Reaming out Tuner holes to fit Planet Waves

[Watchie]

I have a beautiful Goncalo Alves Warmoth neck that is currently reamed for Gotoh tuners (11/32 -13/32 holes).  I want to use Planet Waves tuners, which requires a straight 13/32 tuner hole.  How do I best ream out the 11/32 "cap" that sits on the face side of the headstock (it's only about 1/16 of an inch thick)?  Do I sand it out using a dowel or pencil, or should I use a drill press? 

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

[Cagey]

I'd use the dowel/sandpaper method. That lip is pretty small, and trying to drill it out is liable to create some tearout.

 

[Watchie]

That was my original inclination.  Once a straight 13/32 ream, any issues down the road returning to Gotoh style tuners?

 

[Cagey]

I can't say for certain. I know the Schallers I like to use have that stepped hole, and I can't see any reason for it. If that lip were gone, the tuner would install the same way and be just as tight.

 

[Watchie]

I think you are correct. I have both types of tuners, and for at least today one of each neck.  The Gotohs fit from behind using the 13/32 hole up to the "cap" (the 11/32).  This narrower ream appears just to better secure the collar.  When I put the Gotohs on the 13/32 reamed neck there doesn't seem to be any issue.

Now to choose which neck to keep - Goncalo Alves/Pau Ferro or the Canary/Canary. 

Thoughts?

 

[Cagey]

Dunno. Tough call. I'm sure those are both great necks. The canary over canary is liable to be a tad brighter than the pau ferro over goncalo alves, so it would be more articulate. A bright neck can always be suppressed, but a duller neck may never produce the edges you might look for from time to time. Other than cost, I'm sure that's why maple is so popular - it's pretty versatile. Canary is much like maple, so...

Then again, you've got a pau ferro 'board on that goncalo neck meat, so...

I vote you try 'em both <grin>

 

[Watchie]

Ug.  Now to throw another variable into the mix.  The GA/PA is a modern vintage build and the C/C is Warmoth Pro.

???

 

[Cagey]

So, you've got different wood species, different densities, different weights, different appearance, different tactile feel - all the more reason to try them both on for size. Besides, it'll be the most objective test you could possibly do. Same body, same strings, same electronics, same amp, same player - the only thing that changes is the neck, so any differences you hear can only be ascribed to that.

 

[Watchie]

Yeah, I know...

And the GA/PF is also the Clapton contour, as opposed to the C/C which is slim C....

Damn, so many decisions!

 

[Cagey]

Yeah. Well, as problems go, that's a good one to have <grin>

 

[Watchie]

Indeed, although truth be told my playing ability is limited to a basic understanding of where all six stings go (big fat one on top, skinny shiny one on the bottom).  Try as I might, I am just not the skilled musician I would like to be.  That said, building the damn things is a ball, and my grandson will soon be playing this one.  At nine years old he is already moving up and down the fret board like a four legged spider.

 

[Watchie]

What are the general thoughts about a finish on Goncalo Alves?  I know it can be left raw, but if a more satin look is desired, what is recommended?

 

[Cagey]

The two satin finishes Warmoth offers are both nitrocellulose, one tinted and one clear. Both will eventually polish up with play. I suppose you could oil it, but I suspect the raw finish probably feels better without much difference in appearance. If it was me, I'd leave it raw or put clear gloss poly on it, but I'm weird that way.

 

[Watchie]

Thanks.  Likely will leave it raw, although it does look pretty damn good when I give it a wipe down with mineral spirits.

BTW. I tried sanding out the 11/32 "caps" and didn't get far.  I ended up going with my drill press, and carefully from the back drilling them out, but just a but smaller than the full 13/32.  They came out fine and the PW tuners fit in snuggly.  Now to fill the screw holes and redrill - the last owner was a bit sloppy with his alignment of the tuners.

 

[fdesalvo]

Warmoth drilled the schaller ream too large and I ended up using PW.  Pleasant surprise.  Let us know how you like them.

 

[Watchie]

LOVE them.  They look great on the guitar, and there are no problems with both the locking or cutting of the strings.  The trick is to simply make sure you crank the wheel tight before tuning the string.