Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My advice is to use the repros and keep the double lines safe until you or someone else can manage replacement buttons. Sounds like a cool project. Then you could stick them back on and see if there's any difference in tone. I have a feeling that I would not hear a difference. Maybe someone else's ears are good enough to detect a tuner swap of a similar design. But they'll look great and get you some compliments, likely. And you might like the softer warmer feel of the plastic. I do.

kiramdear wrote:My advice is to use the repros and keep the double lines safe until you or someone else can manage replacement buttons. Sounds like a cool project. Then you could stick them back on and see if there's any difference in tone. I have a feeling that I would not hear a difference. Maybe someone else's ears are good enough to detect a tuner swap of a similar design. But they'll look great and get you some compliments, likely. And you might like the softer warmer feel of the plastic. I do.

Thanks Kira,That is what I am gonna do.The guitar tech at my local store said he could put new buttons on but the problem was finding buttons that matched the originals(he has some that are pretty close)and more importantly whether the original tuners will work as well as the repros.Anyone here who has any experience with,information about or opinions of replacing or restoring vintage Kluson tuning machines feel free to chime in.

I was actually going to swap out my double lines for some repros because I was convinced they were slipping. But it turns out it was just the strings stretching in. It was good that I looked into it, though, because PW explained that they don't slip, not the originals nor the repros. They all work fine unless damaged. Gearing ratio leaves a little to be desired but that's vintage.

Mitch, I'd leave the tuners that are on there personally....the guitar plays fine and sounds great with those. I can't imagine any tonal difference unless its a different mass with the original tuners affecting things. The reproductions are quite good. I was happy that whoever put those on took the time to use something that would bolt up without having to drill new holes.

Have you had your guitar tech set it up yet and put some thicker strings on?

For those who don't know, the guitar had probably a set of 9's on it, which is quite thin for a short scale guitar, and the action was too low, especially on the high strings. The guy who owned it bought it new and played it sporatically for years, and wasn't a great player, so there is hardly any wear on the guitar. If it was a normal scale Fender I would have got it for myself, but with the shrot scale I figured someone else could enjoy it, and I helped the gentleman to sell it. Mitch was the lucky contestant!

Greg

soundmasterg wrote:Mitch, I'd leave the tuners that are on there personally....the guitar plays fine and sounds great with those. I can't imagine any tonal difference unless its a different mass with the original tuners affecting things. The reproductions are quite good. I was happy that whoever put those on took the time to use something that would bolt up without having to drill new holes.

Have you had your guitar tech set it up yet and put some thicker strings on?

For those who don't know, the guitar had probably a set of 9's on it, which is quite thin for a short scale guitar, and the action was too low, especially on the high strings. The guy who owned it bought it new and played it sporatically for years, and wasn't a great player, so there is hardly any wear on the guitar. If it was a normal scale Fender I would have got it for myself, but with the shrot scale I figured someone else could enjoy it, and I helped the gentleman to sell it. Mitch was the lucky contestant!

Greg

Thanks Greg.I am not going to change the tuners,they work fine and look great.I had my local tech do a full setup and it plays great now.I have 11's on it now.Much better.

Now My Duo-Sonic is in The Musicmaster/Duo-Sonic Gallery

I found a friend for my Duo-Sonic.

Stylin'!

What exactly is that? I can't make it out too well.

kiramdear wrote:Stylin'!

What exactly is that? I can't make it out too well.

Thanks Kira!It is just an Oly White Fender American Standard Stratocaster with a gold anodised pickguard,but I think it looks cool especially next to my Duo-Sonic. I also resembles David Gilmore's 1954 Stratocaster 0001.

Cool! Have fun with it! My Duo returns to me Friday with expert setup

kiramdear wrote:Cool! Have fun with it! My Duo returns to me Friday with expert setup

Awesome!Please post some photos of it on this thread when you get it,ok?

I already made a few when I first got it. For those who aren't familiar with this Duo, it was custom made by Paul W. from vintage parts.





Except for the bridge and the ambering and softening of edges, this guitar looks and feels like it just left the factory (they wish). The overall sensation is awe-inspiring. Tonally, it has a super resonant and plunky, bitchy, snappy personality. I love it

Thanks Kira,she is a real beauty!

It would be fun to A-B it with your own sometime. We'll have to meet up at one of these confluences.

kiramdear wrote:It would be fun to A-B it with your own sometime. We'll have to meet up at one of these confluences.

Ok,at the next RRF DSSMC (Duo-Sonic and Sock Monkey Coalition)confluence!