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Standard Economy tuners vs. upgraded tuners

I'm sure I just answered my own question about tuners, but I am going to ask anyway. I have yet to build my 1st CBG, and I am getting my supplies together. I have been wondering if the economy tuners from CB Gitty will work for me. I am a guitar player and know first hand what its like to play with tuners that fall out of tune. I could step up to Hipshot tuners but by the time I do this, I will have more wrapped up in tuner costs that the guitar itself. So, what kind of experiences have you all had with these tuners and would you be able to recommend them or a better option. Thanx to you all.

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Permalink Reply by Richard Dean on February 18, 2018 at 9:48am

yup, MGB is a no minimum order free shipping !!

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Permalink Reply by wizzo on February 19, 2018 at 11:11am

I do like the site, lots of tuners and bridges for sure, the free shipping is a lure for me as well. I must say, this is the 1st time i have joined a forum site and the response to my tuner question here has surprised me. I didnt expect the number of people to respond. I don't have a smart phone, just your simple flip and I am excited about the help here. I am not up to speed on the social media. my next question will probably be the type of bridges and nuts your all using. we will see.

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Permalink Reply by wizzo on February 19, 2018 at 11:07am

Thanx paul craig, I will keep them in mind. your feed back is much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 18, 2018 at 8:41am

The hardware screws that come with the tuners can be a PITA. I have had many of them twist off at the final tightening process even though I had pre-drilled the holes. I was working with Oak wood, so that is harder to screw into than softer woods.

I have made it a habit to buy all my screws from the local hardware store. Extra cost, but worth it compared to removing a broken screw and filling the hole to start over. I've also had some neck attachment screws that come with cover plates break off.

What ever hardware you get, look them over closely before installing.

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Permalink Reply by wizzo on February 18, 2018 at 8:55am

ugh... nothing worse than extracting a broken screw, no it all too well. Thank you for the advice, will keep that in mind. Thanx. Tim

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Permalink Reply by Wal Callaby on February 18, 2018 at 11:16am

Cheapo tuners have worked fine on all my builds- except possibly the one where I didn't drill the holes quite vertically enough. If the shafts are not completely perpendicular to the gears then you probably will get slippage. That said, building a CBG is all about not making that dumb mistake on the next one, not the one you're actually working on. No-one ever sits back and says "that's it, I'm not going to build any more"...

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Permalink Reply by wizzo on February 19, 2018 at 11:13am

wal callaby, i will make sure i drill as straight as possible. thanx for your tip and I will probably build more than 1. thanx

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Permalink Reply by Carl Franklin on February 18, 2018 at 2:07pm

I have bought several sets of these tuners with no problems until the last order. Couldn't get them to tune without slipping on a six string guitar I built. Gitty replaced them twice but I still have a couple that are slipping. Can't figure out why.

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on February 18, 2018 at 7:05pm

I wonder if it is due to strings sticking in tight nut string slots, and slipping after the slot slowly loses its grip.

Taff

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Jordan on February 18, 2018 at 11:14pm

I have used literally hundreds of the econo-tuners.,bought in bulk for 50 to 75 cents each.,.,I find the first cause to fail is usually tuners holes that are not drilled perfectly straight, or tuner holes drilled a little too large.,I never use the little plastic bushing.,the econo tuners cannot take the stress of being unsupported.,.,the next cause for failure is the relationship between the worm gear and the gear on the tuners shaft.,The screw in the gear needs to be snug.,but failures are usually caused by the relationship between the hole for the shaft and the little folded tabs of the baseplate .,those little folded "hook" tabs have to be folded just right.,when I identify a bad tuner I throw it in the pile.,when I get low I take all the failed tuners apart to mix and match pieces to try and make good ones.,.,a baseplate that is off will cause problems and variance in tolerances.,.,,but what did I expect for a 50 cent tuner.,for $1.50 I can get a nice smooth sealed tuner.,.,..,off to level some frets.,.,and a good day to all.,.,!!

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on February 18, 2018 at 11:36pm

The machines with hooked tabs base plates make it easy to change them from left hand to right hand or visa versa. remove the screw, cog and post tap out the worm drive/knob and turn it over. Replace post, cog and screw. You may have to tap the hooked part closed for a good fit of the worm drive.

Taff