First Post. NGD and Gotoh 510 Tuners

[29er]

Hello, all.  After almost one full year of trying different 600 series models, I finally pulled the trigger on the 614CE.  This is my first Taylor and when I first got my hands on one my thinking was changed.  I love my Martin but this guitar is something to behold in sound as well as visually.  I played 5 different 614's in 4 shops and they were all great.  To my point:  Are the Gotoh 510 tuners a drop-in replacement on this guitar?  I love the look of the black 510's but do not want to drill holes in the headstock.  Thanks so much!

[Dwalk]

Congratulations on the new guitar! You must post pictures for all our enjoyment 

[Craig]

The Gotoh 510's do need a small screw hole in the back of the headstock but apart from that I hear it's an easy enough job.
BTW not all Gotoh 510's are the same, you need to look for SGL510Z to get the 1:21 ratio ones.

Craig

[TaylorGirl]

Congrats, they are awesome guitars (in tone and beauty). Gotta show us some pics, though. 

[29er]

Thanks for the info.  I'll try to get some decent photos posted this weekend, but they will be cell phone pics and not the best of quality.  I'm a bit disappointed to learn that I need to drill holes to mount the Gotoh's.  I'll have to give that some thought. 

[Craig]

I'm a bit disappointed to learn that I need to drill holes to mount the Gotoh's.  I'll have to give that some thought.

I know what you mean, I've got a set at home and I'm not sure whether to do them myself or take it to the local guy.

Craig

[mgap]

Putting the screw holes in your brand new Taylor makes you take a step back and wonder weather you should or not, I was in that spot myself.  Here on the forum there is a thread that gives step by step instructions.  It turns out that it is very simple.  Basically I dropped them in, tightened them down.  I marked the drill bit for depth and pre drilled the screw hole, then put in the screw.  boom, done.

[Craig]

I think this is probably the thread that mgap referred to.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143697

Craig

[29er]

Thanks again for the info!  I'm not concerned with my ability to do the job as I've done it on many guitars through the years.  Just don't want a janky looking result on the back of the headstock when the job is done.  The pics I've seen tell me it will look fine.  Now to decide what color........ Probably black.

[Craig]

Yes I was a little concerned about whether they would cover any marks left by the originals but it doesn't seem like it's a problem.
The ones I bought are Cosmo Black after seeing a picture that
Amos514 posted of his.
Maybe its my job for the weekend.

Craig

[Craig]

I put mine on today, it was a bit stressful but not difficult. I did spend ages making sure they were lined up correctly.
They do look good though.

Craig

[Craig]

Just to add that I'm really glad I used a depth stop on the drill, it did go in rather quick.

Craig

[mgap]

Just to add that I'm really glad I used a depth stop on the drill, it did go in rather quick.

Craig

I put mine on today, it was a bit stressful but not difficult. I did spend ages making sure they were lined up correctly.
They do look good though.

Craig

It is rather easy work, but since you are working on your baby well, that does change the stress level.  I put tape around the drill bit for depth level, it works perfectly. Can you imaging going all the way through, ouch!

[Craig]

I put tape around the drill bit for depth level, it works perfectly. Can you imaging going all the way through, ouch!

That's why I decided against tape cos that won't stop the drill. I thought it was worth £2 on ebay for a proper depth stop.

[TaylorFan2003]

Gotohs are sweet. Aesthetically and functionally. Having them on my k26 makes me want them on all my other guitars. Well worth the upgrade in my opinion.