New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

[twoheadedboy]

Hi there. I have what appears to be an Epiphone SG G-400 sitting here. However, this one didn't come with grover tuners. I think it's pretty old. I recently tossed a new pickup in it just out of curiosity, because I had noticed that the guitar played really well, sounded nice acoustically, and was very resonant. I was in luck, and with the pickup switch, the guitar sounded really awesome plugged in. However, it doesn't really stay in tune. Could somebody kindly recommend some nice replacement tuners? The current ones are the rectangular shaped epiphone ones that are covered and screw into the headstock with two screws. Thanks dudes.

 

[bluey@sunni]

Re: New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

Try Schaller St 6, they may be a direct replacement so no drilling(?), I'm looking at my early '80's Schaller pamplet.

Go and check out the local guitar store they may have just what you need.

Q. Have you given the tuners a wiggle test, do they have slack? It maybe that they are worn or the strings are getting hung up in the nut.

Take one off and have a look, remove the one that goes out the most and it will probably be the G string (Nobody wants to loose tension in their G string.)
If the mating surfaces are curved where the worm and pinion meet then buy new tuners, Epi G-400's are great fun for AC/DC covers and Angus just turned 50 and would never forgive you!

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

do you want a direct replace ment or are you willing to put a few new holes in the headstock???

 

[twoheadedboy]

Re: New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

I'd rather not mess up the headstock if possible. The tuners do have slack, and the strings also slip fairly easy on the pegs. I'm also replacing the nut and saddles with graph-tech, so this is just part of the work i'm doing on this guitar. I'm also going to be sanding the sticky laquer off the back of the neck to create a nice slippery surface. Normally I wouldn't put this kind of work into a guitar I paid $100 for, but it sounds KILLER.

 

[lex666]

Re: New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

Stew Mac has a nice selection of tuners. They also list dimensions, so that may help you choose new tuners.

Watch out for tuners that were made to fit gibsons, tho. I think the gibson ones have a shorter shaft and might sit too low on your epi...

 

[The Owl]

Re: New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

Hi there. I have what appears to be an Epiphone SG G-400 sitting here. However, this one didn't come with grover tuners. I think it's pretty old. I recently tossed a new pickup in it just out of curiosity, because I had noticed that the guitar played really well, sounded nice acoustically, and was very resonant. I was in luck, and with the pickup switch, the guitar sounded really awesome plugged in. However, it doesn't really stay in tune. Could somebody kindly recommend some nice replacement tuners? The current ones are the rectangular shaped epiphone ones that are covered and screw into the headstock with two screws. Thanks dudes.

As a G-400 owner myself, I ditto everyone's recommendations and add to the list Sperzel's (w/ locking feature).

I know it's done for looks, but still why anyone, even Gibson would still insist on putting those horrid cheap Kluson tuners on an otherwise high-quality axe is beyond my comprehension.

 

[Dooogz]

Re: New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

I think my epi could benefit from some new tuning machnes, oh well! its ok!

 

[twoheadedboy]

Re: New tuning machines for Epiphone SG?

I've never owned a set of locking tuners. I'm not sure they'd be right for me because I often find myself tuning on the fly (as in, mid-song or mid chord while) on stage. How well do the locking tuners work if you don't lock them down?