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Thread: Looking for replacement tuners for Gibson 1980 F5L

  1. #1
    Registered User Sergio Lara's Avatar
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    Default Looking for replacement tuners for Gibson 1980 F5L

    Hello,

    I am looking for "correct" tuners to replace the old machines on my '80 Gibson F5L.

    My mandolin has always had the "reversed" tuners, meaning to tune the strings the proper way they have to be turned backwards.

    I emailed Roger Siminoff and this is what he wrote back:

    "The machines you have on your 1980 F5L were made by Kluson. At the time we were making these mandolins (which began in 1978), Kluson was the only one making staggered mandolin machines. However, they were making them with the round gear below the worm gear which did not fit the peghead properly. We had them invert the gears and make them upside down - so they fit the peghead but didn’t turn properly.

    Gotoh makes “inverted” machines that will fit - I’ve replace them on several F5L mandolins. However, their shafts will not accept the pearl buttons so you will have to get pearl buttons elsewhere.

    I’m not sure who is selling inverted Gotoh machines today."

    Best,
    Roger

    So I'm on the lookout for a set of Gotoh "inverted" F-5 mandolin machines.

    Please let me know if you know where to find these mandolin tuners and thanks so much in advance.

    Best,
    Sergio
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  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for replacement tuners for Gibson 1980 F5L

    Actually you're looking for a set of Worm under F5 style tuners. Gibson used the old Schaller models after this and then had Grover build special F tuners to the same spec that are referred to as Gibson Grovers. They are no longer available new.

    If you're looking for the Gotoh's in gold this guy has them. He also has them in nickel.

    You have other options from other manufacturers.

    If you are looking for actual mother-of-pearl buttons for your Gotoh tuners they are available here.

    I've bought from both of these vendors.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  3. #3
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for replacement tuners for Gibson 1980 F5L

    I put Schaller Grandtunes on mine. Slight relief needed for the bushings. Work great.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

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  4. #4
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking for replacement tuners for Gibson 1980 F5L

    I installed Schaller SMG4 gold tuners on my '81 F5-L a while back. The gears were much more precise than what was on it before (also pictured).
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    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

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