John is a friggin' genius!!!

I still contend this is one of the best pieces of info I've ever seen on TB. A brilliant solution!

 

I remember that thread. Very neat trick.

 

I always follow the restoration threads of johns work in the luthiers corner... talented man indeed.

 

interesting though, how we're all looking for lighter weight tuners for better balance; this is a step in the exact opposite direction.

a set of those heavy old-style american standard keys might achieve the same goal.

 

Very elegant solution. I would love for him to add a little detail on the actual process for relative novices like me. What did he use to drill the holes? What does he do to ensure that the cylinders sit flush and tight? How does he ensure that he doesn't go all the way through the headstock? Is this even a project recommended for newbies?
Very nice solution nonetheless.

 

My Ibby has a weak spot on the 7th fret of the G-string (no, not a G-spot on the...). The head(stock)trick doesn't cure this, unfortunately. However, putting a clamp somewhere between fret 1 and fret 5 turns this fast decaying note into a sustaining one. I also found out that if I fret it with a capo, it has very good sustain as well. Next step was placing my fretting hand in a slightly different position, a little more toward the headstock. This also improves sustain.