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Thread: Richter Patent Tuners

  1. #1
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Richter Patent Tuners

    I came across a couple examples on ebay, and since (I think) they haven't been discussed here since 2007 (LINK), I thought I'd start a thread.

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    My question: Does anyone have an instrument using these unique 'brake cam' tuners in playing condition, and regular use? It's kind of a brilliant idea - except for the expense, intricacy, and the fact that I imagine slacking the strings to bring them 'up' to pitch (and indeed all aspects of real-world tuning) would be nightmarishly difficult. Other than that...
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  3. #2

    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    Quote Originally Posted by BradKlein View Post
    I came across a couple examples on ebay, and since (I think) they haven't been discussed here since 2007 (LINK), I thought I'd start a thread.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    My question: Does anyone have an instrument using these unique 'brake cam' tuners in playing condition, and regular use? It's kind of a brilliant idea - except for the expense, intricacy, and the fact that I imagine slacking the strings to bring them 'up' to pitch (and indeed all aspects of real-world tuning) would be nightmarishly difficult. Other than that...
    Hi BradKlien. My name is Mike and I'm the proud owner of the Richter tuners shown in the left 2 photos I purchased on Ebay and came from Poland. First time I've seen this type of tuner. I too would love to see see them in action on a working mandolin. Unfortunately these were attached only to the neck part of a mandolin.

  4. #3
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    Hey Mike. I'm surprised no one stepped forward with real life experience with these lovely oddities. But someday, I'm sure...
    BradKlein
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  5. #4
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    Im curious about the string path after it leaves the capstan on the front
    it goes around the roller?

    is it a 1:1 gear friction tuner . with a little Rube Goldberg touch?
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  6. #5
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    Quote Originally Posted by mandroid View Post
    is it a 1:1 gear friction tuner . with a little Rube Goldberg touch?
    I imagine that the string goes around the 1:1 post, then around the cam, so that the tension on the string applies a 'brake' preventing the tuner from moving.
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  7. #6
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    FWIW, Friction tuners, on a short scale steel string is a real PITA to get on Pitch.

    I suppose it needs all the help it can get ..

    So , Put Nylon strings in their place .. the elasticity makes it a bit easier ..

    [Kawlija my mandolin fingerboard Banjo uke ...with a wooden 'Head'.]
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  8. #7

    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    I have one of the pocket mandolin with the richter tuning machines, I need 3 of the brass knobs with screws. some may have
    a junk box.
    cosmartt@comcast.net

  9. #8

    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    I have my grandfathers mandolin that I just restored. All of the tuners are in tact. Love it!
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  11. #9
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    How nice to see this thread revived!
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  13. #10
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    Looks like a "pocket" mandolin. German made?
    Allen Hopkins
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  14. #11
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    Default Re: Richter Patent Tuners

    Very cool! More photos would be nice. I have one of these that someone gave to me, which I am cleaning up. (I won't say how long this project has lasted so far. ) So far I've just been cleaning the tuners up. It has had a hard life and I'm not sure I'm up to any real restoration work. I'll see if I can get some pix posted.

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