Mighty Mite Tuner bushing size

Remus_Redbone · #1 08-01-2011, 08:27 PM

Hello all; I did a search and found more questions than answers to my problem. I purchased a Mighty Mite fretless P-Bass neck (2919) and also purchased a set of Schaller tuners from Warmoth. Schaller BML Bass Tuners, Set of 4, Chrome

A few places on the internet says the MM necks accept an 11/16" bushing which is why I bought the Shallers. It will accept it OK, it falls in and will fall out. 11/16" is way too small. It will actually move around in the tuner hole slighly. I did the tape shim thing and mounted up the tuners, but my shim job isn't tight enough and the bushings are trying to tilt up on the side opposite the the string tension as the tuner shafts are pulled toward the nut.

My question; what size bushing fits the hole and also fits the diameter of my Schaller tuner shaft? My best info so far is Stew Mac which sells the MM necks, says their adjustable tension tuners fit, and they come with 23/32" bushings (18.5MM OD and 14 MM ID).

Is this correct or just "in the ball park"? I'd like the next set to fit on the first try. If anyone knows the exact bushing size I would be very appreciative to know the info.

Thanks.

96tbird · #2 08-01-2011, 10:32 PM

Sorry, I cant help you with sizing, but what kind of tape did you use on the bushings? I used aluminum foil tape, for sealing ductwork, and it's great (Hipshots on a Squier VM Jazz). Being metal, it doesn't deform like the electrical tape I have seen some guys use here on TB. Just make sure its tight enough fit that you have to mechanically press them in. I used a C clamp and a couple of wood blocks to press them in.

Remus_Redbone · #3 08-02-2011, 05:17 AM

I used vinyl tape, which i didn't expect to hold for long. I looked around for my aluminum tape and didn't find it, and of course I was in a hurry to get the bass ready to play for a gig. I expected to revisit the issue. I wouldn't mind using tape, but these bushings are MUCH smaller than the holes. Before I shimmed, I could move the bushing from side to side in the hole. It would probably move 1/32" or so. I'd rather get "bushing to wood" contact.

96tbird · #4 08-02-2011, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remus_Redbone

I'd rather get "bushing to wood" contact.

I think we all would like to have more of this!

Seriously now, maybe a strip of beer can? Sorry I'm not much help! Good luck brother.

Remus_Redbone · #5 08-02-2011, 05:47 PM

I'll guess i'll just buy every size available, see what fits, and send the others back. I can eliminate what I have.

dougjwray · #6 01-18-2012, 03:30 PM

I have the exact same issue, and I'd be interested in knowing what the final answer was.
I'm also guessing that Mighty Mite tuners & bushings would fit a Mighty Mite neck

but I'm reluctant to return the excellent Schaller tuners to Warmoth.

Pep · #7 01-18-2012, 03:43 PM

I'm watching this one with interest because I too have Mighty Mite Fretless neck and am looking to purchase tuning keys for it. I mic'd the holes and they are .710. 11/16" is .6875 so that definitely won't work.
If this is any help The Stewart-MacDonald Adjustable Tension Tuners show the bushings to be .720 which is slightly over the size of the holes in my neck. While that may not be quite enough for a snug press fit, it's the one that supposed to fit.

TimboZ · #8 01-18-2012, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96tbird

I used aluminum foil tape, for sealing ductwork,

Thats what i used. Or try some copper sheilding tape.

m.oreilly · #9 02-11-2012, 01:53 PM

mighty mite use the mim/18mm bushings. found that out the hard way (bought fender 17.5mm)

seang15 · #10 04-30-2012, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.oreilly

mighty mite use the mim/18mm bushings. found that out the hard way (bought fender 17.5mm)

Hi m.oreilly,

Which exact neck do you have from Mighty Mite? I just bought the 2908 (J-Neck, Rosewood FB). Based on your post here (no pressure!

), I purchased 18mm Bushings.

Got the bushings today (yay!) too big (boo).

AS your point is fairly recent, I didn't think much has changed in two months lol. But these really don't fit. Perhaps some sanding, etc. That brings up another important point: I may not have the experience needed for this:

When a bushing "fits,"is it too big (or a bit too big at least), and sanding is and should be required?

Thanks in advance!
Sean

Stilettoprefer · #11 04-30-2012, 09:15 PM

The cheapo tuners that GFS sells fit my mighty mite neck perfectly. Those same tuners/bushings also fit the Squier neck that I had them on that bass before.

Not terrible tuners either

. My bass only needs to be tuned once a week at the most. And it's a parts bass that cost under $300 to build using new parts haha.

96tbird · #12 05-01-2012, 12:30 AM

Sean, you want to be able to push them in maybe one.third by using your thumbs. After that,.go ahead and press them in all the way using a C clamp. If you can't start them with your hands, chances are you'll split your headstock when you press them in; not a chances worth taking. Open your holes to 18 mm. Since its probably only a half a mm you need, a regular 18 drill bit will guide itself okay, just go slow.

seang15 · #13 05-01-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Sean, you want to be able to push them in maybe one.third by using your thumbs. After that,.go ahead and press them in all the way using a C clamp. If you can't start them with your hands, chances are you'll split your headstock when you press them in; not a chances worth taking. Open your holes to 18 mm. Since its probably only a half a mm you need, a regular 18 drill bit will guide itself okay, just go slow.

Thanks for reply! Much appreciated