Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

[Darg1911]

Split shaft machines ... I know that they still make them in a 6 in-line for a vintage Fender thing. There may be others making them but I don't know of any. Is there not a market for them or is there some type of flaw in the design for guitar? Obviously they are the standard for Bass guitars.

[Silence Kid]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

They're my preference for sure. Can't think of a down-side to having them vs. the 'regular' hole tuners.

Some '80s G&Ls have Schaller branded diamond tuners with the split (and the shaft is engineered to pull the string down toward the surface of the headstock for maximum break angle.)

[Zombiwoof]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

I recall seeing some Grovers years ago that were 3+3 config. with the split shaft, but they were only around for a short time. They were the Rotomatic type, not the vintage Kluson style. I thought it was a good idea, as for years I only had a Strat and was used to the split-shaft Klusons.
Al

[Darg1911]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Interesting.

I just saw that Kluson still makes a vintage style with the split shaft. Available with the oval metal button style only but at least it's something, I guess.

[Mincer]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

They are a good idea, and you really should see more of them. I'd love them combined with a locking design- I don't know if I've ever seen that.

[Darg1911]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

They are a good idea, and you really should see more of them. I'd love them combined with a locking design- I don't know if I've ever seen that.

Would you really see a locking split shaft as having any advantage over a regular locking machine?

[Jeff_H]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Callaham makes and sells them. I have them on my strat and love them.

[treyhaislip]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Used to like them but switched over to the locking tuners and haven't looked back...still have a brand new black gotoh set for a project that I never completed.

EDIT: Still use them on my bass though

[Mincer]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Would you really see a locking split shaft as having any advantage over a regular locking machine?

Well, it wouldn't have to wind around the post, so string changes would be fast. That is what I'd care about.

[Silence Kid]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Either way, locking tuners ought to have only minimal (if any) wrapping; usually only measurable amounts of wrap if you use a floating bridge and need to keep re-tuning up when replacing strings.

If a slot tuner was locking, I'd think the locking mechanism ought to still be 'higher up' on the tuner, to avoid the string hitching on the center hole; on the other hand for stringing ease, it would be handy to have a lock in the center, so you could just: stick, lock, bend, tune. Not sure if what I'm saying is coming across properly.

Btw, it's amazing how few online purveyors of guitars seem to know how to string slot tuners any more. Always great when you hear a guitar received a 'professional setup' and see the string ends sticking out...

(Happened when my dad got his G&L among other instances) :

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

If you wrap the string as intended, there's no need for a lock...the string locks itself on one shoulder of the post as comes out of the center hole.

As stated above, the real advantage of locking tuners is in the speed of restringing. A quality machine, with a quality string wound properly, should not slip.

Bill

[Jeff_H]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

I'm really big on trimming the string ends close. Nothing worse than a sharp piece of metal waiting to cut you at the first opportunity. The tech I've been using here for complete rewires and cutting saddle slots, does good work, but is sloppy with the string ends, as above. Frustrating.

[Darg1911]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Either way, locking tuners ought to have only minimal (if any) wrapping; usually only measurable amounts of wrap if you use a floating bridge and need to keep re-tuning up when replacing strings.

If a slot tuner was locking, I'd think the locking mechanism ought to still be 'higher up' on the tuner, to avoid the string hitching on the center hole; on the other hand for stringing ease, it would be handy to have a lock in the center, so you could just: stick, lock, bend, tune. Not sure if what I'm saying is coming across properly.

Btw, it's amazing how few online purveyors of guitars seem to know how to string slot tuners any more. Always great when you hear a guitar received a 'professional setup' and see the string ends sticking out...

(Happened when my dad got his G&L among other instances) :

Kinda defeats the point of the slotted/safety posts.

[Zombiwoof]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Interesting.

I just saw that Kluson still makes a vintage style with the split shaft. Available with the oval metal button style only but at least it's something, I guess.

Many companies make the split shaft vintage tuners, Kluson, Gotoh, PingWorks (used on the cheaper Fenders), and I think Grover, and I think there are more Asian ones. I thought you were talking about a modern cast tuner with a split shaft.
Al

[Zombiwoof]

Re: Split shaft tuning machines ... dumb question?

Used to like them but switched over to the locking tuners and haven't looked back...still have a brand new black gotoh set for a project that I never completed.

EDIT: Still use them on my bass though

More than one company makes a vintage Kluson type tuner that has a locking post. Gotoh, Kluson, Wilkinson come to mind.
Al