WWYou do? Should I get geared tuners on my Kamaka?

Ukulolo · Oct 13, 2009

Have an all Koa 6-string Kamaka from the 70's with friction tuners. I get too frustrated playing it because of the slippage. So I called Kamaka and they told me they could do whatever I wanted, they could install new friction tuners while I wait, or I could leave it for geared tuners.

My question is, the only tuners I've played with are geared tuners (since the ukuleles are new, I guess), so I'd prefer that, but I would sort of be destroying the value of the "vintage" ukulele, wouldn't I?

The ukulele has really no sentimental value to me (meaning it hasn't been a family heirloom, I bought it beat up a couple of years ago and had it refurbished at Kamaka) but it's clearly a far superior instrument to any other ukulele I've ever played. Even the tap tone is unbelievable.

So, what would you do? Get new friction tuners installed (and keep the old parts), or screw the tradition/vintage-ness and get geared tuners?

Thanks!

psesinkclee · Oct 13, 2009

Why not looking into Peghead Tuners? They look like friction tuners but have a hidden gear in them to make it easier to tune.

UKISOCIETY · Oct 13, 2009

Make sure that geared tuners don't throw off the balance of the uke while you play. Some sopranos I own with geared tuners feel too top heavy when I play them.

Ronnie Aloha · Oct 13, 2009

I have a Pineapple Sunday (basically a super concert) and I can definitely feel the top heaviness with the geared tuners on the smaller body. Not a bid deal for me though.

I'd go with the peg geared myself. The ones I have on my KoAloha soprano hold their tune fairly well.

MisoHappy · Oct 13, 2009

I personally like "ear" tuners.

I think the ones I have are just geared tuners with a case around them....

ukeskywalker79 · Oct 13, 2009

psesinkclee said:
Why not looking into Peghead Tuners? They look like friction tuners but have a hidden gear in them to make it easier to tune.

Thanks for this info. I'm still a noob and was under the impression that there were only two types of tuners. Geared and friction....never really knew about these peghead tuners. I would have mistaken them for friction tuners for sure. What companies mainly use peghead tuners and are they used mostly on sopranos?

Kanaka916 · Oct 13, 2009

Custom builders use pegheads as an option. At $65 and up, compared to the more inexpensive open gear/closed gear tuners and friction tuners, I don't think production instruments like Kala, Lanikai, Ohana, etc. use them. Here's an article about the different types used. And here's the website for Pegheads.

ukeskywalker79 · Oct 13, 2009

Thanks Kanaka for the info. I'll look into them as I add more ukes to the collection. I always thought peghead was another term for friction tuners because they look the same. I never knew they had a hidden gear inside.

I noticed that pegheads are 4:1 gear ratio. Does this still make the geared tuners at 14:1 more precise when tuning?

Bluke · Oct 13, 2009

Pegheds (spelled properly) are truly excellent, but sometimes the existing holes in the headstock are too large for them. A good luthier can fix that, as well. 4:1 is very adequate. Button tuners are great too. Avoid friction tuners. They are miserable.

freedive135 · Oct 13, 2009

Have you tried to tighten the screw on the friction tuners so the pegs don't slip?

I know my flea slips all the time but I am taking it from cold to hot all the time too.
It was 19deg out the other morning then 75 indoors and my pegs sliped awhole lot.

bbycrts · Oct 13, 2009

Go with what you like. Sounds like you're familiar with geared tuners and like them - I'd go with that. Pegheds are VERY spendy compared to the other alternatives. To me, they are too long in back as well and look awkward - they don't look just like friction tuners.

It's better to have your player uke (or any instrument) work best for you rather than worrying about keeping it stock. If you bought it as an investment, it should be in a locked, humidity-controlled chamber. If you bought it to be a high quality player then you should set it up for maximum enjoyment.

Ukulolo · Oct 13, 2009

freedive135 said:
Have you tried to tighten the screw on the friction tuners so the pegs don't slip?

I know my flea slips all the time but I am taking it from cold to hot all the time too.
It was 19deg out the other morning then 75 indoors and my pegs sliped awhole lot.

Yeah, I've pretty much tried everything with the screw at the end. Even had my uke mentor try it. Thanks, though.

Ukulolo · Oct 13, 2009

Thanks for the replies. I'd never known about the peghed tuners. They look interesting, I will probably email the guy and get more info.

I never thought about the weight, I guess 6 geared tuners could add a bit, yeah, although it is on a tenor body.

bbycrts: That's good advice as well. I really want to be able to play it.

Thanks!

jbm · Oct 13, 2009

While on the topic, what type of tuners come on a new Kamaka?

Ukulolo · Oct 13, 2009

jbm said:
While on the topic, what type of tuners come on a new Kamaka?

Seems like all the new Kamaka tenors comes with geared tuners. I think the sopranos and concerts are still friction.

Lori · Oct 13, 2009

I would change the tuners, and save them in case you want to sell it with that option. Since you have a 6 string, geared tuners will be a big help in making the playing experience hassle free. If the top end gets too heavy, use a strap.

Then the question becomes, does putting a strap button (or pick up for that matter) hurt the value of the ukulele?:anyone:

–Lori

wickedwahine11 · Oct 14, 2009

Lori said:
Then the question becomes, does putting a strap button (or pick up for that matter) hurt the value of the ukulele?:anyone:i

I probably really hurt the monetary value of my Kanile'a by adding a strap button, and my Kamaka by adding the MiSi pickup but the way I look at it is that I'm not planning to sell these ukes, and even if I do, I won't get the full price I paid. I'd rather make them fit exactly what I want while I use them.

So I'd go ahead and do the geared tuners, keeping the friction ones in case you do ever decide to sell it, but if it will make you enjoy your Kamaka more by having geared tuners, then by all means, that is what I think counts. Especially since you aren't planning on making it an heirloom ukulele anyway.

AnnaUK · Oct 14, 2009

If you prefer geared tuners with 'ears', maybe mini ones might be an option to consider.

I've got mini Gotohs on my Makapili (I'm not sure that's the correct term, but they're pretty small) and they work well and don't make the uke top heavy.

Hope this helps

GrumpyCoyote · Oct 14, 2009

Also, without any investment or surgery, a few bucks (only $5-$10 US) will get you a tube (or tin) of peg dope.

This is the same stuff violinists use to keep their friction tuners from slipping and one tube should last you pretty much forever.

Well worth the try before peg replacement.

You can get it at any music shop that rents orchestra equipment to kids, or just good old Amazon.com

I hear a lot of hate for friction tuners because of slippage, but I also never hear anyone in the uke crowd talk about this stuff much.

bbycrts · Oct 14, 2009

Ukulolo said:
I never thought about the weight, I guess 6 geared tuners could add a bit, yeah, although it is on a tenor body.

Any more it seems to be extremely rare to see friction tuners on a tenor...

WWYou do? Should I get geared tuners on my Kamaka?

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