Replacement Tuner help

[Lazarus.Bird]

So I need to replace a tuner on my Hondo Explorer. I've never replaced a piece of hard ware in my life. The bass came like this. Looks like a standard Fender style tuner should work. On ebay I see tuners for Squiers, VM PJs, etc. Does it really matter? How do I know what will fit? Just looking for a cheap solution to replace my already very cheap solution of a key ring Looks like the A string tuner was already replaced. Here are some pics to show what's going on. Thanks!

[odin70]

Not sure, but i think maybe i would replace all four of them. Send one of them to hipshot and aske them to send a replacement (or four) in return.

[Lazarus.Bird]

I'd really just like to find a $15 fix for the one tuner!

[samurai1993]

Yours looks like the kind of tuner baseplate used on MiM Fenders:

NEW Fender Mexican Standard, Highway 1 Bass Tuning Keys | eBay

I would also change all 4 tuners. Is not that expensive, and it should cover the holes under the already changed one.

Hope it helps!

[Rebop]

You can find those tuners for around $15/set no problem.

Bass Tuners, Elephant Type, Chrome, Right Hand,Set of 4 | eBay

I'd try to find ones with the same base plate if I could though. That way you don't have do drill extra holes. You'll find 'em if you search enough.

[Lazarus.Bird]

Hey cool that's in line with what I was looking for. Looks like the A string on this one was replaced with one that was shorter in vertical height. Wonder if those are "longer" or "shorter" although having to drill new holes wouldn't be the end of the world.

[Syco_bass]

Originally Posted by Rebop

You can find those tuners for around $15/set no problem.

Bass Tuners, Elephant Type, Chrome, Right Hand,Set of 4 | eBay

I'd try to find ones with the same base plate if I could though. That way you don't have do drill extra holes. You'll find 'em if you search enough.

+ 1

Those base plates are found on MIM (Fender) and Squier bass.

[Lazarus.Bird]

Got those tuners via ebay and they're slightly off. The tuning heads stick out further than the others based on where the peg hole is. Not really sure what to do at this point. I have recently figured out this is the exact same bass as a Hondo Deluxe 880 but unfortunately searching for tuners for that bass hasn't turned anything up either.

[96tbird]

Meh, the length of the part you twist doesn't matter. On some old fenders they stick way out, who cares. As for getting tuners that the screw holes to line up is nearly impossible with an offshore bass. Just plug the old holes with round toothpicks and glue and re-drill. Take your time, lay a strip of tape beside the old tuner plates to use a a guide to line up the new ones.

[Lazarus.Bird]

Hmm. I've never done anything like that before. Will that still work even if where the new holes need drilled fall into the diameter of the existing holes? And I suppose if I wanted the tuning heads symmetrical looking I could replace all 4 tuners since I did buy 4 replacement tuners.

[96tbird]

Yes, the screw holes will be fine. Use CARPENTER'S (wood) glue, not white glue. All hardware stores carry it. Let it dry overnight. You may as well swap them all so they all match.

When you drill new, mark your 1/8" bit with masking tape the depth of the screw shanks as a guage. Rub the screws on a cheap candle or bar of soap as lubrication before turning them in. Just snug them down using one finger and thumb on the screwdriver so you don't break off the heads. They break easily. as long as the plates are flat on the head and the screw heads are in full contact with the plate, you're good to go.

[Lazarus.Bird]

And just normal round tooth picks? Do I snip off the pointy ends to make a flat head? Thanks very much for your help

[96tbird]

Yep round toothpicks, snip em off. I like minty picks personally

[Lazarus.Bird]

Thanks friend