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Thread: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

  1. #1

    Default Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    I love my MD515 but the tuning machines are stiff and temperamental.
    I’m not sure what the ratio is on them but I would like to find a drop in replacement set that would provide a more granular ratio and be lest difficult to turn.
    Could I maybe get a few recommendations for a drop n replacement?
    Blessings,
    Kip...

    If you think you can or think you can't... you're likely right!

    Eastman MD515, amid many guitars and a dulcimer.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    You might want to have yours checked out by a pro, or see if they loosen up by lubricating. The Eastman 500 series have the old style Schaller tuners and they are generally good.
    Anyhow, the post spacing is standard with those tuners and most new worm-under tuners will fit.
    Grover 309 are good, but might not be huge improvement over the Schallers. They do have a better gear ratio.
    http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_..._Machines.html

    The new hotness are the new Schaller Grand-Tune but they are $200+
    https://www.allparts.com/TK-7380-Sch...ys_p_5587.html

    I personally like Rubner tuners, but their selection for F style worm-under looks pretty low right now.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Thanks Al...
    Looking over the options I really like the only in stock Rubner’s but aside from them being a bit out of the reasonable price range for my 515 they are only 15:1 ratio..

    So I think I will end up with the Grover 309’s more than likely. Looking at this I would really like to swap out the tail piece for a gold one while I’m at it and go with the golden tuning machines.

    I’ve just always like that on a dark finish.

    I guess before I pull the trigger I need to see if I can find a suitable tail piece as well, or just settle with the Nickle.

  4. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Before you order those Grover's get the length of the tuner button shaft from the specs at the bottom of the Stewmac page and measure to make sure the buttons are going to clear your headstock. The Grover tuners are shorter than the Schaller's that Eastman was using. You may have trouble turning a button if they are too close.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  6. #5

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Looking it over I’m stuck with nickel

    - - - Updated - - -

    Mike,
    Will do! Thanks!

  7. #6
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    You might check out the new Schaller Grandtuners ! They look great and half the price of Waverly's !

  8. #7

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Quote Originally Posted by yankees1 View Post
    You might check out the new Schaller Grandtuners ! They look great and half the price of Waverly's !
    Can't find any spec's on the Schaller Grandtuners... might be a good move with the 18:1 ratio but I'd like a bit more info before making a jump.
    Blessings,
    Kip...

    If you think you can or think you can't... you're likely right!

    Eastman MD515, amid many guitars and a dulcimer.

  9. #8
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    I personally wouldn't spend $200+ on new tuners on a mandolin that is worth $600-$700. It may sound great and be wonderful to play, but I'd see if I could get the existing tuners to work better and put the $200 in the new mandolin fund.

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  11. #9

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Quote Originally Posted by colorado_al View Post
    I'd see if I could get the existing tuners to work better
    Well that is being done right now. I've got it in for a tune up and attention to the tuning machines is on the list. But I still would rather have a more granular ratio on the machines regardless. So I will likely end up changing them out sooner or later.
    Blessings,
    Kip...

    If you think you can or think you can't... you're likely right!

    Eastman MD515, amid many guitars and a dulcimer.

  12. #10
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    The Grover 309 will be different, but not hugely so. The Schallers should have a 16:1. The Grovers 18:1. As a reference, Waverlys have a 16:1. Rubners are 15:1, I find the Rubners superior to the Grovers and Schallers because the machining is better and the gearing has less play, even though the ratio is lower. I think that is why Waverlys are also well regarded. Not the gear ratio but because better machining and assembly makes them work more accurately. Ditto the new Schaller GrandTune

  13. #11

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    I looked over the Rubners and thought they seemed outstanding from a design standpoint. I might go that way. I'm not sure what the stock ratio is on mine but if it is smooth and capable of zoning in tightly on the pitch I'm working on, that is all that really matters. I only was thinking of the 18's for granularity.

    So, I may have to do that.

    I asked Rubner about their inventory and they said that many of the models will be restocked next week.
    Blessings,
    Kip...

    If you think you can or think you can't... you're likely right!

    Eastman MD515, amid many guitars and a dulcimer.

  14. #12
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    If your mandolin has the older style Schallers it will be 16:1. My guess is that they are slipping or binding, causing them to move in steps instead of smoothly. It could also be that your strings are binding in the nut or bridge slots, unrelated to the working of the tuners.

  15. #13

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Don't know what is classed as 'older' ... this was purchased new last winter.
    Blessings,
    Kip...

    If you think you can or think you can't... you're likely right!

    Eastman MD515, amid many guitars and a dulcimer.

  16. #14
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Quote Originally Posted by Kip Carter View Post
    Don't know what is classed as 'older' ... this was purchased new last winter.
    Older as compared to the new GrandTune series which just came out in the last 6 months.
    I suspect this is the tuner you have:
    Click image for larger version. 

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    http://www.lmii.com/products/kit-wiz...lypage-noimage

  17. #15

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Got cha... thanks

  18. #16
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    The other side of this coin is that if the tuner problem exists because the holes weren't drilled quite right changing them won't change anything.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  19. #17
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Quote Originally Posted by colorado_al View Post
    I personally wouldn't spend $200+ on new tuners on a mandolin that is worth $600-$700. It may sound great and be wonderful to play, but I'd see if I could get the existing tuners to work better and put the $200 in the new mandolin fund.
    Good advice !

  20. #18
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    The other side of this coin is that if the tuner problem exists because the holes weren't drilled quite right changing them won't change anything.
    Right.
    If this is the problem and you are the original owner, you should have a lifetime warranty that would cover the repair or replacement

  21. #19
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Sent you a PM.

  22. #20

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    I am the original owner. Purchased last winter

  23. #21

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    I put some Rubners on my Mid-Missouri M4 and absolutely love them. The original tuners were fine, but a little stiff. The Rubners are just so smooooth.

  24. #22
    Quietly Making Noise Dave Greenspoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Reviving this necrothread. Really not loving the stock Pingwells on my 2018 MD-515. I'm looking to spend no more than $100 on a replacement set. Are the Grover 309s substantially different than the 409s? What other options exist in my budget? Is there a slam-dunk solution?
    Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
    Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10

  25. #23
    Quietly Making Noise Dave Greenspoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

    Update: no one has the appropriate Grovers available...and Rubner has a bit of a sale going. I decided the snake wood button machines were just too pretty to pass up.
    Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
    Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10

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  27. #24

    Default Re: Replacement Tuning machines for Eastman MD515

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