The Steel Guitar Forum Store 

Post new topic Tuners for 1935 National Lapsteel
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Tuners for 1935 National Lapsteel
Peter Funk


From:
Germany
Post  Posted 9 Dec 2018 1:34 pm    
Reply with quote

This National Lapsteel came with tuners that were cut out from three-on-a-plate spanish guitar tuners.

Although they work quite well, I would like to replace them with something "more original". Does anybody have an idea, what tuners would fit?
Thanks in advance!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Noah Miller


From:
Rocky Hill, CT
Post  Posted 9 Dec 2018 2:46 pm    
Reply with quote

National used a variety of tuners on these. I wouldn't be very surprised to learn that those are the originals, even if they've been modified from strip tuners. Can you post a picture from the back? More importantly, are there extra screw holes that would positively identify these as non-original?
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Eric Dahlhoff


From:
Point Arena, California
Post  Posted 9 Dec 2018 4:23 pm     National Hawaiian
Reply with quote

I've seen 2 different types. I replaced them with these Grovers.
https://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Solid_Peghead_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/Grover_181_Sta-Tite_97-18_Series_3and3_Tuners.html

Required slight grinding with a dremel tool to make the bottom 2 fit. Here's before & after...


_________________
"To live outside the law you must be honest." (Bob Dylan)
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Chris Clem

 

From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 9 Dec 2018 5:44 pm    
Reply with quote

This doesn't answer your question.But mine are the original tuners (same as Eric had),they seem to work fine.You often see these with bent shafts,but they are easy to straighten.....Chris


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Peter Funk


From:
Germany
Post  Posted 11 Dec 2018 5:49 am    
Reply with quote

Noah Miller wrote:
Can you post a picture from the back? More importantly, are there extra screw holes that would positively identify these as non-original?
This is, how the back of the head looks (I removed one tuner to measure the spacing of the holes (in mm)):

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 11 Dec 2018 8:19 am    
Reply with quote

It looks like you've got a little crack in the head also.
Erv
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Noah Miller


From:
Rocky Hill, CT
Post  Posted 11 Dec 2018 11:13 am    
Reply with quote

Ah, OK - most of those are definitely replacements. The highest two strings still have their originals. The Sta-Tites like Eric suggested are probably the closest match you'll find in a new tuner.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Peter Funk


From:
Germany
Post  Posted 11 Dec 2018 2:05 pm    
Reply with quote

Erv Niehaus wrote:
It looks like you've got a little crack in the head also.
Erv
Is this something to worry about? And if so: Is there a way to fix it?
Noah Miller wrote:
The highest two strings still have their originals. The Sta-Tites like Eric suggested are probably the closest match you'll find in a new tuner.
Thanks. I found that the Sta-Titeâ„¢ (98 Series) come closest concerning the holes etc.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 11 Dec 2018 2:13 pm    
Reply with quote

Peter,
That crack might be a problem when you put some tension on the strings.
And I don't know an easy way to fix it. Sad
Erv
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Bill Groner


From:
QUAKERTOWN, PA
Post  Posted 11 Dec 2018 3:50 pm    
Reply with quote

Just curious.....how much does one of those Nationals weigh?
They look heavy!

_________________
Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Noah Miller


From:
Rocky Hill, CT
Post  Posted 11 Dec 2018 6:36 pm    
Reply with quote

Bill Groner wrote:
Just curious.....how much does one of those Nationals weigh?
They look heavy!


My prototype weighs 14 lbs, but it also has a bit more aluminum than the production versions.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Eric Dahlhoff


From:
Point Arena, California
Post  Posted 12 Dec 2018 3:19 pm    
Reply with quote

Mine weighs 10lbs.


_________________
"To live outside the law you must be honest." (Bob Dylan)
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Jim Dulfer

 

From:
Southeastern USA
Post  Posted 14 Dec 2018 12:44 pm    
Reply with quote

I HAVE a set of the original tuners that you are looking for for your National lap steel. PM me and include your email address so I can send some pictures to you. I have a HUGE inventory of vintage tuners. The tuners that original appeared on these mid 1930's National Electric Hawaiian models are quite rare and hard to find. The ones posted by Chris Clem are correct.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Chris Boyd

 

From:
Leonia,N.J./Charlestown,R.I.
Post  Posted 15 Dec 2018 7:57 am    
Reply with quote

Jim is a great guy to deal with and is a consummate pro.
_________________
https://www.reverbnation.com/bigredandtheresonators
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website


All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  

Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction,
steel guitars & accessories

www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

Please review our Forum Rules and Policies

Steel Guitar Forum LLC
PO Box 237
Mount Horeb, WI 53572 USA


Click Here to Send a Donation

Email admin@steelguitarforum.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for
Band-in-a-Box

by Jim Baron
HTTP