Tuners are too small for neck holes

[jbrooks]

I'm really bummed. After waiting over two weeks to get the tuners for my project bass, they are hopelessly lost in the pre-drilled holes of my neck. Has anyone used shims or spacers to fix this problem or should I just pony up and buy new tuners?

The really bad part is that I just order another set for the second project bass and it has the same size (11/16; tuners are 15 mm outer diameter.

[202dy]

It is easier to buy the right size tuner. If the new ones cannot be returned they can be sold here or on eBay.

If these are the tuners of choice then the procedure it to bush the holes and re-bore. Some will suggest using dowel rods but it is better to cut plugs from a piece of wood of the same species. The grain should be oriented in the same direction as the grain in the headstock. The plugs are glued in (white or yellow glue) the holes and when the cured, bored to the proper spec. It is best to use a drill press for this operation because it is more accurate. Do not forget to line up the tuners and mark and centerpunch the tuner screw holes.

[jbrooks]

I think I've found the answer. I found a site that sells fender bushings. They should drop in and then everything should work fine. Thanks for your help.
http://www.guitar-parts.com/products...ushing-Set.htm

[Philbiker]

Originally Posted by jbrooks

I think I've found the answer. I found a site that sells fender bushings. They should drop in and then everything should work fine. Thanks for your help.
http://www.guitar-parts.com/products...ushing-Set.htm

Those bushings are probably not going to help you. They are for the standard large size classic Fender tuners. If you buy a set of aftermarket large size Fender tuners they will come with these bushings. If your tuners are too small and they didn't come with the bushings, these will help. You need the right sized tuners for your neck.

[202dy]

It is not clear which tuners you have purchased. If you have enclosed tuners like the the Fender style bushings will not work. If the tuners in your possession are Fender style then the bushings should have been included as a part of the purchase. If that is the case then the retailer should be notified and should give you the bushings.

[GlassJaw]

Originally Posted by 202dy

It is easier to buy the right size tuner. If the new ones cannot be returned they can be sold here or on eBay.

I beg to differ. I have a 93-94 MIJ Jazz. I had a BRUTAL time trying to find tuners that fit. I ended up getting what I thought would fit - Hipshot Ultra-lites - and guess what? They were smaller than the holes.

I emailed multiple vendors (including Hipshot) and I couldn't get confirmation from anyone on what to use.

It was a very frustrating experience, and I'm still not sure how to proceed.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by GlassJaw

I beg to differ. I have a 93-94 MIJ Jazz. I had a BRUTAL time trying to find tuners that fit. I ended up getting what I thought would fit - Hipshot Ultra-lites - and guess what? They were smaller than the holes.

I emailed multiple vendors (including Hipshot) and I couldn't get confirmation from anyone on what to use.

It was a very frustrating experience, and I'm still not sure how to proceed.

My apologies. It was thoughtless to post such an absurd idea.

Of course it is much easier to:

1. Chuck up the correct size plug cutter in the stationary drill press.
2. Cut plugs from a piece of meticulously selected piece of maple so as to match the grain as close as possible.
3. Clean up the lacquer over spray in the tuner holes that will impede making a solid wood-glue-wood contact and sound joint.
4. Glue up the plugs.
5. Clamp up the neck on a sled and mount it on the drill press, center each plug and bore new holes.
6. Plug the existing tuner screw holes.
7. Rebore new holes in the proper locations completely perpendicular to the rear face of the headstock.
8. Clean up the shop.
9. Install the new tuners correctly without snapping off the new tuner screws.
10. Perform a complete setup because the neck has been out of tension for more than twenty four hours.
11. Complete all the above and still have all digits attached.

N.B. All of the above assumes equipment now in one's possession. Shopping and jig construction time is extra.

Yep, shopping on line is tough work.

[GlassJaw]

Well I checked the tuners I bought again last night and they were certainly the correct size. So my "shopping online" was done correctly.

However, they aren't a perfect, snug fit. There is probably a 1 mm gap around the circumference of the tuner when it sits in the headstock.

jbrooks - I found this post that I posted a while back on this issue. One of the posters offers some suggestions about creating a shim.

replacing tuners - some space in headstock ok?

[Pilgrim]

What about measuring the holes before ordering, asking the vendor what size and model tuners will fit, and ordering them? (But that bird has flown, hasn't it...?)

Or - measuring the holes, contacting the vendor who made the tuners now in hand, and asking how to solve the problem?

Or - if there's just a 1 mm gap, how about a wrap of tape around the tuner post before mounting?