Turning New Tuners Into Vintage Tuners:
Often you will run into the problem of having to replace the tuning machines for a valuable vintage instrument.
Sometimes you can get away with just replacement of of few of the degraded knobs, but often the tuners themselves are is such sad shape they too are in need of replacement.
The trick to maintain the vintage look of the guitar with new tuning machines is a method I call distressing the tuners, to give them that classic vintage appearance.
Search For Matching Tuners:
You first step is to search for a set of tuning machines that closely match the style, shape and embossment of the existing set. This can lead to quite a search, but I have found that there are many great tuning machine sources available on the Internet. Once you secure you set of machine heads, you can roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Start By Scuff Sanding The Metal:
The first step involves scuff sanding the highly polished metal parts. All we are after here is to take the shine off the parts and not and more than that. I would recommend using #1800 Micro-Mesh to distress the metal in preparation for the etching step. The scuffing of the metal will give something for the etching solution to bite into as well.
Apply the Etching Solution:
The next step is placing an etching solution containing ferric chloride to etch the surface of the metal. This solution is used to etch printed circuit boards and is available at most Radio Shack stores.
Since this etching solution is corrosive, you need to handle it with the same care as you would an acid solution. Therefore, be sure you wear rubber gloves, eye protection and work in a very well ventilation space.
It is best to test the etching solution on a scrap metal tuning machine first to determine the optimum working strength and working time that is required for the desired effect.
Keep in mind that the strength of the solution can be controlled by water dilution. Typically begin with a 25% etching solution to 75% water. The stronger the solution the more distressed appearance you will get, so gage the appearance you desire with this test.
Apply the solution with a Q-tip. Don’t try to do too much at once and keep a close eye on the process. Once you have achieved the desired appearance, thoroughly rinse the solution off the metal to preserve the appearance.
Beware that this process can happen quickly and be ready with you water rinse without delay. After rinsing, try off the tuners and blow them off and out with compressed air.
Staining the Tuning Knobs:
Next comes the aging of the tuning machine knobs. After all we don’t want distressed tuners with brand-new looking knobs do we? First scuff sand the knobs and then rub some brown shoe polish onto the knobs. Let the polish dry and then clean the excess off with a clean cloth. Voila! The tuning machine knobs now have a nice aged look.
Optional Additional Distressing:
If you really want to add some class to the tuning machines and give them a classic aged look, tape off the tuner knobs and spray the metal with a spatter coating of Amber Shellac with a bit of brown stain added to the solution. This will give a very nice aged look to your tuning machine as the finishing touch.
Tags: guitar repair, guitar tuning machines, replace tuning machines, turning new tuners into vintage tuners, ultimate guitar repair
