Tuning Peg/Key Swap

robdynamite

Hey all,

I have a 2017 Gibson Les Paul Classic w/locking grovers with the "kidney style" keys and i'm, aesthetically, not the biggest fan of these and much prefer the tulip/keystone style ones.

Can the actual key itself be switched over easily or is it a case of switching the whole tuning mechanism?

Cheers!

ICBM

You will need to replace the whole tuners, with these or equivalents - https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Gibson-Vintage-Nickel-Machine-Heads-with-Pearloid-Buttons/W2F

(Grover and Schaller also make versions.)

However they are nowhere near as good as actual machineheads as your Grovers - the tuning action isn't as smooth and they have a tendency to fall apart if knocked.

GluedtoMusic

robdynamite said:

Can the actual key itself be switched over easily or is it a case of switching the whole tuning mechanism?

The UK distributor doesn't stock just the buttons unfortunately, so would be a case of replacing the whole tuner.

FatPete

Various search results state that Hipshot keys are compatible. If correct, how about these: https://www.axesrus.co.uk/1-x-Axesrus-D04-Machine-Head-Button-p/arud04.htm

robdynamite

ahh right, bummer!

I'm guessing that they won't be the same fitment and new holes will need to be drilled to accommodate the different tuners?

ICBM

robdynamite said:

I'm guessing that they won't be the same fitment and new holes will need to be drilled to accommodate the different tuners?

The ones I posted above will need one extra screw hole for each tuner, but will otherwise fit the existing holes and bore size.

robdynamite

ICBM said:

robdynamite said:

I'm guessing that they won't be the same fitment and new holes will need to be drilled to accommodate the different tuners?

The ones I posted above will need one extra screw hole for each tuner, but will otherwise fit the existing holes and bore size.

no worries, i actually missed your original link.

the ones i'm looking to use are these:

https://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Solid_Peghead_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/Grover_Keystone_Rotomatics_102_Series_3and3_Tuners.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2018-11-gp&pref_currency=P&shipcalc=UK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiuqOppDZ3gIV6L_tCh0x-QH-EAQYBiABEgJV6PD_BwE

ICBM

robdynamite said:

no worries, i actually missed your original link.

the ones i'm looking to use are these:

https://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Solid_Peghead_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/Grover_Keystone_Rotomatics_102_Series_3and3_Tuners.html

Yes, I think they will fit with no alterations.

When you said 'tulip' keys I assumed (wrongly!) that you meant the plastic ones.

robdynamite

my apologies. I realised i wasn't super clear earlier as i wasn't 100% on what the "proper" name was for that style.

normula1

Allparts do some chrome tulip buttons that fit.