Open gear tuners?

ThePrettyDamned

I'm feeling some decorative tuners on my new build, which is a bit like a fano rb6t. Open gear tuners look cool - are they basically gotoh sd90s/equivalents with that back casing removed?

They seem more popular on acoustics but think they'd look quite cool on the build and often come with nice, big decorative buttons. 

ThePrettyDamned

These for example

https://www.wdmusic.co.uk/hardware-parts-c1/tuning-machines-c28/vintage-style-tuners-c32/prestige-18-1-gear-ratio-open-gear-3-3-rear-mounted-p13503/s16771?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=kluson-prestige-18-1-gear-ratio-open-gear-3-3-rear-mounted-option-nic-option-nickel-with-ornate-metal-button-kp-3v-nd08&utm_campaign=product+listing+ads&cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxc6PBhCEARIsAH8Hff1g-whHuVooi4o4u-usEpuBS6Dg-Ug9Wo0O06nz8VEuYQM2jEOCHgEaAj31EALw_wcB 

ICBM

Those are actually better engineered than the equivalent closed-back version with a diecast base, which has the keyshaft held in place by the cover and its rather fragile rivets.

The Gotohs and other accurate Kluson replicas are still better though, and have covers made from pressed steel which don't break.

WezV

I put some open back grovers tuners on my archtop, along with vintage style pressed ferrules because I liked the vintage look.

First thing the new owner did was change them for  some closed back Kluson's 

I guess they are not for every one 

ThePrettyDamned

Awesome! I'll see if I can find some open back gotoh tuners that have a decent ratio (I'm tuning low, probably C standard or B standard, so 14:1 might be a pain!) and go for them.

@icbm am I asking for a failure if I use the ones I linked? Or should I keep looking? 

These are an expensive option... 
https://www.eltoromusic.co.uk/gotoh-open-gear-tuning-keys-3x3-for-slot-head-w-scalloped-buttons-3163-p.asp

And still 15:1, which might be less of a problem then I'm imagining. 

ThePrettyDamned

WezV said:

I put some open back grovers tuners on my archtop, along with vintage style pressed ferrules because I liked the vintage look.

First thing the new owner did was change them for  some closed back Kluson's 

I guess they are not for every one 

I guess not... I think they look cool. To be open, a lot of "sealed" vintage style ones don't look very well sealed to me at all, I wonder if it's easier to look after open gears in terms of cleaning and lubing anyway. 

Love the brass-on-nickel look as well, wonder if I can tie in with the rest of the guitar... 

ICBM

ThePrettyDamned said:

@icbm am I asking for a failure if I use the ones I linked?

No, they should be fine. Even the more fragile covered ones usually are unless they get the keys bashed.

JayGee

Anybody know where the tuners fitted to current Gretsch Electromatics are sourced from? The ones fitted to my 5422TG work nicely, give the impression of being well made, and look lovely so that might be a good starting point.