Early Fender Tuning Key Question

[Arizona Jones]

Hello!

I recently bought a '51 Fender Precision Reissue and noticed
that the tuning keys don't sit flush on the headstock. I tried
to do some research on the subject but I can't find much
information. I did read in "The Fender Bass, An Illustrated
History" that in late '64 Fender started to drill small divots in
the headstock to allow the gears to mount flush.

Are all '51 to '64 Precision tuning keys mounted like this - not
sitting flush?

They mounted the keys like this for 13 years?

If you happen to own a '51 to '64 Precision or just know that
answer to this question please let me know! Thanks!

Arizona Jones

 

[Arizona Jones]

Bump.

 

[savit260]

HUH??? I don't think I ever noticed this before. I just checked my '64 and there is a bit of daylight right behind the worm gear on all the tuners. The sides where they are screwed down are flush, but that plate has a slight arc to it. I guess you learn something new every day

 

[Mr_Dave]

yep, i'm pretty sure they were like that for 13 years... on p and early jazz basses (up to '64)

 

[Chef]

Niether my 51 P reissue, nor my 62 J reissue had this, uhhh, issue
But yes, the eraly ones had bumps on the tuners that made them stand off the headstock a little. They then started putting divots in the headstock to accomodate this...then they changed tuners.