New tuners

Michael Robertson · Post by **Michael Robertson** » 30 Aug 2012 7:31 am

Where can I get new tuners for this 8 string Magnatone?
Four on a rack.
Thanks

Johann Uhrmann · Post by **Johann Uhrmann** » 30 Aug 2012 8:49 am

If you want to replace them because of the broken knobs-it's not necessary. You can get replacement knobs from Stewart-McDonald's(stewmac.com). They won't have the clear ones-but they'll have something that'll work. I think it's most important to match the pattern of the metal peg(rectangular shaft or round shaft) with the new knobs. I haven't done it, but I think you just remove the machines, heat the pegs up, and press the replacements on.

Geoff Cline · Post by **Geoff Cline** » 30 Aug 2012 9:01 am

eBay is your friend on this quest.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 30 Aug 2012 11:04 am

You won't be able to find replacement tuner buttons that match those found on your Magnatone very easily. However, replacement tuner buttons that will fit on those tuners are easily available everywhere.

My guess is that mandolin tuners are about the only other four on a side inline tuners out there, but you'd have to measure what you have to see if such tuners would fit.

I used to make stuff out of that same type of acrylic when I was a kid at the local Boy's Club, for what it's worth. It doesn't look like it would be very hard to drill a hole in some acrylic plastic of the right thickness to reproduce those, but I haven't done this sort of thing since I was 14 or so.

Richard Shatz · Post by **Richard Shatz** » 30 Aug 2012 4:32 pm

It will be almost impossible to find the exact replacement tuners with the same knobs. I suggest you take those off and replace them with something modern that fits. Preserve the originals.

Dom Franco · Post by **Dom Franco** » 5 Sep 2012 1:17 am

I have replaced tuner buttons with new ones from stewart Macdonald, and it's very easy. You just heat up the shaft and press on the new buttons (wearing an oven mitt)

However, removing the remaining buttons intact, is going to be nearly impossible. You will probably have to pry and break them off the shafts...
It also looks like you need to straighten out the shafts as well.

Don't use plyers or you will damage them...
You can drill a hole in a dowel rod or small piece of hardwood and use the leverage to make them straight again. Then put on the new buttons.
Dom