1947 L-7 Machine Heads

BlueFinn · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 12:27 pm Post subject: 1947 L-7 Machine Heads

Hi All,
I'm looking for machine heads for my 47 L-7, the originals where replaced with Grover Kidney beans sometime in the 60's. What is the correct style for this guitar. I've seen pictures with both Kluson style open back and closed back styles each witth the tulip tip. Which would be right for this guitar? Thanks in advance.

SAguitar · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:09 pm Post subject:

Herb! You've got The Book! Can you look it up and help our friend out? Cool

herb · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 4:16 am Post subject:

My book just does the electrics, his is acoustic. The first L-7E was introduced in 1948, however, and the hardware was supposed to be the same. It was built with individual Kluson Deluxe tuners with plastic keystone buttons. Hope that helps! Wink

Scott Williams · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 5:47 am Post subject:

For what it's worth, that's what all 3 of my archtops from that period have; two L-4s and an L-50...not as far up the line as an L-7, but the specs are very close on these.

herb · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 6:39 am Post subject:

Hey, BlueFinn, I have another thought. If those are '60's Grovers on there, the shaft holes have been enlarged and the Klusons won't go back in without sleeving the holes. That will ruin any collectors value worse that having the Grovers, I think.

BlueFinn · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:18 am Post subject:

Oh bugger I was afraid of that. The holes appear to be about 10mm if replacements are smaller that would mean a reducer which I don't really want to do. I'll look around and see what I can come up with. Thanks for the help.

herb · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:52 am Post subject:

There is nothing wrong with those Grovers. Replacing Klusons with Grovers was quite common in the '60's; I even did it myself on my '61 LP/SG. The Grover was a vastly superior unit back then.