Machine Head

CappuccinoKid · Post by **CappuccinoKid** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 6:16 pm

I want to replace the machine heads on my 660/12.

The original Schallers have a lot of slack and some stick a little. It stays in tune once you get it there, but getting it there can be a pain.

Are the ones that come stock the same as the after market Schallers? Is it normal for Schallers to be sloppy and sticky? Is there a better upgrade? What about locking tuners for a 12 string? I like Sperzel locking tuners, on my sixers.

(I've researched this but hard to find anything definitive, even Schaller themselves couldn't tell me which of their tuners fit).

Thanx...

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:57 pm

Welcome to the forum. It's possible that the problem is in the guitar's nut, not the tuners - Especially if your not using Rickenbacker strings. The RIC strings are a kind of hybrid 10 gauge set, with smaller gauges on the lower strings than a regular set. The nut slots are cut accordingly, so slightly heavier gauges can tend to stick in the slots.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:08 pm

Welcome, Jeremy.

IIRC, the 660 and 660/12 has repro vintage Kluson tuners, not the standard Schallers [b]RIC[/b] uses on the bulk of their guitars. Can you post pics of yours?

CappuccinoKid · Post by **CappuccinoKid** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:14 am

Thanx for the welcome and quick replies...

Nah the nuts fine and I'm using stnd Ricky compressed strings. I know it's the tuners themselves.

They are made in Germany mini Schallers, with the 'S' on them.

Edit; wait I'm a dumbass, I just noticed I typed 660 it should be 360/12. Doh, sorry. I guess that would make a difference huh? lol

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 1:18 am

CappuccinoKid wrote:Edit; wait I'm a dumbass, I just noticed I typed 660 it should be 360/12. Doh, sorry. I guess that would make a difference huh? lol

That makes a world of a difference!

CappuccinoKid · Post by **CappuccinoKid** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:56 am

jps wrote:That makes a world of a difference!

Yes, most certainly. So in light of my typo, any ideas on machines heads?

collin · Post by **collin** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:14 am

Welcome Jeremy!

Nice P200---there are a couple of us scooterists on the board.

radioactive · Post by **radioactive** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 6:15 am

I've had to replace tuners on two Rickenbacker from the 1998-99 period, one was new 370/12 from the factory, the other a 360/12v64. IMO the tuner gears themselves are defective.

CappuccinoKid · Post by **CappuccinoKid** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 6:33 am

Hi Colin, thanx, yeah that be me sometime in the early eightees Jam shoes, black 3 button & Parka lol. Only pic I have left of meself.
The scoot was a 1980 PX125 that I fitted with a 185 kit, actually now I think about it whenever the 125cc learner law changed was just before that pic was taken as I was riding a Jet 200 before, 82 maybe?. Without all the shiny "stuff" on it it was faster than a stock 200. Kept it till it was stolen in London around '86.

CappuccinoKid · Post by **CappuccinoKid** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 6:39 am

radioactive wrote:...IMO the tuner gears themselves are defective.

That's what I was wondering. Mines a 2002 but it don't mean the tuners are.

I know often companies will sell huge lots of a product, to other companies, that are maybe not as good as the ones they package for retail.

I just don't want to buy new Schallers and they be no better. I know Grovers and Sperzels, but have had no experience with Schallers before.

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:05 am

Schallers are excellent tuners, for the most part. Any manufacturer can and do occasionally produce problem items, however.

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