Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

[makeuacaster]

Well, thought I would like it . . . but I don't. Not the topic though . . . Will I run into any issues removing the G Force from my Firebird?

Also . . . what machines might you recomend to replicate the ones I'm taking off?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

Depends on the firebird. The originals used banjo tuners, some others both then and now have the headstock changed up so regular guitar ones work.

 

[makeuacaster]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

Main issue is removing the G Force. Then I will replace with 6-in-line tuners but want to closely duplicate the original look.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

Very easy. Just remove the nuts on the top of the headstock, and the whole assembly will fall free.

Luckily, G Force tuners leave no tiny holes on the bottom of the headstock, so all you have to do is buy a set of Grovers.

Lightly install the new tuners, line them up accordingly, and use an awl or nail to mark the new alignment holes. Don't be dumb and drill all the way through the headstock!

My preference is Kluson, but Grover is the other tuner Gibson uses, and is probably what your Firebird should have. Don't buy anything else or your Gibson will lose value, especially if the mini hole pattern differs.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

Steinberger gearless.

And say ouch !!!

 

[Thundermtn]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

I have some 18:1 Grovers and am really happy with them. I could spend more but they are a real good value, hold tune really well and are smooth.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

Steinberger gearless.

And say ouch !!!

This was my thought. The Steinberger tuners work very very well.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

This was my thought. The Steinberger tuners work very very well.

They just seem to "fit" the Firebird. But, nobody sells them. I think Stew Mac was last to carry them and they haven't for a while now. Gibson apparently isn't making them available as parts. Funny thing is, if you search, you'll find them used for $300 or more. Gibson puts them on the current Firebird T which is "only" $1500. They were also used on the 2013 LP Future Tributes which were sub 1K guitars. Yet ... $300 plus for used Steinberger tuners. It's nuts. I'm surprised one of the Gibson laborers hasn't figured out that sneaking a set or two out the back door every so often could make him/her some decent, extra coin on Ebay or Reverb. :fingersx:

 

[blakejcan]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

I have a bird with steinbergers

my favorite tuners by far. and look great on the bird. and not not nearly as nose-divey as banjos

 

[Wattage]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

Man I had those Steinbergers on a guitar and I think I gave them away.....did not like them at all

I'd go with the new Kluson 'Bird/Banjo style tuners or a good set of mini six inlines

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

There is a guy (Alpaca Guitar) making, what he claims to be, drop in replacements for Steinberger gearless. They are "industrial" cool if not ugly and do look like he makes them in a home workshop (he probably does). But hey, they may just work well. He sells on Etsy and Fleapay. I think they are 100 bucks for a set of 6. 40:1 effective "gear" ratio like the Steinbergers. No knobs up top. Adjustment all underneath the headstock.

Not endorsing or suggesting these things in any way. Just came across them and thought it was fitting to mention them because of this thread. https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/464275278/alpaca-pull-linear-tuning-machine?ref=related-3

 

[RandomToneGuy]

Re: Need to remove the G Force from my Firebird

There is a guy (Alpaca Guitar) making, what he claims to be, drop in replacements for Steinberger gearless. They are "industrial" cool if not ugly and do look like he makes them in a home workshop (he probably does). But hey, they may just work well. He sells on Etsy and Fleapay. I think they are 100 bucks for a set of 6. 40:1 effective "gear" ratio like the Steinbergers. No knobs up top. Adjustment all underneath the headstock.

Not endorsing or suggesting these things in any way. Just came across them and thought it was fitting to mention them because of this thread. https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/464275278/alpaca-pull-linear-tuning-machine?ref=related-3

I assume the same, it says handmade item on the right. I would like to try some at least ounce.

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