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?
quote:
Originally posted by Phil - MOIs 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.
You might try Sonny's ugly tuners.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
quote:
Originally posted by Hunter LemonIt 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
quote:
Originally posted by Phil - MOI 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.
There are 2 sets for sale on BHO right now
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.
