The Steel Guitar Forum

Friends

I'm trying to get my Gibson Console up and running. The tuning pegs come in pairs, are open-face, chrome and have the same spacing as mandolin tuners. I really only need one pair, or parts from one pair, or a complete set if a different configuration. I realise these are rare, but there must be some laying around somewhere...
If anyone has any wisdom to share, I'd really appreciate! I also have JPEGs, if need be.
Thanks again, Howard

I've been hanging back on answering, hoping for some good news myself. I have six CG's myself. I've never tracked down a parts source for these. (Had a couple of good leads but nothing materialized.) I ended up turning one of my guitars into a parts guitar. Unfortunately, I've used the tuners off of it, so I don't have any to offer. Rich

Howard, maybe you could have them fabricated yourself. You can get the standard Kluson tuners just about anywhere, but you'll have to have a machine shop make up the little metal holder for them, which shouldn't be too hard - two bends, 8 holes. Did you see my reply in Buy & Sell about replacing the buttons? Because if that's your only problem, then you're on easy street.

Chris & Rich: Thanks for your responses. I was told these tuners were custom-made for Gibson and just aren't available..BUT I haven't given up yet! The pair in question has its gears pretty torn up. Its more than replacing buttons. One idea I'm working on is replacing the whole set with mandolin tuners, if I can find the appropriate ones. There must be a way to remedy these, and when I get to the bottom of it, I'll let you know Chris! If there really is no parts stash to be had, then I'll make'em myself..
Any wisdom from anyone else would be greatly appreciated!
Howard

Howard,
I got a 7/8 Console Grande a couple years ago and 3-4 of the tuners would not hold. They had the threads stripped. I removed the tuner heads and replaced the tuners with Waverly "Vintage Style Tuning Machines" purchased from Stewart-MacDonald of Athens, Ohio. The shaft holes in the tuning head frame had to be enlarged about 1/64 and the tuner mounts had to be shortened very slightly.
I know that what I did probably diminished the value of the CG but it worked and the guitar is now playable and holds tuning perfectly. The change is hardly noticeable unless you remove the tuning head frame.

Loy,
Thanks for your response! I'm familiar with Stewart-Macdonald, they have most everything, parts-wise. How do the Waverly's come? Individual or in a strip?
Can you clarify what you mean by the " shaft holes in the tuning head frame had to be enlarged about 1/64 and the tuner mounts had to be shortened very slightly". Did you use any parts from the original tuners, or were you able to use the Waverlys as is?
At this point, I'm more concerned with getting this Console fully operational, so I'm with you, in terms of 'value'. I'll check in with the S-M folks also. I am grateful for your advise.
Howard

Well, thanks for everyone's inputs and advise!! I was able to track down a strip of identical tuners (6-a-row), and hand machine two pairs, using my original spindles.
It took some doing, but all is good now with my Console! For those in need of obscure parts, I'd recommend "Tombstone Music" in Clackamas, Oregon! Friendly, helpful and fighting the battle against Guitar Center sprawl...Their number is 503-657-0929.
Quicker than electin' a President.....!
Howard