Are they made by Waverly, Schaller? Who made the original pre-wars?
The tuners with the large pearloid buttons look like the eccentric Schallers made for Gibson in the 70s and a while later. Those were stamped "GIBSON" on the flat surface at the base of the button. Only difference is the screws on the Gibson buttons were inset/countersunk. And the buttons were whiter. I think the first generation of Stellings had similar tuners. I've never seen those large buttons on any other brand. Which doesn't prove others didn't ever have them.
Removing the buttons to reveal the shafts could help identifying the tuners. Square shaft will be Schaller. Oblong shaft will be some other make.
Bob Smakula might be able to identify.
Are these going to be for sale?
Old Hickory
I did see this post and have exactly the same thoughts as you, with the exception of "Bob Smakula might be able to identify."
With no definitive answer, I was waiting for someone in the know to do a positive ID so I could learn too.
Bob Smakula
Bob Smakula
Didn't mean to put you on the spot! I think of you as the resident tuner and button expert!
I do believe the tuners with the small oval buttons are Waverly two-band eccentrics. Very similar to the current version available from Stew-Mac: stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware...679931758
Perhaps I should have explained my quandary more. Looking at the pictures of the singles lined up from left to right:
1) with the larger knob. Spring loaded and square shaft. There are 4 'pips' where the tuner meets the peghead.
2) spring loaded with a leather washer just above the body (as Stew Mac shows in its latest catalog).
3) that's a new set still in the Stew Mac with a felt washer under the knob (just a different batch?)
4) same as #3
2,3,+4 have oblong shafts. Notice that #s 3+4 have flatter screw heads than #2, plus my primary interest is in #1 and its vintage.
I already have a set of off-set tuners marked "Gibson" (square shaft) for sale in the 'accessories' BHO page.
So, many of my questions have been answered, thanks to all.
quote:
Originally posted by Shop the Folk1) with the larger knob. Spring loaded and square shaft. There are 4 'pips' where the tuner meets the peghead.
. . . my primary interest is in #1 and its vintage.
I'm pretty sure square shaft means Schaller. I'd guess these are early 70s. I'm puzzled by the 4 bumps, too. I don't believe my 70s Schaller-made Gibson tuners have them and neither do my 70s and 80s Schaller planetary tuners.
Maybe there was someone briefly making these in Japan in the same era. I can't remember ever seeing any pictures of these on Japanese banjos.
