Mighty slick, if you ask me
"Quick Change" Gears
© Frank Ford, 1999; Photos by FF

We see these fine patented gears from time to time on various 19th Century guitars. In those days, virtually all geared tuners were fitted to guitars with slotted headstocks. Here, they appear on a completely unmarked guitar of unknown provenance.

Please click the small image

All brass construction, with steel "worm shafts" and natural bone buttons

To string up, you'd pull the knurled knob out, disengaging the gear, and simply wind up the string on the post

Then, simply press the knob back in place, where it keys into one of four slots, and tune via the gear mechanism.

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