Epiphone Deluxe Kluson-style tuners any good?

Rex_Rocker

Rex_Rocker

Well-known member
I've got an Epi 1959 on the way, and I'm preparing to hotrod it. I love modding my guitars and making them my own. I've already thought about replacing the pickups, the bridge and tailpiece for Gotoh, and I wonder if the tuners should be replaced or will the stock ones be good enough? I want to place the order so that everything gets here at the same time. What are you guys' experiences?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
I believe Epiphone generally uses either Wilkinson (don't know the model) or Grover 135 die-cast vintage 14:1 Kluson-style tuners, just branded Epiphone. On the web site, the 1959 looks like it's using rebranded Grovers.

The next level up might be Grover 133s and/or Wilkinson WJ44s which are 15:1 and appear to be stamped (though unknown if they are steel casing or not).

The Kluson Deluxe KD-3 are 15:1 and are actual stamped steel casings and would be the next level.

Better tuners will be heavier, so there's that. Those options keep the same visual. If you really want to improve the tuners, then you can start looking at locking types, or Grover Rotomatics, Kluson Revolution, etc.

If it were me, I'd play the stock ones for a couple weeks and see if you notice anything that is making you feel they really need to be replaced; like play in the rotation or wobble in the post when stringing, etc.
 
Not that it really matters any (because we're not no-life-having forum naht-zees constantly scanning for that which does not follow zee forum guidelines, am-i-right?), but I've had this topic post-jump happen to myself before.

So yes, forum gremlins.

SD really needs to switch from vBulletin.
 
Well, I tried to move this to the right room, but the software isn't behaving today. BTW, the stock tuners are fine. If I was going to change them, I'd put on some good locking ones.
 
Oh, did I post it in the wrong forum? Sorry!

Yeah, going to look into Gotoh locking tuners, but I'll give these a shot before.
 
Last edited:
Rex_Rocker said:
Oh, did I post it in the wrong forum? Sorry!

Yeah, going to look into Gotoh locking tuners, but I'll give these a shot before.
Click to expand...

I have locking Gotoh SD90s on both of my SGs, and they've been great. I'm not sure what size post holes those Epi tuners use, but I needed 10mm conversion bushings.
 
I’m telling you lol…they’re fine. The only vintage style Klusons that have ever given me problems are old ones that stayed in the same position for decades, and that’s whether they’re cheapo import or US made.

Most people who claim tuning issues and replace tuners should look at nut slots first.
 
Im not a fan of Vintage Klusons at all. -but I'd play them and evaluate them when you get them and see, maybe they are great.

If you are hotrodding, I'd put Grover Rotomatics 14:1 or 18:1 on any 3+3 style headstock if it were me. They are the best feeling and functioning of the 3+3s tuners
 
formula73 said:
I’m telling you lol…they’re fine. The only vintage style Klusons that have ever given me problems are old ones that stayed in the same position for decades, and that’s whether they’re cheapo import or US made.

Most people who claim tuning issues and replace tuners should look at nut slots first.
Click to expand...

+1

Definitely agree that improperly cut nut slots are the #1 culprit for tuning issues. That being said I've had at least two OEM tuner sets that ended up having issues that required replacement. The original 'Gibson Deluxe' tuners on my 2007 SG Standard had pretty bad post wobble on at least 2 of the tuners, and I could never keep it in tune. My 2003 SG Special had the same tuners and they were fine; I swapped them because I wanted locking tuners with a Bigsby. The second set that needed swapping were the Grover Rotomatics on my 1998 Guild DV-6. They didn't wobble, but they had so much slop that it was difficult to get it into tune in the first place. Both of those guitars have been problem-free since swapping to Gotohs; SD90s on the SG and SG-301s on the Guild.
 
I'm not a fan of deluxe klusons either..I've yanked them off of 3 Gibsons and replaced them with gotoh and grover lockers and have been happier for it..

But I would certainly try them first, yours may be just fine.
 
Well, these new Epiphones come with Graphtech nuts, and I'm having it professionally setup for 11-56's, so I should be good in the nut department.
 
I wasn't impressed with the Epiphone Deluxe tuners that came on my Les Paul Special, so I swapped them for Kluson Revolution 19:1 tuners and tuning stability improved. I think the Grovers used on Epiphones are better than the Epiphone Deluxe tuners.
 
I am a longtime enemy of the Klusons. Get the Schallers if you must have Klusons - but don't get Klusons.

They might be fine, but why worry. Go with something 20:1 or higher!
 
Aceman said:
I am a longtime enemy of the Klusons. Get the Schallers if you must have Klusons - but don't get Klusons.

They might be fine, but why worry. Go with something 20:1 or higher!
Click to expand...

Definitely prefer Schallers!

but honestly machine quality > ratio.

Gear Ratio is not a significant factor in tuning accuracy as some machine head makers make it out to be.

It's all about machine fitting of the worm and pinion gears to keep friction and prevent slack is the key.

A 13:1 Sperzell is a better and more accurate tuner than an18:1 or 20:1 Kluson, Gotoh, or Ping every day of the week because that is their emphasis.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Epiphone LP Goldtop
Replies
9
Views
121
Sam SG
S
80's_Metal
Kluson Deluxe Gibson tuners
Replies
0
Views
169
80's_Metal
80's_Metal
S
NGD: Vintage Explorer awaits....
Replies
16
Views
375
Securb
Securb
Rex_Rocker
Are Guyker tuners any good?
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
RanchManSandy
R
Ashurbanipal
Wishful NGD and ruminations - Yamaha FG9 and FS9
Replies
6
Views
308
Ashurbanipal
Ashurbanipal
Back
Top