would probably have chosen them. There aren't many options available for slot headed 12 strings. I commend SM for making new options available.

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Todd,

You are right, the shafts are a 1/64" u/s for a correct drop in fit. I overlooked that when I originally saw these in the catalog. They would fit the holes because of that though, but not what I'm looking for.

Tim

Their Stew-Mac Elite mandolin tuners look like $prawl-mert specials, and I don't believe they are nickel plated. I think they are chrome. Most likely come from the same pac-rim factory.
As to what finish hardware belongs on what shiny new instrument, many old mfgrs used plain steel tuners on even their fanciest of instruments. That was what was available.

Just my mildly educated opinion, but if they are nickel plated, which I assume they are, as most quality hardware in this style is, then they should look great. Nickel has a warmer sheen to it that looks more "earthy" than chrome. Also, remember the tuners are reflecting off of a white background which is going to make them look brighter than they are. I say go for it.

I myself can't wait to get my hands on a set in this range. I've been really excited about them since they first came out. The antiquing on these things is excellent. Great wooden knob territory as well

The one thing that bothers me about them is they are 14:1 and there is some backlash. BTW, If you get a bottle of PC etchant at Radio Shack, you can antique your own tuners. Just takes a second. Been doing it for years.

I'd use them on a Classical if it was possible to get Nylon rollers. I've seen much worse looking tuners costing a lot more.
Posted at the same time as Haans. If they have obvious backlash. . . . perhaps not.

Filippo,
I have used gun blueing to darken nickel hardware on bamboo fly rods. Pretty control-able. If it gets too dark it is easy polished back to bright but you could easily avoid that.
Wipe on, wipe off, grasshopper. (Mix of 70's martial arts cheese)

L.

_________________
Cut to size.....Beat to fit.....Paint to match.

Well, Filipo, you're going to have to dilute it and experiment. All I can say is the first set I did way back in the dinosaur age, used it straight and waited 20 seconds...took the plating off the string posts right down to brass.
Nope, don't clean pipes, just let 'em rust.

I think you ought to research that until you find the perfect way of antiquing tuners. Most of the rest of us will just use what's available. This stuff is all aftermarket anyway and of little relevance compared to what comes out of the soundhole.
I'll just keep building instruments...
Filipo, the flat out nicest ones I have used is the 3 on a bronze plate Waverlys. Old timey, spendy, but very fine.