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Hi

Going to start a 12 string build soon but still struggling to find suitable machine heads to use.

It going to be solid headstock (not slotted)

I'm concerned that using separates might weigh to much and as it's OM sized body might be Unbalanced in hand.

Looked at inline open gear but can't seem to find any really good quality ones

Anyone know of good ones to use or any ideas about separates

Thanks

Six on a plate 12 string tuners usually use a post spacing similar to mandolin tuners. You may not be able to get this with some individual tuners.
If you want to use individual tuners and want to keep the tighter spacing and moderate weight you might consider the 6 in line kluson style tuner. You would need a left and right hand set but they aren't too hard to come by. I used them on a harp guitar where I needed an odd number of tuners (13) and didn't want to go custom or cobble something together.

If you decide to use 6 on a plate tuners make a really good drilling jig. I've used StewMac Golden age six on a plate (on a slot head) and thought they were OK but not nearly as good as individual units. For my paddle head I used mini-Grovers - I think the big washers are ugly but otherwise they are fine'



Here is the simple drilling jig that I made



fwiw lay your headstock out so the strings have direct lines to the tuners - that can make changing a single string much easier

Ebay turns up several no-name 6 on a plate tuners, probably Stagg brand.
SM has mighty mite brand on a closeout price, no idea of quality for either.
For fitting, I bought a cross clamp vice http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-cross-clamp-vice-100mm-4-953002 specifically for this type of jig making years ago when they were half the price - cheaper than a bought jig, and I now only need inexpensive bar stock.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

Try Rubner tuners.
Call them up and talk to Kent, he will help you.

I use Hipshot Ultralites on my Bass, so naturally I use their guitar tuning machines as well.

I think most guys that play a 12 expect extra weight at the headstock, but try doing a Tiple and put that in the hands of an ukulele player. Oddly, no one really says this is neck heavy. Compared to a 4 string, of course it is, but all things relative, not a point of concern.