'70s Musicmaster / Mustang Tuners: where?

[imloafin]

hi,

I need a set of tuners for a '77 Musicmaster Bass.
The same style tuners were on mid '70s Mustang basses.
I browse the FS & WTB classified ads here, eBay listings,
etc., but can't find a correct set. I'd also buy single tuner(s).

Any suggestions: a dealer, repair shop, or vintage parts source?

Thanks!

-imloafin ~ new-ish TB member

[Jefenator]

If you're patient, I'll bet a set of tuners will turn up on the bay before too long.

If you're not adverse to a minor hack job, check out Schaller BML. Similar back plate dimensions, probably have to drill new holes for the mounting screws. I'm pretty sure they'd fit, though. (Definitely double check 4 yourself!) IME they are much better, work much smoother than vintage Musicmaster ones and will probably cost a lot less ($50 a set new from Warmoth).

Good luck - hope this helps.

[ponticat]

http://www.fender.com/products//sear...tno=0080160000

[imloafin]

Originally Posted by Jefenator

If you're patient, I'll bet a set of tuners will turn up on the bay before too long.

If you're not adverse to a minor hack job, check out Schaller BML. Similar back plate dimensions, probably have to drill new holes for the mounting screws. I'm pretty sure they'd fit, though. (Definitely double check 4 yourself!) IME they are much better, work much smoother than vintage Musicmaster ones and will probably cost a lot less ($50 a set new from Warmoth).

Good luck - hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply, yep, it 'helps.'

Gee, I rather not drill any new holes
to mount after market tuners. Though,
newer tuner gears are probably much
smoother and efficient.

I'll wait 'n' watch for a used set....

[imloafin]

Originally Posted by ponticat

http://www.fender.com/products//sear...tno=0080160000

Thanks for the link to Fender's web site. I had
previously 'searched' the 'net, found that tuner set.

The shape seems close, but not an exact
reproduction of the '70s set. I found a Cort
set that closely matches the original set,
but isn't a high-quality product.

I'm still searching G(o)-(o)gle........

[madmachinist]

"Gee, I rather not drill any new holes
to mount after market tuners. Though,
newer tuner gears are probably much
smoother and efficient. "



how about drilling new holes or slotting the existing holes
in the aftermarket tuners themselves ?

[imloafin]

Originally Posted by madmachinist

"Gee, I rather not drill any new holes
to mount after market tuners. Though,
newer tuner gears are probably much
smoother and efficient. "



how about drilling new holes or slotting the existing holes
in the aftermarket tuners themselves ?

Excellent idea, "wag the dog!"

An altered Fender bass neck may have a lower value.
The value of altered after market tuners is a non-issue.

[Jefenator]

Originally Posted by madmachinist

how about drilling new holes or slotting the existing holes in the aftermarket tuners themselves ?

Unfortunately the mounting hole pattern is narrower on the Schaller BMLs and the plate isn't wide enough to properly cover where the stock holes are (especially not up top).

Too bad - that would have been cool if it could have worked!

[imloafin]

Originally Posted by Jefenator

Unfortunately the mounting hole pattern is narrower on the Schaller BMLs and the plate isn't wide enough to properly cover where the stock holes are (especially not up top).

Too bad - that would have been cool if it could have worked!

The 1st link below is for Cort tuners with very similar
specs as the '70s Musicmaster tuners. (says the dealer)

The 2nd link is for a set that seems
to be suited for 're-drill/alter to fit'.

close specs: http://www.darrenriley.com/shop/cart..._detail&p=1050

re-drill/alter: http://www.darrenriley.com/shop/cart...t_detail&p=459

[portaflexer]

Did anyone find a direct drop in upgrade for the Mustang? I love my Mustang, but I'm not crazy about the tuners. I'd love to upgrade them but they seem to be a non-standard size. I'm okay with drilling new mount holes, but not new peg holes.