Vintage Gibson J-45 tuner replacement

[Determinator]

Hello fellow acoustic guitar fans!

I am looking for ideas as to what to replace the old tuners on my 1955 Gibson J-45. The plastic knobs have bit the dust, so to speak. Crumbling, which I understand does happen. I would prefer to have a direct replacement for the 3-in-a-row tuners, and see that there is a possible contender with the Kluson 3-On-Plate Deluxe Series, as offered by StewMac. The specs state that it would be for a 1956-1964 J-45 though, and mine is a 1955. Any ideas as to if that would drop in for a replacement? I know that there are other versions out there, but they would require drilling a few new screw holes in the head stock. The guitar is in very good condition, otherwise. Thanks in advance!

DT

[David Eastwood]

Welcome to the AGF!

Why don’t you ask the good folks at StewMac? I’ve found them very helpful with similar enquiries in the past.

[Determinator]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

Welcome to the AGF!

Why don’t you ask the good folks at StewMac? I’ve found them very helpful with similar enquiries in the past.

Thanks, David...good to be here! I did ask StewMac via email, but did not get a reply back after 3 working days. So...here I am!

[bnjp]

I have had good luck with the stewmac golden age restoration tuners. I usually buy the relic version for old ones...and get the cream knobs, not the white.

[John Arnold]

Replace the buttons. Antique Acoustics are the best ones, available from Elderly.

[Determinator]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Replace the buttons. Antique Acoustics are the best ones, available from Elderly.

John, thanks. I didn't see the buttons available at Elderly. I appreciate your help. Thanks again!

[Determinator]

Originally Posted by bnjp

I have had good luck with the stewmac golden age restoration tuners. I usually buy the relic version for old ones...and get the cream knobs, not the white.

Hi bnjp! It appears as though the Golden Age tuners available at StewMac are open-back tuners, found on the older Gibson's. Maybe they would still work, but thinking that something like the original closed Kluson's on my 1955 J-45 would be better. Thanks for your reply!

[Determinator]

Originally Posted by Determinator

John, thanks. I didn't see the buttons available at Elderly. I appreciate your help. Thanks again!

Ha, I found the buttons at Elderly! Dohhh........


https://www.elderly.com/pages/search...ntage%20tuners