source for matching tuners

[Karl Wicklund]

The guitar is an Alvarez 5003. Classical, in great shape, but the plastic roller on the high E is broken. I've been able to locate nothing online as far as matching replacements - google, eBay, stewmac, etc. The plates have a distinctive engraving and a sort of crab-shaped button.

Is it possible to effectively epoxy the roller back onto the post?

If it were mine, I'd consider installing all new tuners, but this is for a friend. He'd like to maintain the original look.

Suggestions? Thanks!

[Mark Wybierala]

The plastic roller is just a plastic covering over a typical tuner post that is a bit longer than a non-classical guitar tuner. If you have all of the pieces, epoxy or CA should work just fine. These things often shrink over time and fracture. I like using medium viscosity CA to repair them because its generally harder than epoxy.

I work in a music store that has been in business for over 30 years and we must have thousands of old tuners. It is almost always certain that I can find a part for a tuner such as a post, gear or screw. I have even been able to replace plastic buttons. If you have any music stores that have been around for a long time in your area, they'll probably be able to provide you with a replacement post if you need one. The cost at my store is dependent on how long I take to find a match - there are some odd tuners.

[Karl Wicklund]

Thanks, I'll try the CA. Worst case scenario, it's still broken.