Sperzel Tuning Machines

Martin Weenick · Post by **Martin Weenick** » 4 May 2003 12:04 am

I have a 1991 Emmons LeGrande III that has the factory stock Grover tuners on it. I am not happy with these tuners especially the ones for the 3 lower strings. ( the 10th string is the worst offender) It is way too sensitive to suit me. Its too easy to go sharp when using this tuner. I am wondering if there is a LOWER GEARED tuner available. I noticed the tuners on the new MSA are Sperzel lazered tuners. These are massive looking tuners that look like they might be what I'm looking for. I cant find any information on the gear ratios to compare the Sperzel's with the Grovers. I dont know if they will even fit on the LeGrande without having to do machine work. Does anyone have any information on the different gear ratios for different tuning machines? I cant get any information from Sperzel's web site because they are not WEB-TV friendly. Anyone using the Sperzel Lazered tuners on a LeGrande? Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Martin.

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Martin W. Emmons LG III 3/5 Peavy 1000

George Wixon · Post by **George Wixon** » 4 May 2003 3:39 am

Martin,
Grover also makes a locking tuner. It has a 18 to 1 gear ratio which is much higher than the standard 14 to 1 ratio so you have to turn it more to get the string to move. Stewart MacDonald has these.
George

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 4 May 2003 7:28 am

Hey Martin,
You might try the BMI company which is now run by Don Fritsche in Arkansas. I don't have the address in front of me or I'd give it to you. My S-12 BMI came standard with Sperzel tuners which I really like as they're also a low profile and don't stick up higher than the nut so you don't run your bar hand into them. Someone on her would probably know how to get a hold of Don. I have the info at work but not with me right now. If someone doesn't come on with it I'll try to get it to you........JH

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

Waisznor · Post by **Waisznor** » 4 May 2003 8:50 am

I have Sperzel-tuners in my late Push Pull. Looks that they are installed from the Emmons factory.

Horst

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 4 May 2003 9:31 am

We used Sperzels at Dekley. They were promoted as having no backlash in their gears, which of course is impossible. However I've never had the slightest problem with Sperzels on my 20+ year old Dekley.

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Jim Smith jimsmith94@attbi.com
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden D-12 9&9=-
-=Emmons D-12 push pull 9&4 (soon to be 9&9)=-
Stereo Steel rig w/Boss GX-700
IVL SteelRider w/JV-880

Eddie D.Bollinger · Post by **Eddie D.Bollinger** » 5 May 2003 8:53 pm

I Ordered a new Emmons in 1995. It came in
with the poorest excuse for tuning keys
that I had ever witnessed. Emmons promptly
replaced the "Grover" copies with more
"Grover" copies. The main housing of the
tuner was plastic. (The stabilizing finger
broke very easily)However, the whole guitar
was trouble, it was "Lemonish".
My "98 Carter came with Sperzels and I
would never trust any other key. They are
tops with me.IMHO--

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Eddie B.
Carter D-10
8 & 2many
msm@tycom.net