I have a 10 string mandola which I love. It has pearloid tuner buttons which I do not. I've been mulling options for a while. As I studied it closely last night I realized the 5-on-a-plate tuners are actually 6-on-a-plate guitar tuners made for a slotted headstock 12 string guitar with one tuner off each plate removed.
This instrument has a solid, not slotted headstock. The tuner buttons are pressed/glued on the shafts. I could buy some ebony buttons, crush/heat the old plastic buttons off, then glue on the ebony buttons.
But I don't like the untapered rollers on these tuners that were built for a slothead. I'd like to replace them with tapered rollers. I've not seen 5-on-a-plate solid head tuners anywhere, so I figured I could buy a set made for a solid head 12 string and remove the unneeded tuner on each side, assuming they would fit the existing holes in the headstock.
Mandolin tuners come four on a plate, and both the F and A styles have been standardized for decades. I can buy a set of mandolin tuners from any major mfr and I know they'll fit without having to plug and drill the headstock.
Is the same true of the 12 string guitar tuning machines that come with six tuners on a plate? Also is there any reason to think that the spacing would be the same on solid and slotted headstock tuners?
Another option may be to use something like Grover mini's. In any case there will be a lot of measuring and spec scrutinizing to do.
Ideas, comments, mockery and completely off-topic responses are welcome and expected as usual.....
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