### Machine Heads / Tuners UPGRADE ###

[Manuel_Sevilla]

Hi, here's Manuel from Italy.
In order to replace the tuners of my acoustic guitar I'm getting informations for the right job. I have an Epiphone EJ160e with Kluson style Vintage tulip tuners which fits 21/65" holes. The guitar has a Gibson j45 shape with a vintage look ... is a Epi EJ160e John Lennon signature to be precise.

At the moments Gibson use - Gotoh “Press In Bushing” format, 21/65" - on reissue and vintage acoustic models and - Large Hole/Bolt Bushing format, 25/65" - on standard/modern acoustics. I think Taylors mount - Large Hole/Bolt Bushing format, 25/65" on every acoustic. I don't mind to drill my guitar (I mean let the luthier do it) to swap to 25/65" sealed bolt format, but just if it means noticiable sound improvements !!

So here's few questions for Luthiers :

1) Replace those parts (vintage “Press In Bushing” format, 21/65") with a full sealed format machines (Large Hole/Bolt Bushing format, 25/65") will improve, in a noticeable manner, the sound/tone performance of the instrument ?

2) Best - Kluson Style vintage tulip “Press In Bushing” format, 21/65" - tuners machines ?

3) Best - Kluson Style vintage tulip Large Hole/Bolt Bushing format, 25/65" - tuners machines ?

4) In general better Gotoh or ToneprosKluson for this kind of stuff ?

Thanks in advance
M.F.

[fumbler]

Welcome to TGP.

Why do you want new tuners? Do you have tuning stability issues? Then it's probably the nut; not the tuners. Or is one of your tuners broken/damaged?

If you're just trying to improve your tone then you might want to try different types, brands and gauges of strings. Even changing your pick will have more of an effect than your tuners.

If your new tuners have a different mass than the old ones then they may change the resonance of your neck. This is pretty much the only effect that they have on your tone. And it's impossible to predict whether it will be an improvement. Do an easy test first by putting a metal clamp on your headstock (cloth covered to protect your finish).

[Manuel_Sevilla]

I'm considering to upgrade the cheap and old (1993) standard tuners ...
I know tuners do not play a big tone role, the point is: does the sealed bolt format a step ahead than "press in bushing" format ?
I saw that both ToneprosKluson and Gotoh upgrade their standard "press in bushing" formats to new and more efficent "press in bushing" systems to get closer to the tight and stable post sealed bolt format.

I know we are not landing on Mars, but just trying to do a good job for the right price.