Repro Kluson Tuners for Oahu Diana Lap Steel

Got a break from the current Project That Won't End (the F50 neck reset).  I'm in the 'put a coat of lacquer on every few hours' mode, so I can actually squeeze in another project.  That's my story, anyway.

My trusty Oahu Diana lap steel has an issue I need to fix.  The 4th string's (that would be G in C6th tuning...) string post is broken off.  It was that way when I got it, and it has been bugging me.

I'm concerned that one day it might just snap off.  I actually have another vintage tuner around here somewhere that I was going to steal the post from, but I just decided it would be easier to replace the tuners entirely.  This way I can spare the tuners from the wear of everyday use.

These particular tuners seem to be quite rare.  They're your standard Kluson Deluxes from the late 40s - early 50s, but they're gold plated.  And, they have these crazy, wonderful gold speckled buttons!

I've only seen a few instruments that used them, and Kluson doesn't offer a current replacement.  All the more reason to get them off the guitar.

So I just plunked on a set of new old-style Klusons.  These are the more typical models - nickel plating with white buttons.  As found on thousands of American-made guitars from that time period.

I 'aged' the buttons a bit so they're not quite so white.  (Light coat of brown liquid shoe polish).

Perfect fit.  And they look appropriate.

I left the original gold ferrules on.  Too much hassle to get them off and press new ones on.  Plus it looks cool with the gold-and-nickel combination I think.

The new tuners also have a 15:1 gear ratio for better fine tuning.  I believe the old ones were 12:1.  In any case, these are a lot smoother.

Ok, now to hit the Guild with another coat of lacquer.