A problem with Hipshot HB2

[open_space]

Hello everyone, I might need help

I have replaced the tuners on my Fender Jaguar with Hipshot HB2. They are supposed to be a direct replacement, but I am having troubles with them.

The holes in the new tuners don't line up: I mean they are almost there, but off in a few places by a little bit, so that when I put the screws that come with them in the holes, they are a bit angled and I have to use force.

I have managed to put the tuners on the bass even though some of the screws are angeld and I the tuners are really stiff, high tension and hard to turn. The G string is the worst: I have to use force and I can hear the string post grinding metal. It's not the tension screw (tried that) and putting a bit of oil on them doesn't work either. I mean oil helped on all strings (since all tuners were stiff) but the G string.

My question: is this normal? Will they get smoother as they set in a little bit? Or are they supposed to be that stiff? Really, right now I can see and big difference between the stock tuners and the new ones: Hipshots might be a bit more accurate, but they are stiff and not very usable. At least the
old ones turned easily.

Is there anything that can be done?

[Slowgypsy]

Why did you change the tuners? Was there a specific problem you were trying to solve? The tuners you put on should turn relatively easy. Really hard to know if they were installed correctly, or if there's something not right with tuners.

Hipshot is a great company. If you're not sure, I'd simply give them a call. Not an email. A phone call. They know more about their tuners than anyone here.

[open_space]

Thanks, but I am over in Eastern Europe, calling Hipshot is really not the best option.

[madmatt]

I just put a set of these on my E-serial 1985 Fender MIJ. They dropped right in perfectly. It is hard to imagine the HB-2's did not work on that bass, I believe the tuners on the Jag are the same as on my MIJ.
Wish I had an easy answer for you.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by open_space

Thanks, but I am over in Eastern Europe, calling Hipshot is really not the best option.

Totally understand. I went over to the Hipshot website. The HB2 tuners are actually meant as drop in replacements for Fender P & J basses.... Precision & Jazz. I think the tuners on a Jaguar are actually different. Might be the problem.

[open_space]

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Totally understand. I went over to the Hipshot website. The HB2 tuners are actually meant as drop in replacements for Fender P & J basses.... Precision & Jazz. I think the tuners on a Jaguar are actually different. Might be the problem.

Actually the tuners on the jag are the same ones used on the geddy lee model, so the hb2 is a direct replacement. I have also replaced the stock tuners on the geddy lee with them when I had that bass and there was the same problem: the holes wouldn't match perfectly and the tuners where a bit stiff. Although it wasn't that bad. I am just wondering if somebody else had the same problem.

I will contact Hipshot but I doubt that there is a lot they can do.

[otherclef]

Replacement tuners

^^^^^^

Looks like it is the correct part... if your holes are not lining up then you have to verify you have the HB2s for sure. This thing is not adding up.

And he seemed to have the same issue with the grinding. Maybe call Hipshot for other bushings.

[open_space]

Originally Posted by otherclef

Replacement tuners

^^^^^^

Looks like it is the correct part... if your holes are not lining up then you have to verify you have the HB2s for sure. This thing is not adding up.

And he seemed to have the same issue with the grinding. Maybe call Hipshot for other bushings.

Yes, I have HB2's. Originally, I bought 2 sets a few years back: one went into my GL Jazz (I have sold it since) and I have put the second one in my Jaguar. Hipshot doesn't have many tuner models so it's hard to go wrong. Plus, if I had something else then HB2's they probably wouldn't fit in the first place.

I have kept the stock metal parts that go into the peghead, but I don't think they are the problem. Could it be that since the holes don't line up 100% the tuner plate is somehow bent and that's why the tunerpost is grinding inside the headstock?

Anyway, I have emailed Hipshot's tech support. We'll see what they say.

[96tbird]

When I installed my Hipshot tuners, I made sure the barrels were seated against the ferrule (bearing) at the bottom (towards the nut) so it wouldn't pull on the plate under string tension. Then I marked the screw holes. I had to fill and drill two on each tuner. It wasn't a JAG, but the same applies. Hipshot have very thin plates (aluminum?) and they will deform under tension.

The spur gear is likely grinding on the worm gear, not inside the head stock hole. Oh, I also lubed the ferrules with some parrafin wax from a candle.

[open_space]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

When I installed my Hipshot tuners, I made sure the barrels were seated against the ferrule (bearing) at the bottom (towards the nut) so it wouldn't pull on the plate under string tension. Then I marked the screw holes. I had to fill and drill two on each tuner. It wasn't a JAG, but the same applies. Hipshot have very thin plates (aluminum?) and they will deform under tension.

The spur gear is likely grinding on the worm gear, not inside the head stock hole. Oh, I also lubed the ferrules with some parrafin wax from a candle.

I am not sure I understand everything. What would you do in my situation? Redrill the holes?

[Senator]

Try taking them apart and readjusting the tension on the screws.

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by open_space

I am not sure I understand everything. What would you do in my situation? Redrill the holes?

Just the mounting holes, the four on each plate. After you make sure the string post is resting on the bottom of the bushing ferrule towards the nut; ie, the direction the strings will pull it.