Seeking opinions on some modest mods

[arog]

On my koa 224, I really don't think the gold-colored hardware looks right. Planning to switch it out with nickel. But I feel weird being so focused on appearance.

Who else has done this, and did you feel guilty about it?

And, anyone know what size screws Taylor uses on the truss rod cover?

[zeebow]

nothing wrong with that. another popular option is to get wood buttons

[BuddyO]

Nothing wrong with that, I would get what you like.  I wasn’t crazy about the chrome nickel tuners on my AD17e, so I replaced them with Satin Black and I think it looks much better, I’m not a fan of shiny bling, I prefer a more subtle look.

[TrampsLikeUs]

I've swapped out tuners on two of my taylors. No regrets here. You should do anything that makes your guitar look/feel better.   I think I'm gonna try selling the ones I've removed on the "selling" board here. 

[Edward]

On my koa 224, I really don't think the gold-colored hardware looks right. Planning to switch it out with nickel. But I feel weird being so focused on appearance....

Nothing weird about that!  ...you do know that you're asking a bunch of enablers, though, right??

If you're going to swap tuners for their color, may I suggest you take a look at Gotoh 510 machines as these are the finest turning tuners I have ever felt, ever, bar none.  They are 21:1 ratio so making tuning adjustments is more precise, but most importantly there is zero gear lash (slop when turning one direction and the other) such that every minute movement of the key translates to a fine change in pitch.  Accurate and smooth is the best way to describe them, and they come in a bunch of different finishes.  If you're gravitating toward a silver hue, check out the brushed nickel which is a satin finish ...subtle and very classy imho.

Edward

[TaylorGirl]

On my koa 224, I really don't think the gold-colored hardware looks right. Planning to switch it out with nickel. But I feel weird being so focused on appearance.

Who else has done this, and did you feel guilty about it?

And, anyone know what size screws Taylor uses on the truss rod cover?

nothing wrong with that. another popular option is to get wood buttons

On my K24, I swapped out my buttons for the rosewood ones that Bill Nichols makes. The buttons have such a quality look and feel. A less expensive alternative that I could justify for myself, but nearly as (or as) nice as other options.

[Strumming Fool]

Love replacing tuner buttons and bridge pins. How are a few:


              canary wood tuner buttons                                                             macassar ebony tuner buttons


                cocobolo tuner buttons


                dyed bone bridge pins


               more dyed bone bridge pins

[Guitar Cowboy]

I am with Edward on the Gotoh 510s . I have installed them on my 816, K26, 618, 814 and GS mini Koa. My E14 ebony is next with another set in Cosmo Black . Interestingly ( or not) , I kept the gold color on my K26. Go for it!

[Strumming Fool]

I am with Edward on the Gotoh 510s . I have installed them on my 816, K26, 618, 814 and GS mini Koa. My E14 ebony is next with another set in Cosmo Black . Interestingly ( or not) , I kept the gold color on my K26. Go for it!

I agree on the Gotoh 510s. All my guitars (including the ones in the pics) have Gotoh 510s. Once you switch you can never go back!

[BuddyO]

Seems like a lot of folks swear by the Gotohs with the 1:21 ratio.  I had considered them to replace the chromed nickel on my AD17e, but I didn’t feel comfortable with drilling the headstock.  These seem new and specific to Taylor, the picture angle prevents us from seeing if that screw hole tab is there, I wonder if these are drop-ins?  No black, but the antique chrome look nice: https://www.thaliacapos.com/collections/taylor-custom-parts/products/taylor-gotoh-tuners-21-1-6-string?variant=32685529071687

[Edward]

Hey Buddy,

Very interesting that those are listed in their "Taylor specific" page.  It may very well be that Gotoh did a run with no set screw flange ...very cool!  But the upcharge for these machines is quite significant.

Edward

[BuddyO]

Yah, almost $200.  That's a bit steep.  I don't have any complaints with the Taylor 1:18 black, in fact, I prefer the button size and shape over the Gotohs.
I suppose if I really wanted the upgrade, I could get the Gotohs, but I would be looking to replace their buttons with a larger, wooden set.

[arog]

Thanks for all the good conversation, people. I wish we wuz all sitting around together in a cozy pub with some expensive pints, swapping songs and stories.

As a consolation prize, here's a fun quote from Tim Brookes's awesome book: "You start off playing guitar to get chicks and end up talking with middle-aged men about your fingernails."

[arog]

And here is the before/after. What do y'all think?

[arog]

Also upgraded the truss rod cover to ebony. Why doesn't Taylor ship it that way?