Post by robertlavin on Sept 8, 2019 12:08:25 GMT -5
Hi All,
I got bitten by the vintage FG bug the other day and find myself with a 1977 FG-335.
Didn't need much work but I reckon the tuners could do work being replaced. They're tarnished, perhaps corroded, and the D and G keys are really lose as if they've taken a few knocks.
I'm talking about worn worm screws here, not the mounting to the headstock which is sound.
I've read on another form that Grover Rotomatics are essentially a drop in replacement but I can't see how that would work. They just don't look too have the same proportions.
So, what have you replaced your tuners with or what would work on my FG-335?
Post by robertlavin on Sept 8, 2019 14:28:12 GMT -5
Thanks, I'll give it another go.
I did have a look, but was too much of a coward to crank the screws hard. It wouldn't surprise me if they'll move with a bit more effort given its general state of neglect.
Post by dalstondavid on Nov 5, 2019 6:34:12 GMT -5
Hi, would you happen to know the model number of these tuners? They seem hard to find, and I have two FG-335s, both could do with one or two replacements. It's occurred to me to buy a third 335 and sacrifice it for the tuners but I think that's a slippery slope :-D thanks, and congrats on the site/forum!
Hi, would you happen to know the model number of these tuners? They seem hard to find, and I have two FG-335s, both could do with one or two replacements. It's occurred to me to buy a third 335 and sacrifice it for the tuners but I think that's a slippery slope :-D thanks, and congrats on the site/forum!
THANKS!! Unfortunately, Yamaha doesn't stock 40 year old tuners. And it seems they changed the tuner models almost as much as they changed guitar models. You're only hope is to find a sacrificial guitar and take the tuners.
Post by dalstondavid on Nov 6, 2019 17:14:14 GMT -5
London, England. Both 335s of mine have the same (uncommon) tuners. Haven't seen them on other models... If there were a model number that I could cling to it would help me to make a proper search for them. Thanks
The picture is there. Free forums don't come with much storage space, so pictures have to be hosted somewhere else. Or click on the "Add image to post" button on the top right. They're hosted on imgbb.com.
Actually, the tuners on the FG-335 are common for a few models in that era. I've saved pictures of tuners of various models. I've found the same tuners on the FG-151, 152, 251B, 325, 331, and 336SB. There's also another similar model tuner (different knob shaft) on more models.
I have found some data on Yamaha tuner models, along with other parts, but they only list non-export guitars. By looking at pics of some models listed and comparing them to the pics I have I've found, the tuner you are looking for is the TM-20. BUT, I doubt you'll find that number referenced anywhere.
Post by dalstondavid on Nov 7, 2019 5:00:16 GMT -5
Well many thanks! I know I could (and maybe should) simply replace the tuners with new Grover or some such that fit (and feel much smoother), but I'd rather keep all original even if it's a replacement. And I should probably take all the tuners off and clean them really well to assess just how many need replacing before I do anything. I did actually find some on eBay last night in USA but after shipping it would be maybe $45 for an incomplete set. Having the model number could be very useful. There must be Yamaha collectors in Japan and unless these models were produced only for export (and not in Japan anyway, obviously) I would imagine these guitars are more plentiful there?
Unfortunately, the language barrier probably keeps a lot of Yamaha FG info in Japan. I haven't been able to find a way to get a meaningful translation.
The Yamaha tuners are metric shaft (5mm. .236"). A modern 1/4" (.250") shaft won't drop in. You'd have to replace the bushings and possibly open the holes in the headstock. The bushings have to be carefully pressed out while supporting the wood around them, otherwise the headstock veneer will get torn out. Been there, done that...