The geared 5th string tuner was the greatest thing to happen to the 5-string banjo since Earl Scruggs. Many modern imported banjos still use these, though. For a total savings of only around $6.00 per banjo for the importer, I still marvel at why the things are still being made!
The shafts of these tuners are often narrow and rarely tapered. Some friction tuners that came on better banjos had a set screw on one side of the shaft and you can’t simply pull them out. Here is my video that shows how I replaced a Grover friction peg with a geared machine.
Thank you for your visit,
Richie Dotson
