Any experiences with these French machines from International Violin Company?

**Basschair** · #1 02-12-2008, 05:58 PM

http://www.internationalviolin.com/i...?ItemCode=4460

Anyone? For my first build, I just can't justify springing on Sloanes or the KC Strings models (Kurtz's?). I've always been under the impression that Rubners were a solid bet, but after reading a bunch of posts here I'm beginning to wonder...

At any rate, has anyone here ever tried, installed, or used these tuners before? It looks like the shaft is parallel across and seems very similar to the type Chandler referred to in his book as needing to drill a shallow ring in the scroll to sink the washer which encircles the end of the post (maybe not necessary, but nice to do).

**Basschair** · #2 02-14-2008, 08:05 AM

Well, for the moment I'll take that as a "no." I ordered a set to see how they feel, and will use them on the bass. If anyone is interested, I'll post my take on them once they're on. Of course, that'll be about a year from now

gp_bass · #3 02-14-2008, 10:00 AM

I installed a set on one of my basses years ago. I find they work well, look good, and hold tuning, but are heavy.

61pollmann · #4 02-14-2008, 12:09 PM

These look like traditional French machines which need to be mortised into the cheeks. If so, they would need to be installed by a good luthier. Am I correct in this?

George

**Basschair** · #5 02-14-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 61pollmann

These look like traditional French machines which need to be mortised into the cheeks. If so, they would need to be installed by a good luthier. Am I correct in this?

George

Yup, I think you're right. The last time I met with Alex Friedman, he showed me the misalignment of the tuner's post to the gear on a bass shipped to him with pre-installed machines. The basses that he sets up himself he will sink the tumer plate just a bit (I believe) to correct for this.

These would be for a bass I'm building, so I don't mind doing it. Another experience in building, right?

Bob Branstetter · #6 02-14-2008, 01:56 PM

I haven't bought any of the French style machines from International, but they look identical to a set that I bought from Gotz a few years ago. One problem I had was that the posts/pegs were too long for the scroll and I had to machine the ends down so that it would fit the scroll. The set I installed worked OK, but I would buy one piece units (like the KC Strings model) if I were doing it again. The one piece units don't have the alignment problems associated with the 2 piece units (actually 3, counting the washer and screw on the end of the post). Oh, I forgot the screws on the end of the posts like to vibrate loose from playing. Keep them tight or use Locktite on them if you don't want to risk losing one.

**Basschair** · #7 02-14-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Branstetter

I haven't bought any of the French style machines from International, but they look identical to a set that I bought from Gotz a few years ago. One problem I had was that the posts/pegs were too long for the scroll and I had to machine the ends down so that it would fit the scroll. The set I installed worked OK, but I would buy one piece units (like the KC Strings model) if I were doing it again. The one piece units don't have the alignment problems associated with the 2 piece units (actually 3, counting the washer and screw on the end of the post). Oh, I forgot the screws on the end of the posts like to vibrate loose from playing. Keep them tight or use Locktite on them if you don't want to risk losing one.

Thanks Bob: I'll be bookmarking this thread to come back to once I'm at the stage to finalize the fitting.