G&L JB5 Tuning Machine Q

[Heantune]

Blade on my B string tuning machine is becoming loose, 1.5 yr old G&L JB5, Built to Order.
Still works but I can see if falling off soon.

Options:
1) Glue it?
2) Try and find a replacement G&L tuning machine?
3) Replace with a Hip Shot or other aftermarket?
4) Other?

Thoughts?

H

 

[ahbass2500]

I would replace all 5 with Schaller BM (or Hipshot HB1 if you prefer Hipshot). The stock ones fail too much.

If you decide you want to replace with the original G&L ultralight (the ones currently on your bass), PM me and I can create a classified listing for one. I am pretty sure I have 4 bass and 4 treble side ones in my parts drawer that I do not need (got rid of my newer G&Ls and my older ones both have Schaller).

 

[Heantune]

I would replace all 5 with Schaller BM (or Hipshot HB1 if you prefer Hipshot). The stock ones fail too much.

If you decide you want to replace with the original G&L ultralight (the ones currently on your bass), PM me and I can create a classified listing for one. I am pretty sure I have 4 bass and 4 treble side ones in my parts drawer that I do not need (got rid of my newer G&Ls and my older ones both have Schaller).

Do the Hipshot or Schallier need holes drilled or do they use the same as what’s there from the originals?

 

[ahbass2500]

Do the Hipshot or Schallier need holes drilled or do they use the same as what’s there from the originals?

Direct replacement.

 

[2F/2F]

The 2015 and up G&L bass tuners are crappy tuners made by Reliant, the Taiwanese factory that makes Ping and similarly crappy OEM tuners for many other brands. I'd replace them with Schaller BMs or Hipshot HB-1s. The BMs are what G&L used from 1980–2015.

 

[One Way]

I put a drop of CA glue where the cloverleaf attaches to the split shaft and it’s held for several years

 

[MegaSwing]

I bought a used Kiloton that had a slightly bent slot for the G tuning key that caused it to make a tiny rattling noise that would make me crazy. It was only audible when the bass wasn’t amplified.

I bought a used set on TB, only to realize that they weren’t the long-stem design I had, and I didn’t care for the look. Just by happenstance, G&L was selling them individually and I bought one that matched what I have. I felt pretty lucky about that. And I keep that short-stem set, just to be safe. G&L stuff was never that common to begin with.

 

[Harold Runyan]

Blade on my B string tuning machine is becoming loose, 1.5 yr old G&L JB5, Built to Order.
Still works but I can see if falling off soon.

Options:
1) Glue it?
2) Try and find a replacement G&L tuning machine?
3) Replace with a Hip Shot or other aftermarket?
4) Other?

Thoughts?

H

 

[Harold Runyan]

I had the same issue with a USA Kiloton I bought used about 10 months prior to the demise of G&L. It rattled, and even though no one could hear it in a live performance, I could and it drove me nuts. I brushed in a little super glue thinking I’d just order a replacement from G&L. Of course they were out of stock. The super glue is still holding.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Blade on my B string tuning machine is becoming loose, 1.5 yr old G&L JB5, Built to Order.
Still works but I can see if falling off soon.

Options:
1) Glue it?
2) Try and find a replacement G&L tuning machine?
3) Replace with a Hip Shot or other aftermarket?
4) Other?

Thoughts?

H

Replace with OEM tuners.

I’ve only owned one bass (1996 MIM Fender JB) where a blade came loose. It had a very annoying rattle. My son eventually replaced the whole assembly with a D tuner.

 

[Edgetone]

I have a spare G&L tuning peg for some reason that I can't remember. PM me if you want it. Just pay the shipping cost.

 

[Cleezmo]

I have a 2020 JB that had the same issue - the E string tuner started rattling a couple years ago and it too me quite a while to figure out that's where the buzz I was hearing was coming from. I got a replacement from G&L and it's been fine ever since, but obviously that's not an option for you. Also agree that the tuners on the older basses (I have a 2011 L-2500 Fretless and a 2014 M-2000) are better - never had an issue with them.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Glazenn]

As long as it lasts, no affiliation.

 

[Heantune]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Superglue option first, if that doesn’t work out I think I will replace them all with one of the aftermarket options.

H

 

[Grigsby]

Blade on my B string tuning machine is becoming loose, 1.5 yr old G&L JB5, Built to Order.
Still works but I can see if falling off soon.

Options:
1) Glue it?
2) Try and find a replacement G&L tuning machine?
3) Replace with a Hip Shot or other aftermarket?
4) Other?

Thoughts?

H

One of mine did that as well on my 2017 Kiloton 5. I asked them for a replacement, and they sent me five of them.
Looking at the tuner, it appears that it would be a straightforward fix.
The little pin that holds the handle on acts like a rivet...only it's a little loose.
Seems like one could take a small ball-peen hammer and lightly "ping" it a little tighter?

 

[Grigsby]

BTW, I had planned on using four of the G&L on a Warmoth Jazz Bass I'm putting together and had the holes drilled for 11/16 (17.5mm) Schaller sizing and now need the bushings. Would anyone know where I can find those?
Regards,
-Don