1954 Gibson EB1 replacement for a broken Tuner

Hi.

Congrats, that must be one hell of a bass.

How is the machine head broken? Almost anything can be fixed.


I doubt that the Firebird tuner will be the same and even if it was, at least the reissues are (were) next to impossible to find. And even if You find one, those POS pieces of pot-metal are next to useless even in a guitar.

How do I know?

I have a 90's Firebird that had one busted tuner. I repaired it, but all the other tuners are clicky, won't hold tune that well, have back-lash etc. as well. Kinda like on those $5 Fender open gear knock-offs.

My vote goes for repairing the original, that has to be better than the ones they sell nowadays.

Regards
Sam

 

Maybe some pics of the issue would help?

 

Hit the internet to see if anyone might have an actual, still working, vintage Gibby tuner for that bad boy up for sale. If you do find one, it might cost you some serious coin as vintage parts aren't exactly cheap in most cases, unless you get lucky. As for a current modern production replacement tuner for that particular bass, I really don't know of any myself. That doesn't mean that there might not be one. I wish you the best of luck.

 

I'd love to see that. In 1969, nine years before I started playing bass, I wanted to buy one (re-issue at that time).

 

Hi.

If the casing and the base plate is still good, machining the gears is pretty straight forward job for a railway hobbyist or a miniature IC-engine hobbyist. You have to have some around Montreal. The shaft comes off when the gear detaches, so it may still be good as well.

Like others have said, pics will help.

I can measure my early 90's Firebird tuner for You later this week if that's any help, but like I said, I can't recommend 'em to anyone.

Regards
Sam

 

these might work ( the fourth one down):

http://www.musicmansteve.com/banjoparts/BanjoTuners.htm

 

Well, I meant of the tuner, but that's ok. Sounds like you have a plan.

 

you might try here. I was able to get some hard to find gibson parts from him a while back.

http://classicax.com/

 

Its a banjo tune.Most vintage dealers who deal in bluegrass should be able to help you.

g

 

Call George Gruhn Guitars in Nashville. They can help you.

G

 

You might consider having a new tuner custom made by some metal fab people.
(fab metal fab people. )