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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on March 6, 2009 at 6:53am

I saw an idea on the net the other day where this guy uses bottle caps for knobs. He cuts a round piece of hard wood to fit inside the cap ,epoxies it in and then cuts his hole for the knob to fit the shaft of whatever its for.
I would imagine you could use black or colored caps for about any situation or color scheme.

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Permalink Reply by Delta Blues Classics - JStoltz on March 6, 2009 at 10:52am

If you're asking about tuning pegs or tuning machines, then there are a number of places online to order them. The cheapest are generally called economy tuners. They are usually of an open design, sans covers. They tend to run about $12 or $13 at the least, the last I checked. I began by using them then found that it was well worth the money to step up to a better tuner.

Depends on what you call economical i guess. I sometimes purchase Ping brand tuners from Guitar Center in a pinch. A bit expensive at $34.00 for 6(chrome) or $44.00 for 6(gold), but they work very smoothly and hold tune well.

If you're thinking a bit less than that, then I would suggest going to your local guitar stores and checking to see if they have a used parts bin. They sometimes keep a selection of parts in a drawer for repairs and will let you pick through them. I was paying $2 to $3 a piece for good used tuners.

I'm sure someone here will supply you with a good online source, but if I come up with a particularly good place to get them, I'll let you know.

Jeff

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Permalink Reply by Doug Thorsvik on March 6, 2009 at 2:26pm

Monte

I purchase the inexpensive Ping brand mandolin tuners from a local music store for about $12. Thats just $6 for each strip of 4 tuners; perfect for a 4-string CGB. The tuners have worked pretty good for me. I even used them for a 27" EADG short scale acoustic-electric CBG bass.

Doug

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Permalink Reply by rodney fruits on March 6, 2009 at 5:18pm

you might like checkin out stewmac.com economy guitar machines #0936. they have great stuff. good luck on yur first build, you will want to do more when yur done.

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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on March 6, 2009 at 6:54pm

I just ordered about 3 sets of banjo strings ( economy) and 5 sets of economy guitar tuners from Stew Mac. I ordered them on tues,and either fri or sat they were here. I didnt check the mail on fri so its possible they arrived on fri.
Great service, I recommend them to anyone.

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Permalink Reply by W-Gunnell on March 6, 2009 at 10:25pm

Ebay - search under guitar parts

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Permalink Reply by Monte on March 7, 2009 at 2:07pm

Roger Martin said:

I saw an idea on the net the other day where this guy uses bottle caps for knobs. He cuts a round piece of hard wood to fit inside the cap ,epoxies it in and then cuts his hole for the knob to fit the shaft of whatever its for.
I would imagine you could use black or colored caps for about any situation or color scheme.

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Permalink Reply by Monte on March 7, 2009 at 2:10pm

Roger,
Thanks alot man. That sounds like a cool idea. I appreciate your response.
Monte
Monte said:

Roger Martin said:

I saw an idea on the net the other day where this guy uses bottle caps for knobs. He cuts a round piece of hard wood to fit inside the cap ,epoxies it in and then cuts his hole for the knob to fit the shaft of whatever its for.
I would imagine you could use black or colored caps for about any situation or color scheme.

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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on March 7, 2009 at 9:30pm

I buy / scrounge / get given busted guitars (electric and acoustic) often with broken necks or missing parts which I break for bits - got one yestreday for $10 - good tuners, interesting old bridge and a useable fretted 'board. I run free adverts EVERYWHERE! Check the papers, use your local net, in shops etc etc. Most importantly though I think, is keep an open mind - theres so many good ideas on these here pages

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Permalink Reply by Rich on March 7, 2009 at 11:55pm

Monte
I just finished my first also.But I've built several guitars, and one of the things you don't want to skimp on is the tuners.
I've bought some things off of ebay that just fell apart in your hands. But if you can find someone selling a grab-bag with some grovers in it - it may be worth it.

www.GuitarFetish.com has some good deals on gear. The tuners they sell are pretty good - especially the Grover style.

StewMac has the economy 3 on a plate for about nine bucks - good if you've built a slotted headstock, which you probably haven't. Holding a set in my hand right now - open tuner - two holes per shaft .
StewMac also has economy sealed and open back single tuners for about $12-16 a set. I kind of like the open back single.
And their prices drop significantly when you purchase 3 or more -

BTW - I am in no way affiliated with ANY Guitar or Guitar parts company. 8^) Thought I'd throw that in.

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Permalink Reply by Wade on March 8, 2009 at 10:21am

Has anyone tried zither pins as tuners on their builds? They are inexpensive.

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