Quickstep192 - Posted - 11/13/2009:  06:30:52

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I've been doing a lot of reading about problems with 5th string tuners. Slipping out of tune; coming loose from the neck etc. Is there a no holds barred, money is no object, best 5th string tuner?

The Hammer - Posted - 11/13/2009:  06:56:28

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The best one I can find is the Schaller 5th string tuner sold by First Quality and Janet Davis. It is modeled after the old Kroll geared tuner. Stewart-McDonald sells a straight line 5th string tuner under their Waverly brand name, and it is a good tuner but it is not very "user friendly".

Dave Hamm
2 Chronicles 7:14

Joe Jakonczuk - Posted - 11/13/2009:  06:59:03

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I've used both 5 Stars and Gotohs without problems. I do prefer the 5 Star however due to it's larger shaft size and the buttons will interchange with the peghead tuners. I would really like to see a square shaft so I could rotate the button 90 degrees. I like it when it's parallel to the neck but it's just a pet peeve.

steve davis - Posted - 11/13/2009:  08:04:12

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I found a way to get the button parallel with the neck by cutting the string
using the 3rd fret as a mark and having 1/2 inch of the end visible when I start winding.
After seating the windings on the shaft I had the peg flat using an 11 ga.

RB-1 - Posted - 11/13/2009:  08:53:31

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quote:

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Originally posted by The Hammer

Stewart-McDonald sells a straight line 5th string tuner under their Waverly brand name, and it is a good tuner but it is not very "user friendly".

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You must be doing something wrong....
Check my quick start guide in the other Item about this planetary 5th string tuner. Re-stringing goes even quicker than on the other 4 tuners.

IMHO it's the very best ever invented.

So the answer is 'Yes, there is'.

RB-1 plays with Half A Turn & Heartstrings
http://www.halfaturn.nl
http://home.hccnet.nl/e.beurskens/S...tstrings.htm

klgera - Posted - 11/13/2009:  09:01:01

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I agree with RB-1, the Waverly 5th string tuner is by far the easiest tuner to string, it is also the easiest to tune, with very smooth 4:1 planetary gearing.

Ken Gerard

Joe Jakonczuk - Posted - 11/13/2009:  11:28:02

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I'll try that Steve.

mrbook - Posted - 11/13/2009:  20:01:15

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The Waverly tuners used to be made under the 5-Star name when I bought a few. I think they are great, and they are all I use, but the right andgle kind nay be faster when changing a broken string on stage.

Bill

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 11/14/2009:  14:06:34

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Biggest problem with the Waverly is neck geometry. My Ramsey will not allow me to use a Waverley because the latteral string angle causes the string to rub on the metal housing and break. I could peg and redo the hole to make the peg sit out another 1/8th inch, but I'm not sure the steepness of the string angle might not be a problem too.

If the Waverly fits right there is simply no other tunes to match it, save for the Pegheds, but I would only use them on new made banjos, and not on bluegrass instruments - Bluegrassers WANT gaudy pegs.


http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.com
Rocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes.
& check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at:
http://www.pricklypearmusic.net
banjo brad's great banjo site

RB-1 - Posted - 11/15/2009:  06:07:00

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quote:

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Originally posted by oldwoodchuckb

but I would only use them on new made banjos, and not on bluegrass instruments - Bluegrassers WANT gaudy pegs.

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Being a Bluegrasser (and playing even more advanced music), I found the opposite to be true....
I suppose you're thinking of the 4 string Jazz crowd that generally seems to like the most ornate, ugliest instruments.


RB-1 plays with Half A Turn & Heartstrings
http://www.halfaturn.nl
http://home.hccnet.nl/e.beurskens/S...tstrings.htm

sugarinthegourd - Posted - 11/15/2009:  07:02:06

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The Gotoh 5th string button used to be different and non-interchangeable with the others but on the last few sets I've seen all the buttons have the same size hole. Can anyone else confirm?

uncle.fogey - Posted - 11/15/2009:  07:30:38

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I agree with RB1 - the tenors have historically taken the prizes for over the top ornamentation.

A man wouldn't need many plastic heads in a lifetime.

strang - Posted - 11/16/2009:  08:41:45

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quote:

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Originally posted by klgera
I agree with RB-1, the Waverly 5th string tuner is by far the easiest tuner to string, it is also the easiest to tune, with very smooth 4:1 planetary gearing.

Ken Gerard

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I agree with Ken, who agrees with RB1.

Best and easiest there is

- = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = -
Bluegrass -- THE Original Country Music!

Ronnie - Posted - 11/16/2009:  09:21:27

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You guys probably think I am nuts, but I still like the old Grover Perma-Tension. Yeah, it's a 1:1 friction peg. Guess I have just got used to it after all these years. Also it is historically accurate for my banjo.

www.bobbythompsonbanjo.com

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Edited by - Ronnie on 11/16/2009 10:37:47

RB-1 - Posted - 11/16/2009:  10:48:55

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ronnie

You guys probably think I am nuts, but I still like the old Grover Perma-Tension. Yeah, it's a 1:1 friction peg. Guess I have just got used to it after all these years. Also it is historically accurate for my banjo.

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No, I don't think so (nuts). On the contrary, you're probably one of the last real banjo players left here...
Able to tune the 5th just fine, without resorting to tricks (worm gear, planetary gearbox).

I silently bow.....

RB-1 plays with Heartstrings

http://home.hccnet.nl/e.beurskens/S...tstrings.htm

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Edited by - RB-1 on 11/16/2009 10:50:35

Bill Rogers - Posted - 11/16/2009:  10:50:28

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I'm lucky enough to have older banjos and three have the best 5th peg ever made--the Kroll, the first (and still the best) non-guitar tuner 5th-strng geared peg. All are going great after 35-40 years.

Bill

Tele65 - Posted - 11/16/2009:  11:34:04

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I agree with RB-1 on the Waverly fifth gear, it's way much easier to restring than other geared pegs, you only have to leave almost no slack string on the peg. The only issue i've found is that due the position of his shaft, the string touches (and scores) the edge of the neck between the tuner and the nut

Fabio
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Come on cow, come a cow cow yippee ay yey!

The Pope - Posted - 11/16/2009:  11:46:41

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I also have an old Kroll that I've put on 3 or 4 banjos. It still works correctly. The Gotoh is pretty close...

The Pope
KI #9
2 parts Masterclones

"Learn a few chords on the banjo, it's the key to life."

Vince Gill

Gomer - Posted - 11/16/2009:  15:55:28

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I agree with Kelly and Strang who agrees with Ken who agrees with Mr. RB-1.

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