Kluson/TonePros KB3 tuners...??

[KaiserSoze]

I love the look of these and am about to order them but usually use Sperzels that are rock solid.  First, does the warmoth headstock have enough room to accomodate the Klusons? and has anyone used these yet?  Any opinions?  Thanks

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Kluson-KB3-Keystone-Guitar-Tuning-Machines---3-Per-Side-Bolt-Bushing-300224-i1374083.gc

 

[Cagey]

The opinion part: I don't use Klusons, and in fact any time I've had guitars that came with them the very first thing I did was pull them off and throw them away in favor of some Sperzels (I've since shifted to Schallers). I mean, there may be worse tuning machines on the market than Klusons, but I'm not sure who makes them. Of course, if you're going for that "vintage" vibe where you have to use sub-standard or poorly designed hardware, then you have little choice. You wouldn't put hydraulic brakes, an electric starter or windshield wipers on an old Ford Model T, right?

The answer part: Yes, those will fit on a Warmoth headstock. The post holes should be drilled/reamed to 25/64" straight through. If you've got Sperzels on the thing now, that's what they're reamed for so you'll only have to drill the tiny holes that keep the thing from turning.

 

[KaiserSoze]

Thanks for the advice.  I knew that the Klusons were a crappy tuner tuner but thought maybe Tonepros version might be a great tuner in a classic package.  Thats how they describe it anyway.  I think I'll take my usual approach and go with whats worked so well for me and get a set of Sperzel lockers and put ivory knobs on them.  If it ain't broke, dont fix it right??

 

[Cagey]

It's possible the Tonepros parts are better, but they're copying a less-than-stellar design, so how much better can they be? Perhaps their gears are cut more precisely or something. There ought to be something there for what they charge. But, replacing the knobs on better units to get the appearance you want along with some mechanical integrity and better performance would be a much preferable solution.