Ramirez SP - - Machine Heads

[Steve Laue]

I have just bought a new Ramirez SP and I would like to put some good (eg Rodgers or Gilbert) machine heads on the guitar as the current ones (I don't know what brand) are useless. The difficulty is finding a good set of machine heads that are the same size and fit the holes left by the old ones so the question is "Is ther a good set that will fit straight on?".
Thanks

[edwardcav]

Australia 8)

Where did you get it from? Sorry, can't help you with the tuners. Give us an email, edwardcavanagh@hotmail.com

[keith]

i suspect that if you go from fusteros (probable machines on there now) to other brands the holes probably will not exactly line up. this is not an issue--just get some toothpicks(round) and a little woodglue.
1.glue the toothpick in the hole
2.snipe level with the head (fingernail clippers work great for this)
3.push the toothpick down just below the level of the head (so you will not have to file)
4. wipe clean
5. let dry (an hour or so)
6.can screw away (you will not need a drill in that the screws are wood screws).

as to what brand--within a specified price range, most are similiar in function and for every 10 guitarist you may get 10 different machine preferences.the rogers, probably will be the best, but be prepared to spend some serious bucks. the big question after a certain price/performance level--what looks best.

of course, you could upgrade the fusteros.

[nikpearson]

I replaced the tuners on my Contreras C5 with much better quality schaller pegs. These were £35 ($55) with ebony butons. Available at

http://www.stewmac.com/

This company stocks a wide range of tuners including the Irving Sloane models - very nice but very pricey. Rodgers tuners are often quoted as the very best you can but and they are beautifully engineered, but you're looking at £300 plus.

You're unlikely to get a perfect match on the screw holes though. Also you must make sure the string roller spacing is the same or they won't fit at all.

You only need to fill the holes as described in the previous post if the new holes are very close to the originals or in exactly the same positions but use smaller screws. Otherwise the plate will cover the old holes. Don't screw directly into the wood but firstly drill a fine pilot hole with a dremel or similar. This will make it easier & more accurate to fix the tuner plate.

Goodluck

Nick