open-gear tuners for D-28

[dyna]

Any recommendations for direct replacement open-gear tuners
for a Martin D-28?

(preferably something less expensive than say Waverlys, they cost to much, at least in Europe)

Thanks,
Lars

[JakeStone]

Not sure if exact drop in... But my Martin 000-18 came with Grovers and they look and work great. You can find specs at grotro.com and search - Vintage tuner Sta-Tite with 18:1 Gear Ratio (97-18 Series)

These Gotohs SE700 tuners are my first choice. In some ways I like them better than Waverly tuners. I first heard about that model from John Arnold.

That said, traditional open gear tuners are not going to be a drop-in fit for the D-28's enclosed tuner. Earlier examples have large holes that need to be plugged and re-drilled, or you'll need oversized bushings. More recent examples are step drilled and do not need oversized bushings. Regardless, the footprint will not be an exact match and you'll at least one new screw hole.

Gotoh now makes an open back tuner that uses a threaded bushing (SXN510) but I have not used them.

[Mike777]

Grover Sta-Tites.

http://www.elderly.com/grover-vintag...18-1-ratio.htm

[martingitdave]

Todd makes a good point about compatibility. You may consider the new Gotoh 510 open back model which is supposed to be a drop in replacement for the rotomatic style tuner. They use a threaded bushing to attach the tuner to the headstock. Regarding other open backs, I have come to like the Grover Sta-tite 18:1 model. They use retention screws for the worm gear versus a snap in retention ring, so they can be adjusted as the nylon bushings wear over time. It probably makes little difference, though. I haven't found a $45 tuner option that performs better. And, given a choice between 15:1, 16:1 and 18:1, I'd rather have finer tuning.

[dyna]

Nice suggestions - thanks everyone!
I have a 2013 D-28 with Grover rotomatics on it now.

I believe a 2013 D-28 will be step drilled, so you shouldn't have to do anything but add the extra screws.

[PhilFish]

Todd: those Gotoh SXN510 are what I've been looking for to replace some old Grovers on my 69 Guild. Put Grovers on back in the day when they were state of the art tuners, now it's time for new tuners.
I can't seem to find any one who carries them?