Smakula is the place to go. Grotoh are very nice!

The Rickard Cyclone tuners are more costly, but extremely precise—if you need that.

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Originally posted by mb4me

Smakula is the place to go. Grotoh are very nice!

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I agree. 4.1 is more than enough, and Gotoh are beautiful tuners. 

I didn't like the original 2:1 pancake tuners that came on my '29 tb-2 so I put on 4 new 4:1 Keiths.
Very precise and smooth.

Just be aware that the holes in your B&D are probably too small to accept modern geared tuners and will need to be enlarged to 10mm.

ABM,I think, made smaller shaft tuners. Not sure if they're still available. Smakula would know and possibly carry them

ABM doesn’t make them any more. Bob may still have some, but otherwise you’ll have to find them on the used market.

I have them on my custom B&D-style tenor, and like them as much as Gotohs and more than Schallers. I have Rickards on my ‘25 Weymann plectrum, and they are pretty darn swell, but to be honest I’ve never really had problems with 1:4 tuners

edit: Bob has gold ABMs listed as available on his site, the other finishes are sold out.  

I only have a few sets of gold plated ABM tuners left. If you think that is the correct tuner for your banjo, snag them now. I have been the only purchaser (from the ABM factory) of those tuners since about 2015. They made the last batch for me in 2022. When I asked if they would consider making some earlier this year, they just laughed.

malarz You have not posted what type of tuners are on the banjo now. If they are friction tuners, that usually require a 1/4" hole, then the ABM planet tuners would be the best choice. If they use a 3/8" hole, then I would go for a set of Gotoh tuners.

Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com

Thanks to all for taking the time to reply. Bob Smakula, I will remove one of the tuners and let you what type is on now. I don't mind drilling out the existing hole if necessary.

Ken

Not sure what I was thinking! Definitely geared tuners.