Do i need to mask off the grommets that the tuners go in on the headstock when im stripping and refinishing?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Quick refinishing question
- Thread starter enim
- Start date
Low tech:
Remove the tuner. Tap lightly around the inner rim of the grommet with a screwdriver and hammer. Work around in a star pattern like removing lug nuts from an automobile wheel.
Medium tech:
Same idea using a hardwood dowel rod that is sized to fit the hole. No need to tap around the grommet since the dowel will distribute the force equally to the rim.
High tech:
Utilizing a clamp, a dowel or similar rod as medium tech, and a caul on the face that allows the grommet to drop free. If one plans on doing this often it is well worth fabricating. If not, refer to the above.
Thanks for that.
Id assume they will go in fine with the light-handed use of a rubber mallet?
Most often they can be pressed in with the thumbs. If this is too difficult a clamp can be employed. Use a caul on the front and rear of the headstock to protect the new finish.
Here's the method I use that utilizes socket wrench sockets. Your choice of sockets will depend on the outside diameter of the sockets you have and the size of the bushings you are dealing with.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa161/ponticat/bassbushings_01.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa161/ponticat/bassbushings_02.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa161/ponticat/bassbushings_03.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa161/ponticat/bassbushings_01.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa161/ponticat/bassbushings_02.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa161/ponticat/bassbushings_03.jpg
If you asked this question, you NEED to go to Reranch.com and read about refinishing. You clearly have more research to do before starting this project.
That was really the only question ive really had. I figured you needed them out (but if someone said "mask around them", i just might have). More importantly, i needed to ask how to get them out without damaging them.
i work at Ace Hardware as "the paints guy". I know my department hands down too. The removal and refinishing aspect of it is something i help people with at least every other day.
Has doing this ever left a circular indention around the bushing from the large socket? I can see that happening if too much pressure is applied to the clamp. Maybe a rubber washer or something underneath it would be a good idea?
Generally, the bushing will move before the socket leaves an imprint in the headstock. But some cork, rubber, or even some 1/8" veneer is good insurance.
man that is some great info, I did something similar with a socket on a head stock on a old Yamaha 6 string guitar that I'm still refinishing. but when the bushings came out it brought some of the wood with it but I didn't press them out instead we tapped them out with a hammer and punch and used the socket to of course back it up and to catch the bushings but it didn't help the kid I bought the guitar from had them out before and there was a ton of orange ground marking paint inside the holes from when he painted it with that bright orange ground marking paint so there may have been a bunch of previous damage to the head stock and I didn't know it. so now I'm at a point of trying to decide on what to do with the old thing.
so what ever you do installing or removing bushings do it with care and patience.
A tapered wooden dowel lightly tapped on (going through the back of the headstock) will get them out really easily. That's how I've seen the repair people here do it.
