Fender American Pro II Precision Bass Tuning Machine Replacements

[MrAB4003]

This afternoon, I was just starting to change my strings on my Fender American Pro II Precision Bass when the weirdest thing happened. I took the first string from the old set off the bass and I noticed that the tuning machine was loose. So I got a screwdriver to tighten it. When I started turning the screw that holds the tuning machine to the bass, the screw broke apart and the back of the machine fell apart! D: The entire tuning machine is now broken and I can’t put new strings on my bass, let alone play it!

I started laughing when it happened! I immediately knew that it was Fender’s QC striking again. I’m surprised that the “premium” Fender branded tuning machine just broke the way it did. I've had this bass for only four years and this has never happened to me before. I've had much less expensive basses whose machine heads were of better quality, so I'm not happy with Fender's QC! I have been talking about Fender's lack of QC on their basses for a few years here on TB. Today's incident reminded me of how I feel about that.

But enough ranting from me. I want to replace all four machine heads so they are identical. As things stand, one of the remaining three is normal and the other two are loose. I took the two loose machines off my bass without any tools! They came right off while they are still intact.

Does anyone have any solid recommendations for tuning machine replacements? I don't want to drill any new holes, so I would prefer drop in replacements if possible.

 

[MrAB4003]

Nevermind - I figured it out on my own. I ordered another set of Fender tuning machines from their website because those were the only ones I could find that worked for my bass.

 

[Ian774]

Not sure what you used a screwdriver for here. These tuners aren’t attached by screws, they need to be slotted in and have a nut on the front that screws onto the shaft of the tuner. It’s a very clever design. I’ve noticed mine are a bit loose too when removing strings, but not an issue when strings are under tension.

That rant about Fender’s QC was quite unnecessary here, it’s user error more than QC in this situation.

 

[Geri O]

Hipshot is my go-to for tuning machine replacement needs. Which has been only twice over the years. My other Hipshot purchases has been Xtenders for the various basses I’ve owned.

I believe I read some docs that stated those Fender-branded tuners are made by Schaller. Which makes the broken tuner thing here known kinda disconcerting. Schaller is generally known for quality hardware.

Well, yer bass is repaired. Things happen.