New Tuners for a 50's Precision Roadworn

soultan · #1 06-13-2010, 03:39 AM

Hi,

I've got a 50's Precision Bass and I'm not that happy with the tuners. They are not accurate enough.

What tuners can I take to replace the old ones, not having to drill new holes for the screws?

Greetings,

Mich

NumberOfTheBass · #2 06-13-2010, 09:24 AM

I think one of the sets of hipshot tuners would be a direct replacement. If you go over to their site and e-mail them they should be able to tell you which ones, if any, will work. I got them on my squier vmj and I almost never have to tune unless I bump the headstock on something. Plus you could also get a detuner if you want, or the light weight tuners. I have found the tuners cheaper on ebay than on hipshot's site though.

soultan · #3 06-13-2010, 09:29 AM

Yeah, I've seen the HIPSHOT HS3 that could match, but I'm not sure.

I'll try to send an E-Mail to them and post the answer here.

walterw · #4 06-13-2010, 10:09 AM

those tuners are perfectly "accurate". your tuning issues are caused by something else, like the strings hanging up in the nut slots.

alembicguy · #5 06-13-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

those tuners are perfectly "accurate". your tuning issues are caused by something else, like the strings hanging up in the nut slots.

+1

**Staccato** · #6 06-13-2010, 10:48 AM

Pm Sent

Rick Auricchio · #7 06-13-2010, 11:23 AM

If it's a 50s instrument in good original condition, why reduce its value by changing it?

- Check the strings and nut for tuning issues.

- Sell the bass and buy a few newer ones.

If, however, the instrument is already a "frankenbass," then ignore my suggestions and do whatever you want with it...

flewis · #8 06-13-2010, 12:18 PM

I've never had a tuning issue w/ the Fender Reverse Vintage tuners, but I always seem to have a tightness issue w/ one or two on the same neck. For me it's a real pain in the a$$ when replacing strings because of how tight one of the tuners will be.

"walterw' and 'alembicguy' and 'Rick Auricchio' are correct that you may have another issue that could be related to the nut / nut slot. Howver, If you decide to replace them, I do recommend the Hipshot HB3 Reverse Vintage tuners that are a direct replacement. I would also recommend keeping the orginal tuners w/ the bass. That way the bass could easily be made stock again.

I replaced the vintage tuners on my CS64 because of how tight one of the tuners were. I replaced them w/ Hipshot HB3 Reverse Tuners which are a direct replacement w/ the screw hole pattern. The Hipshot tuners are soooo smooth!

Of course I'll keep the Fender tuners w/ the bass, if I decide to part with the bass one day. I do love the plain and simple look of the Fender Tuners though and like I said, I've never had a tuning issue with them.

Below is a pic.

soultan · #9 06-13-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

If it's a 50s instrument in good original condition, why reduce its value by changing it?

- Check the strings and nut for tuning issues.

- Sell the bass and buy a few newer ones.

If, however, the instrument is already a "frankenbass," then ignore my suggestions and do whatever you want with it...

It's a Fender 50s Roadworn Precision, which means that it's a MIM copy of the 57 Precision bass, ergo I can't reduce it's value by changing a hardware component.

- The strings are great and I tried all kinds of strings. At the moment I'm using great Pyramid Gold Flatwounds. They are so smooth that they can't hook up in the nut.

- Sell the bass. No, it's a geat instrument!
- Get a newer one. This one's from 2010!

The problem is that the tuners aren't running smooth and you need a lot of power to turn them. A lot of power to turn means a lack of accuracy.
I've already read in other forums that some users aren't happy with these tuners, so I'm not the only one.

Rick Auricchio · #10 06-13-2010, 06:18 PM

Soultan, I didn't realize it was a reissue; as you say, mods are not a big issue.

**RedsFan75** · #11 06-13-2010, 08:23 PM

I've got some off an MIM from 96 that are spares. A link in my sig, but since they are MIM's as well, not sure how much improvement it would be, However I changed mine out with Hipshot Ultralights, Amazing tuners. Highly recommend them.

soultan · #12 06-14-2010, 05:05 AM

This is the answer from HIPSHOT:

Hello Mich,

* My name is Bill and I'm a Tech at Hipshot. Thank you for your question about our Bass Tuners.
* *Yes, the HB3 tuners will be the direct replacement tuners for your Fender Roadworn P-bass. No modifications needed for installation.
* *Please let us know i you have any other questions.

Bill Woolery
www.hipshotproducts.com
bill@hipshotproducts.com
607-532-9404

soultan · #13 06-14-2010, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedsFan75

I've got some off an MIM from 96 that are spares. A link in my sig, but since they are MIM's as well, not sure how much improvement it would be, However I changed mine out with Hipshot Ultralights, Amazing tuners. Highly recommend them.

Hi RedsFan75.

No, thanx. I'll try the HIPSHOTs.

I wonder why SCHALLER isn't making such tuners...

**RedsFan75** · #14 06-14-2010, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soultan

Hi RedsFan75.

No, thanx. I'll try the HIPSHOTs.

I wonder why SCHALLER isn't making such tuners...

Don't blame you like I said, don't think mine would be an improvement, but I'm a BIG fan of Hipshot products. I think you'll like their tuners.

**TheFantod** · #15 06-14-2010, 08:30 AM

I was in an identical situation. Also have a new Roadworn P-bass and I hated the tuners. They were super stiff/sticky & hard to turn, but my biggest beef was the weight. They caused a nasty neck dive.

Last week I replaced them with the Hipshot ultralites, and they solved ALL my problems.

soultan · #16 06-14-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFantod

I was in an identical situation. Also have a new Roadworn P-bass and I hated the tuners. They were super stiff/sticky & hard to turn, but my biggest beef was the weight. They caused a nasty neck dive.

Last week I replaced them with the Hipshot ultralites, and they solved ALL my problems.

And you didn't have to drill new screwholes?

**TheFantod** · #17 06-14-2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soultan

And you didn't have to drill new screwholes?

Sorry, should have read the original post closer. Yes, I had to drill new holes, but it was only four holes, total. The Ultralites use only one mounting screw. I really should have taken a "before" photo. The Ultralites take about a quarter of a pound off the headstock. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it makes a world of difference. The body of the RW is so light that those old school retro-tuners threw off the balance. Here's a pic of the after:

I have no idea what those "big" holes were for. But you can see how the Ultralites have a much, much smaller "footprint." If you don't want to drill any new holes, the Hipshot reverse tuners will probably be your best choice.

soultan · #18 06-14-2010, 11:35 PM

Ok, Fantod,

I'm sure this modification is the one to do to solve 2 main problems - but it doesn't look good.

I don't want the old screw holes to show up either...

walterw · #19 06-15-2010, 07:21 PM

if you want to spend the big bucks, get the gotoh res-o-lites, which look like regular big fender keys but are super-lightweight. i'm sure they'll turn more smoothly, too.

(+1 to a little weight at the headstock making a big difference.)

soultan · #20 06-16-2010, 04:17 AM

Perfect! I'll order them today.

Thanx for your help!