Harmony Batwing Mandolin H 8026

**HawkinsCountyGrass** · Jul-06-2014, 10:18pm

Hello. I have an old Harmony Batwing mandolin that has a messed up set of tuning machines. -- To be exact, one of the knobs is broken and missing.

Obviously, I want to replace it as inexpensively as possible but am having a lot of trouble finding a set that will work. Can you help?

**mrmando** · Jul-07-2014, 12:26am

This needs to be in the Classifieds.

**GKWilson** · Jul-07-2014, 12:37am

HGC. Welcome to the Cafe.
That's a nice looking Batwing. I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you.
But, you may want to ask on the 'Builders and Repair' thread.
Good Luck.
Gary

**Steve L** · Jul-07-2014, 5:48am

Why should this be in the classifieds? He wants a recommendation of tuners that will work on his instrument.

**bart mcneil** · Jul-07-2014, 6:03am

Those are standard tuners,,,, The holes in the headstock are standard dimensions, nothing unique. There is no problem replacing the whole unit or replacing the knobs with new plastic ones. Normally the old tuner mechanisms are fine but may need cleaning. or just knob replacement. Google stewart macdonald.com for instrument parts. These normally come with instructions or you can find instructions on the internet, Google "replace mandolin tuner knobs".

Very nice looking instrument... much nicer than mine.

if the tuners are binding (causing the broken knob) then remove them and use a small round file to enlarge the holes slightly,,,, Just a few strokes with the file will cure the binding problem.

**mrmando** · Jul-07-2014, 6:15am

Originally Posted by Steve L

Why should this be in the classifieds? He wants a recommendation of tuners that will work on his instrument.

Well, that's one way of looking at it, I suppose.

I just thought he wanted tuners.

**Dave Greenspoon** · Jul-07-2014, 8:36am

There's another thread that asked a similar question. I suggested the basic Stew-Mac replacements. For just over $20+ shipping you can't go wrong.

**MikeEdgerton** · Jul-07-2014, 9:53am

I know y'all mean well but has anyone noticed that's an imported Harmony batwing? That means it may not have the same post spacings as the American built Harmony mandolins and nobody has asked the OP to measure the posts. You're making recommendations without even asking for the basics. He already got one set of "standard" tuners that doesn't fit.

**bart mcneil** · Jul-07-2014, 10:37am

If that is the case then use the existing tuners with replacement knobs. That would seem to be the easiest route.

I was of the impression that the problem with tuners had to do with poorly drilled holes, not with intentionally different hole spacing. In which case you could plug the holes with suitable dowel rods and re-drill the holes with proper spacing for standard tuners. But that sounds like a lot of detailed work.,,,, Use the old tuners if at all possible. the gears appear to be good??? (from the photo).

**Rodney Riley** · Jul-07-2014, 10:39am

Originally Posted by mrmando

This needs to be in the Classifieds.

In other words post a "Wanted, tuners for..." In the classifieds.

**MikeEdgerton** · Jul-07-2014, 2:58pm

I'm talking to him in a PM about getting the measurement of the post spacing.

**Timbofood** · Jul-07-2014, 3:30pm

Thanks Mike! Once again, good guys take care of the new searcher! Good for you.

**mrmando** · Jul-07-2014, 4:53pm

Here's that other thread: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...armony-batwing

I thought perhaps we had two different threads about the same instrument, but it appears otherwise.

Seems like a button graft ought to be the simplest way to go with this.

So Mike, what clued you in to this one being an import? I thought that was an older logo.

**MikeEdgerton** · Jul-08-2014, 8:24am

The first clue was the tailpiece. All of the American made batwings I've ever seen had the Waverly cloud. Years back I made a wrong assumption that the batwings with truss rods were all imported. I was wrong about that but I think harmony might have been importing the necks and bodies by then but there is no way of knowing that now. Many of the obviously American made batwings have the truss rod. Although the logo looks older it doesn't show up on any of the American made models of that mandolin that I've seen but it does show up on the mandolins that Harmony imported just before the end and perhaps by whomever grabbed the brand name after Harmony ceased doing business in the US.