What new tuners for 1925 H4

[Billy Packard]

I am in possession of a lovely 1925 Gibson H4 mandola that needs new tuners because the originals bind badly. My expert local luthier has pointed out that the Schaller and Waverly tuners featured at 3 major suppliers will require some small alterations on the mandola.
Does anyone know if there are tuners that will drop in without mods?

Billy

[William Smith]

Thats a toughie right there! There's no fixing the originals? They would be worm over gear bump ends from 25. I've heard that there may be soon in the near future tuners made for these.

[Ray(T)]

What “small alterations” are they talking about? As far as I’m aware, both should be a straight drop-in (you may want/need to change the bushes) but it’s unlikely the screw holes will line up. A ‘25 H4 should have the modern tuner spacing but there’s a chance it might have the old spacing in which case you’re restricted to the StewMac “Restoration” tuners

[tmsweeney]

My luthier just replaced my 1925 H1 tuners with golden age A style, perfect fit.

[William Smith]

My luthier just replaced my 1925 H1 tuners with golden age A style, perfect fit.

I don't believe Golden Age makes F style worm over gear bump end tuners.

[tmsweeney]

OH sorry you have H4, nevermind, the worm over are probably hard to find

[William Smith]

Yes, I do believe the good folks at Waverly are in the process of building these tuners again. Thats why I wonder if the OP can fix his set. Many of those old tuners work great once taken apart and cleaned. I've had many originals that were very tight and hard to turn, a good taking apart and cleaning seemed to work pretty sweet for me anyway.

[Hendrik Ahrend]

Like Bill suggests, I'd spare no effort to fix the originals. As for replacements with worm over pattern, I believe Rubner supplies them. Also, the Rubner tuner plates may resemble the originals. (I'm guessing.)

[Billy Packard]

Update- I'm getting strong urging to do as much as possible to restore the originals. So that's what I'll do.

[Billy Packard]

BTW the amazing Stephen Gilchrist sent along this link from Paul Hostetter supporting the notion of repairing the stock gear. Very interesting indeed!

http://www.lutherie.net/tuner.maintenance.html