switching standard Taylor tuners for Gotohs

[miksel]

I apologize for "blitzing" the forum with questions but with a forum devoted to Taylor its just hard not to let loose !    How difficult is it to have standard Taylor tuners switched out for Gotohs ?(not by myself but by a qualified Taylor repairperson) Would it involve additional holes to be drilled,etc.? Thanks,Mike S.

[michaelw]

I apologize for "blitzing" the forum with questions but with a forum devoted to Taylor its just hard not to let loose !    How difficult is it to have standard Taylor tuners switched out for Gotohs ?(not by myself but by a qualified Taylor repairperson) Would it involve additional holes to be drilled,etc.? Thanks,Mike S.

tthe questions & responses are what makes the place roll ..
let'er rip, mike

if your guitar has the Taylor branded tuners (phased-in in 03) with no external set
screws, there will need to be set screw holes drilled in the back of the headstock

if your guitar has the Grover tuners with the center set screws (at the 6 'o clock position),
Gotoh used to make 510s with center set screws, but they may  have been discontinued

if your guitar has Schaller (M6) tuners (used on very early models & pre 03 PSs)
the Gotohs with the (standard) offset set screws should be a drop-in replacement

a good tech should be able to get you hooked up with no problems & if you haven't
had a chance to try out the Gotohs on a guitar yet, i think you're in for a treat ...

they are s-m-o-o-t-h 

[Edward]

Hi Mike,

Welcome aboard!!

To respond to your question: what michaelw said!

And if I may add, swapping tuners is easy enough to do on your own.  Go slowly and remember the addage, "measure twice, cut once."  Simply think the task through, make your markings, check again, and go for it!  BTW, over on the AGF, do a search and you'll find a long thread, complete with pics and helpful tips, on many folks who have done this upgrade.  I've personally done two (three if you count upgrading one guitar to non-Gotohs).  Have fun ...and post pics of your success!

Edward

[Cindy]

Here is a post from the AGF which tells the method of changing out the tuners for a set of Gotohs. I thought there was a pictorial tutorial over there, but I haven't been able to find that thread.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2508598&postcount=5

[Roseadi]

Here's the link with the picture version. As stated above, go slow, and go easy with the drill.

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

[coldshot]

G day Mike,
It is an east upgrade to perform yourself. Like Edward said "measure twice" I've done it to all my Taylors past and present, a worthwile upgrade.
After changing tunners on a few of my guitars, i kept the trend going and now do all my own set-ups and set up guitars for customers now also.
You can find any information on the internet these days and www.frets.com is an abundance of great info.

I'd say go for it.

[Cindy]

Here's the link with the picture version. As stated above, go slow, and go easy with the drill.

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

Roseadi, THAT's the post I was trying to find! Thanks!

[S MS Picker]

I agree,easy switch.If you have to drill screw holes,mark the desired depth on the bit w/a piece of masking tape.When putting the screws in, dip the threads in dish washing liquid,pat w/a dishcloth,and you have great lubrication as well as a little swelling of the wood for a good tight fit.Works well for strap buttons also.
Steve

[cjd-player]

... When putting the screws in, dip the threads in dish washing liquid,pat w/a dishcloth,and you have great lubrication as well as a little swelling of the wood for a good tight fit ...
Steve

Actually, you should never use any kind for soap on screws going into wood.  Soap and detergent are both alkaline in pH, and can accelerate rusting of the screws if moisture ever gets in there.   Instead, use paste wax as a wood screw lubricant.

[S MS Picker]

Alkaline?
Is that pink or blue?