tuning machine sizes...

[explodingPSYCH]

Hey,

Not sure how to phrase this, but I have a Roadstar II RB 650 and it has tuning holes on the headstock that are slightly smaller than your typical fender tuning machines will allow. I believe I need a 1/2 inch rod, but I would prefer full sized tuning keys (the clover shaped piece).

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[BigOldHarry]

First off, if you decide to spend the money for new tuners, BE SURE you know the size of the hole -- this means either finding the manufacture's data sheet or using a caliper or micrometer to measure. There is *no* standard for these - I am in the midst of this myself and have learned the hard way. So if you think that the hole is a touch under .5 inches, it's likely metric and is likely something like 10mm. If you do not currently have a caliper, do this: Remove one of the tuners and put it in your pocket. Go to a good hardware store that sells light machine tools or good woodworking tools and ask to see a caliper. When you have it in your sweaty hands, pull that tuner out and take the measurement on the outside of the shaft.

Alternately, you could buy one at Harbor Freight where I suspect they are dirt cheap.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-...iper-7914.html

$1.99. The mind reels. Gotta love Harbor Freight.

[explodingPSYCH]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

First off, if you decide to spend the money for new tuners, BE SURE you know the size of the hole -- this means either finding the manufacture's data sheet or using a caliper or micrometer to measure. There is *no* standard for these - I am in the midst of this myself and have learned the hard way. So if you think that the hole is a touch under .5 inches, it's likely metric and is likely something like 10mm. If you do not currently have a caliper, do this: Remove one of the tuners and put it in your pocket. Go to a good hardware store that sells light machine tools or good woodworking tools and ask to see a caliper. When you have it in your sweaty hands, pull that tuner out and take the measurement on the outside of the shaft.

Alternately, you could buy one at Harbor Freight where I suspect they are dirt cheap.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-...iper-7914.html

$1.99. The mind reels. Gotta love Harbor Freight.

Once I have the measurement where can I look online for tuning machines? Everywhere I've looked (like allparts and others) is hit-and-miss at best as far as giving info on measurements and what the measurement refers to (either nut or shaft).

Thanks!

[Holmann]

Hipshot Ultralites are available with a clover key and 1/2" shaft.

[explodingPSYCH]

Originally Posted by Holmann

Hipshot Ultralites are available with a clover key and 1/2" shaft.

where can i get them!?

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by explodingPSYCH

where can i get them!?

Couple sets in the Accessories Classifieds. I think bassman74 / Francois has extras that he mis-ordered.

Riis

[explodingPSYCH]

I measured all parts of the tuning machine. They measured as follows:

rod= 15.5/32 of an inch (1.23cm)
outside diameter of bushing= 37/64 of an inch (1.47cm)
inside diameter of bushing= 29/64 of an inch (1.15cm)

Would this qualify as half an inch? If the measurement applies to the rod, maybe that's the case?

[Stilettoprefer]

Sounds close enough to 1/2 inch to me

[explodingPSYCH]

Is 1/2 inch standard fender size? because normal fender tuners wont fit.

[explodingPSYCH]

Is this question answered elsewhere because I just spent the money on a set of HBC 1/2" hipshot tuners and they are too big by about a 32nd of an inch. Is there somewhere else I can use as a resource for information on tuning machine sizes?

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by explodingPSYCH

Is this question answered elsewhere because I just spent the money on a set of HBC 1/2" hipshot tuners and they are too big by about a 32nd of an inch. Is there somewhere else I can use as a resource for information on tuning machine sizes?

You could continue the quest for something slightly narrower or modify the mounting holes with a few swipes of the ol' sandpaper (or file).

Riis

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by explodingPSYCH

Once I have the measurement where can I look online for tuning machines? Everywhere I've looked (like allparts and others) is hit-and-miss at best as far as giving info on measurements and what the measurement refers to (either nut or shaft).

Thanks!

Well hey, welcome to the real world! Don't get me started! I just went through this mess. The idiots that sell tuners almost NEVER seem to give any information as to what size holes they fit or anything like that. I guess the idea is you just keep buying tuners until you get one that fits.

Soooo. Get yourself a comfy chair and pull up to your computer and get ready for a marathon search session. You'll be having to go between any and all seller sites as well as the manufactor sites to try to extract ANY information at all. Even the tuner makers often won't give critical details.

And In my case it was even better. I wanted 5 tuners. Apparently there was only ONE parts outfit in the entire internet that sold the tuners that fit my neck as singles. They didn't even have 5 singles in stock! I had to order one single and a set of four! And get this. The single I ordered was the LAST ONE in stock! Is America this close to collapse?

So all I can say is GOOD LUCK! And I sincerely mean it.

[explodingPSYCH]

I think I'm a little too used to the internet having everything readily available.

Thanks guys.

[darkstorm]

Thats what has kept me from getting black replacement tuners for my import BC Rich basses chrome ones.