Tuner Holes

Tuner Holes

We offer the following sizes of stock tuner. If your project requires hole sizes that are outside of our displayed stock options, please get in touch with us.

11/32”
Fits Kluson type tuners of vintage size

Vintage 2-step 11/32” on the face and 1/4″ on the rear
Fits vintage Kluson style tuners

10mm
The most common diameter for modern Schaller, Sperzel, and Gotoh type tuners

Important note: We do not drill holes for the small set screws or pegs for tuning machines, due to the fact that there are so many different models and styles of tuners on the market, and most of them have different locations for these holes. These set screw holes should be drilled at the time of setup and assembly of your guitar in order to ensure proper placement. If you do not feel confident drilling these holes yourself, it would be a good idea to seek the help of a qualified tech or luthier to carry out this task.

For genuine Kluson brand vintage tuners, the hole size depends on whether you’re using press-in bushings or bolt-in types. Here’s what you need:

Hole Size for Press-in Bushings

  • Vintage Kluson tuners typically require 11/32″ (8.73mm) holes in the headstock for a snug fit.
  • If the hole is too small, the bushing won’t fit.
  • If the hole is too large, the bushing won’t stay secure.

How to Press in Kluson Tuners Properly

  1. Check the Fit First

    • Dry-fit a bushing to see if it can be pressed in by hand.
    • If it’s slightly tight, that’s ideal.

  2. Use a Proper Pressing Tool

    • The safest method is to use a drill press or arbor press with a smooth pressing block.
    • Alternatively, you can use a C-clamp with soft protective pads.

  3. Avoid Hammering Directly

    • If you must use a hammer, use a rubber mallet or a wooden block to prevent damage.
    • Place a soft cloth over the headstock to protect the finish.

  4. Press Evenly

    • Press the bushing straight into the hole without tilting.
    • If the hole is slightly too tight, lightly ream it with an 11/32″ reamer.

  5. Secure the Tuners

    • Once the bushings are in, install the tuners and secure them with the provided screws.

Tip for Oversized Holes

If the hole is too big (common on modern guitars with 10mm holes), you can use conversion bushings to fit Kluson tuners into larger holes.

Let me know if you need more details!