Bob78 - Posted - 10/19/2021:  13:25:29

I have a beard deco phonic 37 and I'm having a tuner problem.
My arthritic fingers are having a hard time turning the bottom set of tuners.
I have found a set from stewmac that has similar measurements as what I have but I'm not sure if they will be any better.
They are called the "golden age restoration standard post".
If any beard owners have had a similar problem how did you work around it?
I have tried lubricating them but I believe they are just too tight when made.
I have been in contact with Beard but they have no answer.
I would appreciate any suggestions, regards, bob

DobroEnthusiast - Posted - 10/19/2021:  13:54:20

Hi Bob,
Before you buy new tuners, I would recommend you try tuning with a string crank. It'll give you some extra leverage and a larger surface to grab so you don't have to grip as tightly. I hope that helps!

badger - Posted - 10/19/2021:  14:21:36

Remove the string from the problem tuner(s) and see if they turn freely. If not, start searching for the cause of the binding.

LukeL - Posted - 10/19/2021:  15:31:08

Many replace the tuners on the Deco Phonic models... they can be problematic. I bought some Grover "butterbean" tuners for mine and they were way smoother and easier to tune.

Iceman6937 - Posted - 10/19/2021:  15:32:16

Bob, I believe Beard uses those same Golden Age tuners on your Deco-phonic. I have them on a couple of my guitars (Martin and Beard) and after a drop of lubricant (something like Tri-Flow) , they are smoother and easier to use.

Bob78 - Posted - 10/19/2021:  17:24:24

all very good answers, thank you.
Luke L- did the butterball tuners fit the original holes in the beard?
I wouldn't want to do harm to this fantastic guitar. I would trade it in before I would do that.
Once again, thank you, bob

LukeL - Posted - 10/19/2021:  18:47:22

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob78

all very good answers, thank you.

Luke L- did the butterball tuners fit the original holes in the beard?

I wouldn't want to do harm to this fantastic guitar. I would trade it in before I would do that.

Once again, thank you, bob

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If I remember correctly (It's been a long time) the same holes and screw holes were used and they fit fine. The Hipshot locking tuners I later installed did not line up with the same holes so I eventually made new ones anyway...

sovio - Posted - 10/20/2021:  04:43:11

I had the same issue  with the Gotoh tuners on my JD Blackbeard.  Someone on this forum suggested Hipshot tuners as the smoothest he'd ever used. I'm so glad I switched then out. They are the smoothest, plus the string lock makes changing strings a snap.  In addition Hipshot has a unique mounting system that requires no additional holes to be drilled, if that's an issue to you.

badger - Posted - 10/20/2021:  07:39:39

Try a little bit of powdered graphite on the gears. Stuff like oil, Tri-flo or WD-40 attracts gunk like crazy.

Three_Eyed_Willy - Posted - 10/21/2021:  20:18:52

I put Hipshot tuners on my Gretsch and have not regretted it one bit.

If you want to try lubing your tuners, teflon powder is a really great choice. It's not messy like graphite.

Terry Harris - Posted - 10/22/2021:  08:21:51

Have any of you that have the locking tuners had problems with strings breaking when coming up to pitch? I had another brand and it broke strings quite often right at the tuner.
Thanks!

psikes - Posted - 10/22/2021:  09:51:19

No problems here and that is with using the Doubleshot also.

badger - Posted - 10/22/2021:  10:41:02

I've got Planet Waves locking tuners - never broken a string. You do need to be careful to insert the string in the right direction...

Bob78 - Posted - 10/22/2021:  12:25:08

I just ordered the hipshot tuners, I will keep you posted.
Once again, thank you for the suggestions, bob