runningwolf - Posted - 09/25/2011:  19:45:38

I bought some Bill Keith Tuners recently for my 1983 Deering Calico. I think the woods too thick for the tuners threads to reach through. Looks as though I may only catch a thread or two. I was wondering if anyone out there has a Calico with Keith Tuners on it? The wood is like 11/16 thick. They'll fit on my Deering Maple Blossom easily I'm sure, it's much thinner, but I don't think they're going to work on my Calico.

I appreciate any help on this.

thanks,

Dan

kirbonite - Posted - 09/25/2011:  20:02:17

I have a Deering Deluxe Custom that I put some Schaller tuners on years ago.  I had to enlarge the hole ever so slightly.   Deering makes a great banjo but they are consistently inconsistent with thier products.  Older models had high crown heads.  Newer models have medium but thd goodtimes still have high.

I'm just sayn.  I'm not surprised

beegee - Posted - 09/26/2011:  02:19:29

If you don't especially care about modifying the banjo, you could cut a recess in the back of the peghead that would allow the tuner to be inset and let the shaft extend far enough through to attach the hex collar-nut. Alternatively, it would nicer to sand the back of the peghead to the proper thickness(belt sander) and refinish. I think I'd  send it back to deeering and have them make it right. That just seems a bit quirky to me and another item to put on my checklist of things to watch for in Deerings.

kirbonite - Posted - 09/26/2011:  20:51:41

I  AGRE E  about that on Deerings.  especially an 83 model.  They've slowly become more standardized but they're still a bit screwy.  that said,  My Deering is an awesome banjo but with quirks.

peewee - Posted - 09/27/2011:  17:02:21

I have a 2003 Calico with 2 keith d tuners, and 2 regular keith tuners.  No problems here.

runningwolf - Posted - 03/30/2012:  17:40:07

Well isn't that good for you PeeWee? :-)

I found out the newer Deerings peg heads are thinner and more consistent than were the early models such as mine. Oh well, I guess there won't be a set on my Calico. It still sounds and plays great as it is.

John Gribble - Posted - 03/31/2012:  08:00:57

Contact Bill Keith and see if he can supply you with longer threaded sleeves. 

Bob Peelstrom - Posted - 03/31/2012:  10:59:45

I've got a 1983 Calico (that I purchased in 1983).  When Bill finally listened to my nagging and made regular tuners, I immediately got a set.  They are made to the same high standards as his D-tuners.  Mine fit fine and ever since I installed them, my Calico has been the standard when our band tunes up.

-bp-