What is your favorite Vintage Gibson style tuning machine / tuner replacement

[shawntp]

I currently have a Gibson 2003 Les Paul Classic that came with "Gibson Deluxe" tuning machines. I have already upgraded all the electronics and am about to spend $300 to switch to a full pigtail TOM bridge assembly.

I figure while I am at it - I might as well throw in some new tuning machines for kicks. The people I have spoke with have said that while the electronics/bridge system were not great on on my model - that the tuning machines were actually pretty decent (noted that they were most likely made by Gotah).

Just to clarify - I am talking about these:

Is there any replacement with the same vintage Gibson aesthetics that is considered to be head and shoulders above what I already have? I know Sperzels are great (had them on a Collings) but I am not into the looks (on my Les Paul at least).

The more reading I do - I keep getting lead to Grover ...but at the same time I read about how many of their parts are made overseas in a new factory and that the quality may have gone down.

 

[JefeMaximo]

Tone Pros Kluson.

 

[MarcJ]

Definately Tone Pros Klusons. I've got 'em on my lp standard and '61 reissue sg. I've got the satin nickel finish, they look great and are good quality tuners.

 

[shawntp]

I came across this thread:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/39944-vintage-style-gibson-deluxe-tuners-vs-grover-tuners.html

It seems that people flock to either Grover or Kluson tuners for Les Pauls. Lots of comments on that forum seemed to favor the Grovers. Seems like grovers are a heavier/higher mass material?

I read about old vs new Grovers also though so I am not sure if the recipe has changed with overseas production or if the Grover Vintage Deluxe is of the same quality as the Rotomatics. People talk about the Grovers and differentiate between the old USA ones and the new ones that are literally $40.

 

[panoramic]

take into consideration you do not want to add extra holes on your headstock

 

[shawntp]

Yeah - I do not want to have to drill new holes. I suppose I should wait until the bridge job is done (that with some fresh chapstick on the nut) and see if I have any tuning problems before I buy anything. Kluson is sounding like the better option - much of the acclaim for Grover is for older products. Its funny that the Gibson branded tuners are the most expensive at ~$80 (and they are probably just $30 Gotah tuners)