tunning machine on my classical is loose

[bchamorro]

Can this be fixed or do I need new machine heads?

It affects my tuning.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/862/334658copytr3.jpg

[Nuclearfishin]

What kind of tuners do you have? If they are cheapos, you can replace the entire set for about $30. If they are good ones, I'd look into warranty support.

[tholmes]

Before you start tossing money for new tuners, I'd check to be sure everthing is snugged up properly. Unless there's a broken part, chances are very good that they can be repaired inexpensively.
Any luthier that's worthy of the name can do this.

Tom

[Nuclearfishin]

Before you start tossing money for new tuners, I'd check to be sure everthing is snugged up properly. Unless there's a broken part, chances are very good that they can be repaired inexpensively.
Any luthier that's worthy of the name can do this.

Tom

There's very little that can be done to repair the loose tuners if they are wiggling in the gearing like the picture shows. Imprecise gearing is the main difference between cheap tuners and good tuners. If the gearing is worn or loose, it's time to replace. As a fellow luthier, the only servicable part of tuners are the buttons, and the screws that hold them on. On a classical it's possible for the tuners to have issues where the peg goes into the hole in the headstock, but this is rare if the guitar was built properly.

[bchamorro]

What I own is a Cordoba Flamenco/Classical guitar. Cost me $999 new. Its not very cheap guitar. I just bought some new tuners. Better than the stock ones.

[Nuclearfishin]

Those new tuners should make a difference. The stock ones are usually about $30 a set. I have a set of Gilbert tuners that only cost about $300. You can get Sloane or Waverly's for about $200 a set. Of course if you really wanted to spend big money, you could get Alessi or Rodgers tuners for about $700.

[bchamorro]

Those new tuners should make a difference. The stock ones are usually about $30 a set. I have a set of Gilbert tuners that only cost about $300. You can get Sloane or Waverly's for about $200 a set. Of course if you really wanted to spend big money, you could get Alessi or Rodgers tuners for about $700.

I got a pair of Fustero tuners from Guitar Salon International ($300)

These ones right here:

http://www.guitarsalon.com/include/getimage.php?boxcont_img=5259

[Nuclearfishin]

I got a pair of Fustero tuners from Guitar Salon International ($300)

These ones right here:

http://www.guitarsalon.com/include/getimage.php?boxcont_img=5259


Those will be SWEET! BTW, if the holes don't line up, make sure you drill the new holes carefully. It is really easy to drill the holes all the way through to the slot in the headstock. I did this once on one of the first guitars I made years ago!

[bchamorro]

omg the wholes didn't line up!!!

is drilling new wholes the way to go? Im going to have a tech drill them for me, should I go the new wholes or return the tuners?

[riffmeister]

omg the wholes didn't line up!!!

is drilling new wholes the way to go? Im going to have a tech drill them for me, should I go the new wholes or return the tuners?

are you talking about the screw holes not aligning with the originals, or the rollers (the white cylinders that the strings wind around) not lining up with the large holes in the headstock?

if it is screw holes not lining up, that is a very simple matter.......just drill new pilot holes. if the rollers are not lining up with the holes in the headstock, you need to return the tuners for another set with proper roller spacing.

[bchamorro]

Its the screw holes. I will have the tech drill new holes then.

The rollers fit perfectly fine.

[Nuclearfishin]

Its the screw holes. I will have the tech drill new holes then.

The rollers fit perfectly fine.

I kinda figured the screw holes might be an issue, however your new tuners should cover up the holes no problem. Having your tech do it is smart, so if there is a problem, he can take care of it.

[therealting]

The quality of tuning machines can make a huge difference... my 8-string classical guitar has Rodgers tuners which are probably worth more than some of my other guitars.