Quality tuners

[KingRazor]

Edit: To clarify, I'm asking this question because I'm going to be assembling a parts bass, not modding an existing bass.

One of the first things I see people upgrade on cheap basses are tuning keys/machine heads.

I wanted to ask what tuners you would consider quality. I'm looking at Fender-style, so no Gotohs.

I would also like to see if I can find some used for a bit cheaper, since it really doesn't matter to me whether they're new or not.

Are there any Fender tuners I shouldn't get? Like are the MIM tuners mediocre enough you might recommend spending a bit more?

I really would prefer to spend less than $50. Or at least less than $60, I could be persuaded to get some really nice ones for $50.

Remember, I am more than happy to buy used.

What should I be looking for?

[Slowgypsy]

Question... why do you want to "upgrade" your tuning machines? Or perhaps better put... what is it about your tuning machines that need upgrading?

Actually, I think a more popular upgrade for folks so inclined are different pups.

If you're tuners are working just fine, you'll get more "bang for your buck" elsewhere. Of course, if you simply want to try different tuners... go for it... it's your bass...

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Question... why do you want to "upgrade" your tuning machines? Or perhaps better put... why do you thing your tuning machines need upgrading?

Actually, I think a more popular upgrade for folks so inclined are different pups.

If you're tuners are working just fine, you'll get more "bang for your buck" elsewhere. Of course, if you simply want to try different tuners... go for it... it's your bass...

I think I was giving the wrong impression in my initial post.

I'm going to be assembling a parts bass and necks don't always come with tuners when you buy them seperately.

[BigOldHarry]

no matter WHICH tuners you get, make sure that the holes in the neck match the size of the tuner; There are several sizes of each and this can truly get you into trouble!

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

no matter WHICH tuners you get, make sure that the holes in the neck match the size of the tuner; There are several sizes of each and this can truly get you into trouble!

Yeah, I'm going to need 11/16th size tuners, which I believe is the standard Fender size.

[tangentmusic]

Try Al's Music Source (alsmusicsource.com) He's in Sacramento.
He usually has some Wilkenson Fender style tuners on hand.

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by tangentmusic

Try Al's Music Source (alsmusicsource.com) He's in Sacramento.
He usually has some Wilkenson Fender style tuners on hand.

$25 seems like a good deal.

[tangentmusic]

Originally Posted by KingRazor

$25 seems like a good deal.

He's got some nice High-Mass bridges too

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by tangentmusic

He's got some nice High-Mass bridges too

Not a fan of those. Think I'm going with a Gotoh or something for the bridge.

Will probably buy those tuners though.

Anyone else, feel free to chime in.

[Phalex]

I don't think you can go wrong with anything Hipshot.

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by Phalex

I don't think you can go wrong with anything Hipshot.

I'd love to have some Hipshot tuners but I can't justify spending over $80 on a set of tuning keys.

[Edward G.]

FWIW, I've never found anything lacking in the MIM tuners, and I've paid close attention over many years. The string pegs on them don't have the classic cylindrical profile, but that doesn't keep them from working well. You can find them all the time on TB priced very reasonably. Most Squier tuners, by comparison, feel cheap. My point is you don't have to drop big money for solid well-made tuners.

[ia02]

Hipshots are worth it, and under $80:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Hipshot-...44-i1424021.gc

[96tbird]

OK so don't jump on me! Just an alternative, he seems on a budget. I bought these for a project: http://cgi.ebay.ca/BLACK-JAZZ-P-BASS...ht_3721wt_1141

Korean Jin Ho brand. really nice tuner. Smooth gears, Heavy cast frame, classic look.

Chrome:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/CHROME-JAZZ-P-BAS...ht_3803wt_1141

I think if budget and quality count you will be pleased.

[Kevin_BlueBASS]

^
just ordered some parts off ChoopersMusic through eBay- seemed cool for cheaper stuff for a build I'm doing
I'll keep you guys posted on the quality and consistency

[KingRazor]

Does anyone know whether SX basses need 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch tuners?

[96tbird]

Depends on the model. Good pics on this site you can see Long scale J's and P's have 1/2" Rondo Music Bass Guitars

[DTF]

Originally Posted by KingRazor

Edit: To clarify, I'm asking this question because I'm going to be assembling a parts bass, not modding an existing bass.

One of the first things I see people upgrade on cheap basses are tuning keys/machine heads.

I wanted to ask what tuners you would consider quality. I'm looking at Fender-style, so no Gotohs.

I would also like to see if I can find some used for a bit cheaper, since it really doesn't matter to me whether they're new or not.

Are there any Fender tuners I shouldn't get? Like are the MIM tuners mediocre enough you might recommend spending a bit more?

I really would prefer to spend less than $50. Or at least less than $60, I could be persuaded to get some really nice ones for $50.

Remember, I am more than happy to buy used.

What should I be looking for?

gotoh does make fender style tuners , and theyre a good deal used , whatever the GB9 replacements are called are great tuners , also fender branded schallers, check ebay and the classifieds here youll be happy if you buy good quality tuners

[stflbn]

I've had Wilkenson tuners and Hipshot tuners and stock tuners... and as long as each held tuning where I put them they all sounded the same to me...

Granted, some might take some weight off a bass, but less arguable merits to tuners than the usual 'bridge', 'pickups', and 'strings' ongoing arguments.

[loinmute]

I like the Sperzel locking tuners.