Which tuner to utilize?

[Marty Broussard]

I need to convert a 6-string “dobro” to a 7-stringer and would appreciate some advice on selecting a Banjo tuner (or other) to install/utilize for the area circled in red below. I need it to be as stable as possible. TIA for some help.

[David Knutson]

I’ve seen a couple of converted 7-stringers with a regular guitar tuner added to the end of the headstock, but I wonder if that’s a good idea so close to the endgrain.

[Jack Hanson]

When I converted this beater 1954 Ultratone from six strings to seven, I plugged the middle hole for the 5th string on the bass side, and drilled two new holes equidistant between the holes for the 4th and 6th string tuners.

I installed four of the six tuners from a Gotoh SD-91 (ala Fender) set on the bass side, and the three treble tuners from a Gotoh SD-90 (standard 3 x 3) set on the treble side.





Works for me...

[Larry Allen]

I added one to my Weissenborn with a banjo tuner.. tuner, nut and bridge.. I tune this down to E6 to ease up on the tension instead of G6..

[Marty Broussard]

Larry, do you think a banjo tuner would work utilizing standard Dobro tuning? Id line to use the banjo tuner for the typical “G” on the usual 3rd string.

[Larry Allen]

Hey Marty, I use it for my 4th string, the 6th of the chord.. Low-high E-G#-B-C#-E-G#-B..I think you could any way you wanted to.. I had one on a Dobro years ago , same setup. But in G. Low top high…G-B-D-E-G-B-D.. I used a set of Dobro strings that I could order a single string for the 4th.. 56-45-35-32-28-18-16 .. on the Weissenborn I use the same set up but lighter gauges

[Jeff Keyton]

I've got a roundneck tricone I'd like to add a string or 2 to, as well. Any ideas on sources for the banjer tuners and maybe where to get a tailpiece ?

[Marty Broussard]

Thank you Larry!!


Jeff, I’m going to start with Stew-Mac and try others if needed.(All Parts, Elderly,)

[Larry Allen]

I think I got mine from Banjo Ben’s In the late 90’s.. I also had a banjo buddy that bought a set and didn’t need them all and sold me 1.. there must be a Banjo website?? To check out? Larry

[Larry Allen]

Marty go on Amazon and go to Banjo tuning keys..Larry

[Larry Allen]

Here’s a couple more sources. Milisten set of 2. Or Planetary singles PB-324-325

[Marty Broussard]

Thanks Larry!

[Larry Allen]

I also drilled another hole and slotted it between the 3rd & 4th holes on the tailpiece, behind them.. (No pic guitar gone) also see if you want the string spacing a little wider? I did and made the nut and bridge to fit. I also got a Jon Pearse small bar for speed pickin’, It works well on tighter spacing. I made my nut / saddle spacing a measured wider..took my outer strings to the edges of the fingerboard..