Thanks! Especially for the quick, thorough reply. I will try the lube. Upon closer inspection, I realize that my complaint isn't about slippage or loose gears, but rather, some of them are very tight. I don't enjoy turning these tuners. Hopefully, a bit of lube & graphite will help.
I would like to push back a little on calling the Eastman MD305 "bottom-of-the-line." The 305 was recommended in this forum as one of the best entry-level mandolins at this price point, with good playability, solid top, and a decent tone. I couldn't be happier playing it and I love it's warm sound. I assume they keep the price down, in part, by not binding the neck, minimum inlay work, satin finish, adequate (but not great) quality tuners/bridge/tail-piece/soft-case and cheapo strings, etc while still producing a reasonably good sounding, playable instrument with a not-fancy but still beautiful wood grain. If the only thing I don't like about it is the tuners, it might be worth it to me to spend another $70, rather than scale up to a thousand dollar instrument. I've already hand-crafted a walnut armrest, hand-rubbed the top, and rounded the corners of the saddle.
"Bottom of the line" to me, describes the $100 craigslist buys I've looked at with ply tops, horrible setup, impossible intonation and crappy sound. Having written all of this. I realize I've never had my hands on a high-quality mandolin so maybe I should just listen and learn, LOL.
Regardless, thanks tons for the information. This is a very cool community and I appreciate the welcome to newbs like myself.
**Just in case, can anyone answer my original question about the fit?
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