The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi all!!

Where can I find replacement tuning machines (whole she-bang) for a 50's Fender Champ?

Anyone selling any? I need two.

Thanks
Jay

If you're talking about the drop-in tuning pan as used on the Fender Champ, and not the individual tuning keys as used on the Champion, you're probably out of luck. Check with Ed Naylor, but don't hold your breath.

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Brad's Page of Steel:
www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Hi Brad,
Actually, I just need the tuners, the knobs are gone on mine and I'd like to replace them. I have the drop-in pan.

How do I get ahold of Ed Naylor (sorry if that is a dumb question, I'm pretty new to this forum)

Thanks
Jay

If you're in need just of tuner buttons, you should be able to find good quality replacements in any good music store that carries vintage instruments. Accurate reproductions of the Kluson 3-on-a-side plate tuners that are on Fenders are also fairly easy to come by. If you have trouble finding these things in your area, try Elderly Instruments.

Yeah elderley has them. I have a 49 or 50 Fender Champion too and put tuner buttons on it last year. You can't get any that are a perfect fit as the shafts have round shafts with little "wings" on them but if you ream out the rectangular holes in the replacement buttons by hand with the right size drill bit they will press on perfectly by hand. I used a pair of large pliers and it worked fine.