Those "Geometric" Tuners: Mosrites & Standels

[Black Headstock]

Often see the so-called "geometric" tuners on (Mosrites 1969-1973) & on Standels; don't know if the tuner buttons were changed out on this Standel, but the geometric housings are the exact type as on Mosrites.

I have the geometrics on my 1971 Mosrite (V0231).

[Rich121]

I like the diamond tuners

Most of those here call them economy tuners. But I've never had a problem with one. They are on my 68 Celeb and a 71 Epi Crestwood.

Both stay in tune perfectly, which is more than I can say for some of my 60's guitars with Klusons.

Rich

[JimPage]

Hey--

Have to agree with Rich121. Those diamond-shaped tuners are on my '72 Celebrity and I like them a lot.

Did someone on this forum identify them as an early Japanese Ping product? I seem to recall that.

The consensus seems to be that Semie put these "cheapo" tuners on guitars for friends or to save money on guitars he donated to churches, but they are good-looking tuners that work great.

It's too late to ask Semie, and probably too late to determine and compare prices of his components back in those days, but one wonders whether he used these as a cost-saving measure, or if they were not an upgrade from the usual Klusons.

--Jim

[Black Headstock]

Nice clear images of "the geometrics".

Liking them more and more lately.

[JimPage]

That headstock of Black Headstock's Mosrite is absolutely stunning; a real work of art!

And, to my mind, it further challenges the theory that those geometric tuners are cheap economy units. That is certainly not a low-end guitar!!!

--Jim

[Sarah93003]

That headstock is on a Californian, the Celebrity bases Dobro. It is serial number D0002. You will see the same treatment on D0003 which is on my website. Semie used some form of decorative foil under the finish. I find it interesting that the logo on this one is different. When Ian back at my computer I will illustrate the differences if anyone is interested.

[JimPage]

Sarah wrote:
>>I will illustrate the differences if anyone is interested.

Of course we are! Thanks!

Is it an optical illusion or is the "waist" of that particular headstock tighter than on most others?

It is a stunning treatment.

--Jim

[Black Headstock]

Hey Jim,

It is most beautiful, but just to clarify, I am not the owner. This Dobro is currently listed on EBay. I just thought the images of the tuners exceptional in their quality.

The Listing reads that this was originally a 12-string neck/headstock and the 6 tuners holes were filled before the new design treatment for this Dobro.

It's really cool.

Alan

[JimPage]

Thanks, Alan. I wonder of Semie did that modification.

[Sarah93003]

Thanks, Alan. I wonder of Semie did that modification.

It is very possible. I was told that it was not uncommon for Semie to modify a headstock to suit the purpose at hand. I have photo examples where Semie added wood to make a headstock longer. Years later you can see a faint crack in the finish. The wood joint is fine but the finish crack is evident.

Scroll to the bottom of this page and see an example on a bass: http://www.mosritecelebrity.com/page10.html