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Nov 30, 2024 - 10:09:21 AM
815 posts since 8/26/2009

Can't seem to find any type D tuners available other than maybe new Keiths from Beacon.

Is Schaller out of business for d-tuners?
Cheat-a-keys out of stock everywhere.
What happened to somebody that was going to make conversion to d-tuners on Gotoh tuners?

Nov 30, 2024 - 10:57:14 AM

15833 posts since 6/2/2008

quote:
Originally posted by Phil - MO

Is Schaller out of business for d-tuners?


Apparently so. Banjo D-tuners are gone from Schaller's website. Also, regular banjo tuners are only shown in gold. Not a good sign. Fifth string tuners are still shown in three colors, but who knows for how long. Schaller does still show a pack of replacement parts for D-tuners: two each of set screws, springs, washers, bushings  for 31 euro.

Gotoh briefly made D-tuners back in the 70s. I believe they were very close copies of Keiths.

A guy named Joe Peters made a set of adapters back in the 1980s that could convert regular tuners to D-tuner function. Long out of production. They've been discussed here from time to time. I believe his daughter even posted here.

I haven't read anything about a modern-day D-tuner converter for Gotoh regular tuners. But that would be a positive addition to the market now that Schaller appears to be out of the D-tuner business.

Nov 30, 2024 - 2:08:47 PM
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40 posts since 6/18/2023

You might try Sonny's ugly tuners.

Nov 30, 2024 - 2:34:47 PM
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815 posts since 8/26/2009

I have 2 sets of Keith's and 2 Schaller's that are on other banjos. Have a new build and was looking for another set.

At $285 plus I'll transfer a set over from least used banjo to try out for awhile. Was just surprised no new Schaller's or used Keith's are available.
Phil

Nov 30, 2024 - 2:41:09 PM
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3510 posts since 3/30/2008

Since D-tuners have become scarce, it might be an indication that they are not in demand. (How many times, & how many tunes require this dated special effect ??).  ... A special effect that increases the weight of the peghead, requires 2 more holes, has an ugly industrial look, & may effect  resale value.  

Edited by - tdennis on 11/30/2024 14:50:09

Nov 30, 2024 - 2:47:09 PM

62663 posts since 12/14/2005

Back of the Scruggs book gives detailed instructions to make your own.
Can be done with simple hand tools, including the part where you have to drill a couple more holes in your peghead.

Which is probably why this is seldom done.

Nov 30, 2024 - 6:03:49 PM
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1907 posts since 4/13/2017

It seems maybe Mike Rowe has or used to have some adapters for Gotoh tuners...

rowesales.net/products/d-tuner...toh-tuner

I seem to remember these being on Rickard's website for a while several years back.

I was just thinking today about how I'd like to put a set of D-tuners on one of my personal banjos, but really don't want to pay the $260 that the Kieths cost. My other Jo has Schaller D Tuners, but they're out of production I suppose.

EDIT: Just found this old thread about the Rowe "slip-on" D tuners. https://www.banjohangout.org/archive/353958

Edited by - Hunter Lemon on 11/30/2024 18:09:16

Dec 1, 2024 - 9:13:45 AM

leehar

USA

340 posts since 2/18/2018

About three years ago I was trying to buy a set of Schallers and everybody was out of stock. I looked in the BH Marketplace and a guy had a pair, practically new, that he was willing to sell for $50. They were actually gold plated which really didn’t matter much to me. You should keep an eye on the BH Classifieds.

Dec 1, 2024 - 10:15:47 AM

815 posts since 8/26/2009

Yes, there are two Keith sets for sale now gold plated.
One set for $550 and another for $800.
I never find the $50 sets used.

Edited by - Phil - MO on 12/01/2024 10:18:25

Dec 1, 2024 - 10:43:54 AM

713 posts since 4/14/2014

quote:
Originally posted by Hunter Lemon

It seems maybe Mike Rowe has or used to have some adapters for Gotoh tuners...

rowesales.net/products/d-tuner...toh-tuner

I seem to remember these being on Rickard's website for a while several years back.
 


You are correct, these were for sale through Rickard for a while. I bought one of the last ones a few years ago as I felt it would help me in live settings as I use gDGBD and gCGBD frequently. The only issue I had was, despite my head and other factors, I'd still have to make small adjustments to my other strings when I'd use the D tuner. It didn't save me any time. Because of this, I ultimately decided it wasn't worth it -- That's why I've stayed away from D-tuners. 

Edited by - Nic Pennsylvania on 12/01/2024 10:46:32

Dec 1, 2024 - 10:54:25 AM

15833 posts since 6/2/2008

quote:
Originally posted by Phil - MO

I never find the $50 sets used.


Used price on Schallers has definitely increased. I got mine for $50 or $55 around 2010. I think in recent years they've been around $75 used. Pretty sure they've been under $100. If they're out of production, no telling what will happen to the price.

Used Keiths in stainless steel were $150 to $180 used for a long time.

Dec 1, 2024 - 11:14:48 AM

klgera

USA

579 posts since 12/3/2004

There are 2 sets for sale on BHO right now

Dec 1, 2024 - 5:22:36 PM

849 posts since 11/9/2003

I have a set of Stainless Keith-Bump d tuners. 2nd and 3rd strings. These have been cleaned in an ultrasound cleaner and lubed with Magnalube grease. New leather washers. $450 if anyone is interested.

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