Tuning Key's

Rusty Rhoads · Post by **Rusty Rhoads** » 3 Nov 2010 8:55 am

I would like everybody's opinion wich are the best tuning key's you like on your steel guitar or guitar ?

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 3 Nov 2010 9:03 am

Rusty,I've got Grovers,Not sure what model?I like them a bunch,I've had bad luck with Schallers in the past,My Carter had Sperzles wasn't that crazy bout them either,Hey I'm looking forward to the case that you will be building.Hope things are going a little better for you.

Rusty Rhoads · Post by **Rusty Rhoads** » 3 Nov 2010 9:34 am

Thanks case's will be coming soon i dont like the old grover's to much

Steve Raulston · Post by **Steve Raulston** » 3 Nov 2010 9:51 am

Schaller's are a fine tuner. IMO

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 3 Nov 2010 9:57 am

Rusty,The Grovers that are on my guitar are a lot smaller than the old Grovers I'll try to find the model.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 3 Nov 2010 10:15 am

Have used Kluson, Schaller, Sperzel and Grover. I like the look and feel of the Mini-Grovers best of all.

edited to add:I'd vote for Schallers as second favorite....quality machines and nice feel, just prefer the look of the mini G's. JMO, FWIW.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 3 Nov 2010 10:45 am

Jerry,Thank you that's whatz on my guitar.

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 3 Nov 2010 1:01 pm

My old ShoBud had Grovers which stuck up a little bit so your left hand would hit them on occasion. My BMI has Sperzels which have a lower button and are just about even with the string height so that's not a problem anymore........JH in Va.

Walter Bowden · Post by **Walter Bowden** » 3 Nov 2010 2:01 pm

I replaced the original "butterfly" Klusons on my Emmons with Gotoh "butterbean" vintage style replacements and am very happy with the tuning, feel and look.
They are reasonably priced as well except you have to buy 2 sets to do 10 strings. Just my opinion. Walter

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 3 Nov 2010 3:31 pm

mini grovers hands down for me.

c.

Shorty Smith · Post by **Shorty Smith** » 3 Nov 2010 4:37 pm

Question for anyone, I have the original keys on my 1973 Emmons, wanted to put new one on, order 20 new keys, got them and on the back of each key was" made in Korea), so I decided I didn't want those keys on my Emmons and sent them back,anyone remark about keys made in Korea, thanks Shorty, PS I ordered some Tri-flow oil, oiled the old keys and they work like a charm

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 3 Nov 2010 4:47 pm

Shorty, what was wrong with the Korean tuners?

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 3 Nov 2010 4:58 pm

I'm pretty sure Grovers are not made in the USA anymore.

Eric Philippsen · Post by **Eric Philippsen** » 4 Nov 2010 12:55 am

Shorty,

The only replacement keys that will fit on your p/p Emmons are Gotoh brand keys. Kluson replacement keys will not fit because the string post diameter is less than that of the keyhead hole.

As for the country of manufacture, I do not believe ANY tuning keys are still made in the USA. Readers, please correct me if I'm wrong about that.

As for my tuning key preference, the "new" Grovers are kind oh hard to beat with their 18:1 gear ratio.

Billy Knowles · Post by **Billy Knowles** » 4 Nov 2010 3:39 am

I like Sperzel.

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 4 Nov 2010 5:14 am

I think Waverlys are still made here. Made more for acoustic instruments, tho.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 4 Nov 2010 7:20 am

The Sperzel's on my Super Pro seem to be working well, even after after 30+ years.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 4 Nov 2010 7:39 am

My p/p had the regular button style Klusons, but I always thought the tulip style keys looked classy on the old Emmons.

Allan Thompson · Post by **Allan Thompson** » 4 Nov 2010 8:07 am

My 1982 Push Pull came with Sperzels. Never had a problem with them.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 4 Nov 2010 8:40 am

Sperzel tuners are made in Cleveland.

Robert C. McKee · Post by **Robert C. McKee** » 6 Nov 2010 7:23 pm

I've a 1979 MSA D-10 Vintage XL that could use some new tuners. I'm beginning to notice a little bit of 'slop' in a couple of them. I don't know brand will fit. Do I tear one down and take measurements and go from there? I like the idea of the high ratio of the mini-g's, however I really like the idea of the Sperzels being made in the USA, Ohio yet! Any help is appreciated. Thanks...Bob

Mike Sigler · Post by **Mike Sigler** » 6 Nov 2010 7:48 pm

What makes the diffence rusty, you play outa tune anyway....Lol

Just jerkin your chain buddy... how are ya doing, I miss not jamming with ya, can't wait to see ya and pick on ya some more....
your still the bomb dude! oh yea... by the way, GO KEYLESS and you won't have to worry...

See ya soon buddy, you da man, have a great turkey day!
Your brother up north!
mikey

Kevin Mincke · Post by **Kevin Mincke** » 7 Nov 2010 6:33 am

The "new" Grovers are smaller and a 18:1 ratio vs the old 14:1. The link below are not the ones they specifically make for pedal steel though. I prefer these.
http://www.grotro.com/Mainoriginalrotos.html

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 7 Nov 2010 6:40 am

They also still make the 14 to 1 tuners. But they are probably smaller too. I have a set of 1933 Statites for sale cheap. $750.

Ron Davis · Post by **Ron Davis** » 7 Nov 2010 8:42 am

$750 tuners?!?

Do they tune themselves?

Just kidding, of course. That dang vintage price tag gets ya every time.

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