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Locking tuners for Gibson 339/336

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BlueingreenBlueingreen Frets: 2588
in Guitar
I'm thinking of putting locking tuners on these guitars.  I guess what I'm looking for is something that will look as much like the originals as possible, least hassle to fit (although I'll get a tech to do it), be good quality and add as little additional weight as possible.  Any advice gratefully received.
“To a man with a hammer every problem looks like a nail.”
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Comments

  • dcgdcg Frets: 230
    I'd recommend Hipshot GripLock open gear locking tuners: https://hipshotproducts.com/products/grip-lock-open-guitar-tuning-machines
    I've used these on several guitars; they're beautifully made, light, and have a good range of finishes and buttons.
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  • timmypixtimmypix Frets: 2367
    What are the current tuners?
    Tim
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  • BlueingreenBlueingreen Frets: 2588
    edited February 2020
    Honestly don't know, whatever comes as stock on these guitars.  Green ivoroid type buttons.  Nothing wrong with the tuners, I just like locking tuners for quick and easy string changes.

    (Part of a realisation that instead of looking for new guitars with specs I like it might be more sensible to mod my existing guitars so they're closer to what I ideally want).
    “To a man with a hammer every problem looks like a nail.”
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  • timmypixtimmypix Frets: 2367
    Blueingreen said:
    Honestly don't know, whatever comes as stock on these guitars.  Green ivoroid type buttons.  Nothing wrong with the tuners, I just like locking tuners for quick and easy string changes.

    (Part of a realisation that instead of looking for new guitars with specs I like it might be more sensible to mod my existing guitars so they're closer to what I ideally want).
    So Kluson style?

    Kluson Revolutions will drop straight in, as will the Gotoh SD90 MG-T. Klusons are more expensive but have an 18:1 ratio as opposed to 15:1 on the Gotohs.
    Tim
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  • Philly_QPhilly_Q Frets: 22685

    The tuners on the 336 will almost certainly be Gotohs, so Gotohs will be the ideal replacement.  They make two types, one with a thumbwheel on the back (like Sperzels) and the older type with the locking mechanism in the string post.

    The latter are the least obtrusive and look almost exactly like the originals, but the thumbwheel type seem to have become more popular (or at least that's my impression).

    https://www.allparts.uk.com/products/gotoh-sd90-mg-t-3x3-locking-tuners

    https://www.allparts.uk.com/products/tuning-keys-vintage-style-locking-3x3-with-plastic-keystone-button-gotoh

    On the 339 I think they use the Gibson Deluxe style tuners with a bolt/washer bushing, rather than a press-in bushing.  I'm not sure what would be the closest direct replacement.  Maybe these Klusons, which I guess are the ones @timmypix mentioned:

     https://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Solid_Peghead_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/Kluson_3_and_3_Locking_Revolution_Series_G-Mount_Tuning_Machines.html

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  • BlueingreenBlueingreen Frets: 2588
    edited February 2020
    Thanks very much for the input, will have a close look at these options.

    I think Kluson style although tbh I'm not very knowledgeable about these. It's only the thought of swapping these out that's started me thinking about tuners. I haven't spotted any obvious difference between what's on the 336 and the 339, but the guitars are not at hand right now so I can't have a closer look.
    “To a man with a hammer every problem looks like a nail.”
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