AboutPatrick Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to beginner or expert acoustic or electric guitar. Guitar repair and set up. Song writing and basic copyright laws. Recording music in the studio or live recording and set up. Questions concerning, booking your band and what wages you can expect.
Experience I have played guitar for 40 years and performed for over 30 years.
During this time I have gained knowledge of the music business in Guitar repairs, makes and models, equipment for guitar and recording. By doing my own work, I have saved hundreds of dollars. I am not a legal expert, but I have knowledge of the music business and I keep up with the changes in the business.
Awards and Honors I have songs that I wrote that have been recognized by Billboard and I had a top ten country song in Europe. I have a band that has worked together for 20years and we still make our living playing music. I love this business and like to help others learn about this exciting business.
Expert: Patrick Date: 1/12/2007 Subject: Guitar machine heads
Question Thanks for the info.
Second part of the question - I am handy with tools. Can I install new ones myself, and how do I know which kind to get?
Thanks,
Dave
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
I have a 25-year old Alvarez 12-string. It is in good shape except it needs a couple of tuning heads. Where is the best place to puchase these? I see a lot of them online, but they wouldn't match the originals. Or will I have to replace all 12 of them?
Thanks,
Dave
-----Answer-----
Hi Dave,
Well, it really depends on what you are looking to get out of the Alvarez. Are you looking to put it back to original condition or are you happy just getting it in playing condition?
If it is the latter, I would buy a new set of tuners and have the guitar set-up by someone who knows what they are doing. New tuners would cost you around 50-100 dollars.
Check out musiciansfriend.com or just do a google search and type in guitar machine heads. See what you find. There are thousands of dealers out there.
If you are looking to put this guitar back in it's original state, that is going to be a little more work, but rewarding in the long run.
If the guitar is in very good condition, then I would probably look at trying to fine original hardware.
Good Luck
Patrick
Answer Dave,
I would take the guitar to a professional.
There, they can match up the machine heads and you will have the proper fit. Grovers are your best bet.
Remember that 8 out of 10 times when you remove the small wood screws that hold the tuners on the guitar, the holes will need to be filled so that you will have a proper fit for the new screws. I use toothpicks and Elmer's wood or carpenters glue.
Take the toothpick and dip it in the glue. Insert the toothpick in the exsisting hole glue side first, tap it in and leave it till it drys. I would leave it for 24 hours. Then break or carefully cut the toothpick off. You now have a nice fresh soild area to insert your new screws.
Again, I would take it to a pro. But if you have the knowledge of fine wood working, you could probably do this task.
