SX tuner size?

Jamesemt · #1 09-06-2007, 06:06 AM

I'm going to try and cure a bit of neck dive on my 57 SX Jazz, and was wondering what size of Ultralites I need:

1/2'' or 9/16'' ??

I can't measure them as I haven't taken the tuners off, and being in the UK we don't really work in inches anymore

emor · #2 09-06-2007, 07:48 AM

http://www.rondomusic.net/partsbodies.html

If one assumes that their replacement necks are the same as on the basses, it is 1/2" according to the page at the link above.

Jamesemt · #3 09-06-2007, 08:16 AM

Cheers for that, never thought of looking there

Scott in Dallas · #4 09-07-2007, 05:24 PM

Just for the record, a bunch of us have swapped necks on SX basses, and I've never heard of anyone having issues with different sized tuner holes.

Jamesemt · #5 09-10-2007, 04:49 AM

I've found a local place (as in country...lol), but there are two different sizes which aren't specified:

http://www.allparts.uk.com/catalogue...c1726e1e8c151f

Looking at the Clover type...do I need small or large - Scott are you saying it doesn't make a lot of difference? Never changed tuners before...and don't want to shell out $160 if they don't fit!!

**Eric Perry** · #6 09-10-2007, 06:05 AM

I just put Ultralites on my SX. They are the 1/2 inch ones. While they work great, and basically fit fine, there are some minor issues...

First, the old anchor screw hole will be visible with the small backplate of the new tuner. I drilled, doweled, finished, and sanded mine. Barely noticeable. Since I was taking the sheen off the neck, it really wasn't a big deal.

Second, from the back of the headstock, the backplate doesn't completely cover the post hole. IF you look closely, you can see a tiny gap. You can see what I mean here...

But from the front, you can't see any issues whatsoever...

oldrookie · #7 05-17-2008, 06:12 AM

Eric618,
Trying to resolve neck dive on my short scale SX. Did the ultralights fix the problem for you?
Thanks.

**Eric Perry** · #8 05-17-2008, 08:49 AM

The short scale and long scale are totally different animals. On mine, I really didn't have a real dive issue in the first place. I mainly wanted the Ultralites 'cause... Well, 'cause I wanted the Ultralites.

Seriously though, I modded literally everything on that bass (shy of the pickups, which I like), and just wanted it to be a total makeover. The stock tuners are very grindy, and rough. I replaced them mainly for that reason.

jojo99 · #9 05-20-2008, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldrookie

Eric618,
Trying to resolve neck dive on my short scale SX. Did the ultralights fix the problem for you?
Thanks.

I put them on my SX short scale...."just cause I wanted to", also..and they help. I put them on all my cheapo basses, and just suck up the cost as something necessary when I budget for buying another (much like how obstinate SUV drivers do at the pump). I've noticed the same tiny gaps putting them on a SX, but it can be prevented/minimalized if you are super careful on centering them before drilling the single screw hole to mount them. The nice thing is-- you can always take all your upgrade parts off an SX if you decide you don't like it--they'll always come in handy.

oldrookie · #10 05-20-2008, 04:39 AM

Eric618 and jojo99,
Thanks for the quick replies. This is exactly what I needed to know.

Spent most of yesterday with the search function trying to stumble on the right word combo that would yield this with no luck.

jojo99, could you quantify how much it helped? 1- completely resolved the issue, and 5- marginal improvement? (Three- helped enough that a wide strap will hold it steady, but still feel some weight in my fretting hand)

Thanks again for the information. This is what makes talkbass.com a great place to hang out.

jojo99 · #11 05-30-2008, 11:22 AM

oldrookie, do you have the SX Jag shorty bass? I've been reading here that it has a neck dive problem due to lack of a long upper horn. Some people seemed bummed about it. I have the ash Jazz shorty. Neck dive wasn't too bad to begin with but I just like the idea of lightening up the headstock as much as possible, and of course they are an improvement, but hard to quantify. I wouldn't exactly skimp on junior's meals to fund them, but if you can pick up a second-hand set on here or on ebay they're nice to have since you can always swap them on any of your other fender-type basses. I think they're a better upgrade per buck than replacing the bridge.
There's also a current thread about moving the lower strap button slightly upward 1/2" or so to help with neck dive.

oldrookie · #12 05-30-2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo99

oldrookie, do you have the SX Jag shorty bass? I've been reading here that it has a neck dive problem due to lack of a long upper horn. Some people seemed bummed about it. I have the ash Jazz shorty. Neck dive wasn't too bad to begin with but I just like the idea of lightening up the headstock as much as possible, and of course they are an improvement, but hard to quantify. I wouldn't exactly skimp on junior's meals to fund them, but if you can pick up a second-hand set on here or on ebay they're nice to have since you can always swap them on any of your other fender-type basses. I think they're a better upgrade per buck than replacing the bridge.
There's also a current thread about moving the lower strap button slightly upward 1/2" or so to help with neck dive.

Yup, that's the one. The other thread re: strap button relocation is mine too. Love the sound...hate the dive.

Picked up some Hipshot Ultralights off the TB classifieds and am waiting for them to come in. Also ordered a Gotoh 201 bridge thinking that it might add a bit more weight to the body. That'll be the end of it...whatever result I get. I have two others to play on a strap if I can't get this one balanced while standing and it balances fine if I am sitting.