Have a 1987 Yamaha BB3000, need Machine Heads

[Lukas Thiel]

Hi.
I recently acquired a 1987 BB3000. The sound is amazing but the hardware is a bit worn, especially the threads on the Machine heads.
I have looked for replacement machine heads but found non that maintains the look. I have concidered changing them to similar ones from Schaller (M40 90) or Gotoh (gb720) but they are shorter and would stick out less from the head stock than the original ones. Alternatively I'm looking to buy used Yamaha machine heads in good condition but they seem very hard to come by.
Is there anybody out there who has a solution to this?

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Beside going to the Mom and Pop music store that has a "junk" bin I'd replace all 4 with what ever looks best.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Lukas Thiel]

Beside going to the Mom and Pop music store that has "junk" bin I'd replace all 4 with what ever looks best.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

Thanks Malcolm.
OK. I'll keep looking then. I read somewhere that Yamaha might have spares but that they are really expensive.

 

[sissy kathy]

Try Hipshot they make a long key classic tuner. Ask if the can make you a set of long key ultralites.
GET IN TOUCH
607-532-9404 • E-mail

8248 State Route 96
Interlaken, NY 14847

 

[Lukas Thiel]

Try Hipshot they make a long key classic tuner. Ask if the can make you a set of long key ultralites.
GET IN TOUCH
607-532-9404 • E-mail

8248 State Route 96
Interlaken, NY 14847

Thanks sissy kathy!
I will definitely ask Hipshot.

 

[Zooberwerx]

The stock Yamaha tuners are pretty neat as they have tension-adjustable collars. Sometimes you can compensate for gear "slop" by snugging 'em up a bit. Can you post a pic, plz? I'm just curious as to how much material has actually been ground off over the past 30 years.

Riis

 

[Lukas Thiel]

H

The stock Yamaha tuners are pretty neat as they have tension-adjustable collars. Sometimes you can compensate for gear "slop" by snugging 'em up a bit. Can you post a pic, plz? I'm just curious as to how much material has actually been ground off over the past 30 years.

Riis

Hi Zooberwerx,
I just read a thread about adjusting sleeves and that you need a special key for that...might be just what i need - if only i could get a hold of one. Actually they don't seem that worn looking closer (please find attached pics). They are not nearly as smooth as my 1968 Fender Jazz so I just assumed the were worse off than it seems.
I think i need some lubrication as well, the e-string machine head is making som eerie noises. Any tips on a lubricant as well? I'm thinking graphite or industrial grease of some sort. I don't want to end up with too much lubrication so the tuning slips.

 

[sissy kathy]

H

Hi Zooberwerx,
I just read a thread about adjusting sleeves and that you need a special key for that...might be just what i need - if only i could get a hold of one. Actually they don't seem that worn looking closer (please find attached pics). They are not nearly as smooth as my 1968 Fender Jazz so I just assumed the were worse off than it seems.
I think i need some lubrication as well, the e-string machine head is making som eerie noises. Any tips on a lubricant as well? I'm thinking graphite or industrial grease of some sort. I don't want to end up with too much lubrication so the tuning slips.

Lub won't make the tuners slip, but it will attract dust and make a mess over time. Use candle wax (lubrication of tuners isn't really necessary at all though.)

 

[Lukas Thiel]

Thx sissy kathy
Candle wax seems like a good idea!

 

[Lukas Thiel]

Lub won't make the tuners slip, but it will attract dust and make a mess over time. Use candle wax (lubrication of tuners isn't really necessary at all though.)

Candle wax worked magic! Now I just have to understand how to refine the tension.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Candle wax worked magic! Now I just have to understand how to refine the tension.

The proper tool likes like a miniature plumber's spanner...you can improvise. Wrap some rubber tubing around the stem to avoid marring the finish and grab it with a pair of pliers. If you wanna be really cleaver, I've seen snap-ring pliers with adjustable / interchangable tips which also work.

Riis

 

[sissy kathy]

This might be of some help to you, in summary you just grasp the shaft and turn like a screw to adjust the tension. Lefty loosey, Righty tighty.
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EDITED: To correct instructions.

 

[Lukas Thiel]

This might be of some help to you, in summary you just hold the shaft still and turn the button like a screw to adjust the tension. Lefty loosey, Righty tighty.
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Awesome, thanks for the tips!