Gotoh Kluson Locking Tuners

[The Rooter]

Gotoh Kluson Locking Tuners - SD90MG

There's been some talk in the Epiphone section of this community but I haven't seen anyone talk about trying these with one of the reissues. I have an R8 that I would like to try these on but I don't want to do any modification to the headstock. Has anyone tried these tuners on an historic model?
Thanks,
The Rooter

[NXC1978]

those are pretty sweet, but I don't think there is much of a need for them on a historic. I can only speak for mine, but it stays in tune all day and I have never even considered changing out the tuners. You know what they say..If it aint broke...

[led better]

The Gotoh SD90MG tuners will work fine with your Historic.

I have them installed on all of mine (2 R7's and a R6).

You need to remove and replace the bushings too. If you get an actual Gotoh set from Japan (cardboard box), they will come with a punch to remove the factory bushings. If you buy the Allparts version, they come in a plastic package without the punch.

You have to re-use the factory mounting screws, as the ones Gotoh includes are way too long.

Why install them?

Because I hate the stubby little string posts on Historics. Takes too long to change strings, and there's too little room between the E and A strings as it is. There's also way less chance of scratching your headstock during a string change. And the Gotoh tuners have a higher gear ratio, which makes tuning easier.

[The Rooter]

Deleted

[The Rooter]

Thanks led better!

It's nice to hear from someone that's used these tuners. And thanks for the advice. So, I can switch the bushings for the Gotohs ones without any modification, right?

Also, could you say anything about the tuning stability? I mean, I know that you like the longer posts and the faster string changes, but do the Gotohs hold the tuning any better? That's my main concern.

Thanks again,
The Rooter

[led better]

Right, the factory bushings come out, the Gotohs go in. You can reverse the process, and no one will ever be able to tell they were swapped.

It's not really that the Gotoh posts are much longer, just that with the factory posts I find it hard to get the "proper" wrap on the strings. A lot easier when you just poke the string through a little hole & tune up.

I've never had a problem with tuning stability on my Historics, so I can't be of much help there.

Quality wise, the Gotoh tuners appear to be the equal of what comes on a Historic (the factory tuners do say "Japan" on the back).

[Loserface300]

I second the proper wrap.....


i always Lock wrap my strings, espeically on my Dinky.

[emejia]

Led Better - Great info. I just bought a set of the Gotoh tuners to install on my 04 Std. I did have a couple of questions I was hoping you could answer. First, I bought from Allparts, so I probably won't get the punch you mentioned. How hard is it to remove the original bushings? I don't want to bang on the headstock and risk splitting it. How did you get yours out? Also, how hard is it to remove the screws. They seem small, and in the past, I've managed to strip the head or even break off the screw. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[led better]

I've not done this to a Standard, and I think your bushings may be of a larger diameter than those on a Historic. If you order the Gotoh kit, the bushings that come with it may be too small.

Stu-Mac (Stewart MacDonald guitar parts) should have the bushings you need, if this turns out to be the case.

I'd highly suggest having a good luthier do this if you feel uncomfortable. The right amount of force to use on the bushings, and the right amount of torque for the screws is a feel you will develop over time. Only you can make this call, but I'd sure think about it.

Here's how I do mine...

1) Remove the strings, tailpiece, bridge, and old tuners. Put a small piece of masking tape on the bridge thumbwheels to keep them from turning.

2) Place the guitar on the stand, insert the punch, and gently tap out the old bushings. I support the headstock with one hand (from the front) while doing this. Never, ever, do this without supporting the headstock.

Note: If you don't have a punch, an old drill bit inserted backwards (hammer the pointy end of the bit) will work.

3) Place the new bushing into the hole. It'll go about halfway in by hand. I then stick a small stubby Philips screwdriver through the bushing from the front of the headstock, and use my left thumb and finger to pinch the bit tightly from the rear (kind if like you're trying to pull the bushing through with your fingers). With the screwdriver under finger tension from behind, I lean the guitar slightly forward in the stand and tap the screwdriver handle ONCE with a small hammer (in my right hand) while also supporting the headstock from behind with my left (screwdriver pinching) thumb and fingers. Tightly pinch the screwdriver again & repeat. It usually takes me 4 or 5 taps to get the bushing seated all the way in.

4) Insert the new tuners (re-use the original screws) and start each screw by hand. Slowly tighten the tuner screws until they're snug (just use a thumb and one finger to turn the screwdriver). Here's where you'll strip a screw if you use too much force, so be careful.

5) Reverse the actions in step 1, and you're done.

There may be a better way to do this, but I've used this method without a problem on my 3 Historics.

Good luck!

[emejia]

Led Better, outstanding information. Thank you for the prompt, detailed reply. I'll certainly consider taking it to a repair shop. I'd rather pay to have new tuners installed than to pay to have a headstock repaired. Thanks again.

[The Rooter]

Hey led better,

I got the tuners, installed them with the stock bushings left in place, and everything is working out perfectly. I love these tuners!

Thanks for the advice.

Best,

The Rooter