Will Grover tuners fit my Epi SG (G-400)?

[StratTom]

Will Grover tuners fit my Epi SG without having to re-drill any holes? I'm thinking that I would like to upgrade my tuners but I don't want to have to drill anything. If there's another brand that is just as good that would do the job, please recommend it. Also, what ratio should I be looking for, anything particular? Thanks!

[59paul]

If your Epi has the type of tuners that have the nut on the front, that tightens down to hold the tuner on, then the Grover's will fit. If it has the type of tuners that have the push on bushing on the front, then the holes will need to be routed. I use only Grover 18:1 tuners on all my Gibson LP Standards. I use the non-locking. On a non-trem guitar like a LP or an SG, there is really no need for locking tuners. Just keep the guitar properly set-up, and you should have no problems.

[StratTom]

If your Epi has the type of tuners that have the nut on the front, that tightens down to hold the tuner on, then the Grover's will fit. If it has the type of tuners that have the push on bushing on the front, then the holes will need to be routed. I use only Grover 18:1 tuners on all my Gibson LP Standards. I use the non-locking. On a non-trem guitar like a LP or an SG, there is really no need for locking tuners. Just keep the guitar properly set-up, and you should have no problems.

Thanks 59paul! I'll have to check on what kind of tuners I have when I get home. Hopefully they're the kind that don't require anything to be modified. If not maybe I'll have a pro do it.

[TattooedCarrot]

They do not fit. The hole for the 400 is too small to accomidate the Grover. You will need to ream out the holes for the Grovers to fit. I had a G-400 and found this out the hard way.

[StratTom]

They do not fit. The hole for the 400 is too small to accomidate the Grover. You will need to ream out the holes for the Grovers to fit. I had a G-400 and found this out the hard way.

Thanks TattooedCarrot! Did you try to install them yourself or did you have someone else do it for you?

[TattooedCarrot]

I thought they were a direct replacement and had some spare Grovers from a Gibson laying around. When they wouldn't fit, I just left the old ones on and didn't bother. But I wouldn't trust myself doing it and woul use a tech.

[RACER X]

The Grovers should go right on without a problem. 18:1 ratio is the only way to go. Planet Waves also makes some killer locking 18:1 tuners, try www. stewmac.com for info on both those brands and others, good luck.

[StratTom]

Thanks guys! I think I will play it safe and have a tech install them.

[RACER X]

Yeh dont want to crack the headstock, been there done that.

[StratTom]

Yeh dont want to crack the headstock, been there done that.

OUCH!! That sucks, were you installing tuners?

[TattooedCarrot]

I tried to route a stat (copy) neck for Sperzels using the 10mm drill bit from stewmac and broke the headstock. You really need to use a reamer.

I notice a few people saying they will work, appearently these people don't own a G-400 or haven't tried it because like I said, I had one and they wouldn't fit. The G-400 is drilled for the smaller vintage cheap-o posts.

Buy the parts and try it, if it fits you got lucky. If not, take it to your tech and have him widen the holes.

[StratTom]

I notice a few people saying they will work, appearently these people don't own a G-400 or haven't tried it because like I said, I had one and they wouldn't fit. The G-400 is drilled for the smaller vintage cheap-o posts.

Buy the parts and try it, if it fits you got lucky. If not, take it to your tech and have him widen the holes.

Yesterday I was at a shop and found Grover vintage tuners, and I believe the ratio was 14:1. Do you think I could chance getting these to see if they would fit? Also, is 14:1 bad compared to 18:1?

[TattooedCarrot]

14:1 and 18:1 doesn't have anything to do with the post size. It's the ratio of how much the you turn the key to make the post turn. The 18:1 will be a little tighter and take less turn to move the post than the 14:1. But anything Grover will be high quality. Are you having tuning problems with the stock tuners? What's your reason for changing? If the stocks aren't slipping and are staying tight there's really no reason to change.

[StratTom]

I want to change them because I would like my guitar to stay in-tune better. I don't really like the stock ones, and the ones I saw yesterday looked exactly like the vintage stock Epi tuners but they were Grovers.

[TattooedCarrot]

I want to change them because I would like my guitar to stay in-tune better

So you have tuning problems? Have you checked other things first, like that plastic nut? Often tuning problems are the result of other stuff more than the tuners themselves. Nothing wrong with a nice upgrade. But it may not be necessary.

I only bother upgrading to Sperzels because it's easier to change strings, otherwise I don't think I'd bother. That's just me.

[3 cent hero]

I tried to route a stat (copy) neck for Sperzels using the 10mm drill bit from stewmac and broke the headstock. You really need to use a reamer.

put the drill in reverse. it takes longer, but it'll protect the headstock. this is how i always avoid using a reamer

[texasguitarslinger]

I put Grover 18:1 tuners on my son's Epi Special II. I had to use a 10mm wood drill bit and a ream at 11mm. Be sure to use a vice with rubber heads to firmly hold the neck while reaming and drilling. I also recommend using a drill with a level in the chassis and a reverse setting. Drill medium slow through the entire process as not to lose control. Oh yeah be sure to ream the back as well as the front to avoid chipping the finish.