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Installing Tuner Bushings

C

comicbookguy95

Guest
Mar 4, 2012
140
3
Rockwall, Texas
#1
Howdy guys!

I need some advice on a project I've got going. I bought a Mighty Mite neck, some used tuners, and a set of Fender bushings. I've never done anything like this before and would LOVE some pointers. I'm thinking of using a big C clamp to push them in with steady, even pressure using some cloth to protect the bare wood.

Thanks Everyone!
-Franklin
 

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#2
comicbookguy95 said:
Howdy guys!

I need some advice on a project I've got going. I bought a Mighty Mite neck, some used tuners, and a set of Fender bushings. I've never done anything like this before and would LOVE some pointers. I'm thinking of using a big C clamp to push them in with steady, even pressure using some cloth to protect the bare wood.

Thanks Everyone!
-Franklin
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I have done. I used something called a Quick-Grip. It has rubber cushions on the ends and uses a squeeze clamp. Worked perfectly!
 
#3
Depending on the mating surfaces on your c-clamp, it may tend to slip off as you tighten. I used a metal clamp that had a swivel on the screw end so that didn't help. The squeeze type clamps (no turning required) would be better. Also, you need to protect the wood on the back and the ring in front. I used a socket (3/4"?) over the ring.

There is some variation in diameter of these, I had enlarge the neck holes with my Dremel.

Do a search, this has been covered before and someone posted how-to pictures.
 
#7
Here's a trick I learned from a wonderful luthier. Get a thick bolt with a matching large wingnut, a thin piece of felt (like a drummer would use on a cymbal stand) and two huge washers. Place the bushing in the hole. Put one of the big washers on top of it, and one on the other side of the headstock with the piece of felt between the washer and the back of the headstock. Put the bolt through and screw on the wingnut. When it gets too tight to turn by hand, attach a pair of vice grips to the wingnut, turn the wingnut, and watch that bushing slowly sink into the tuner hole. It's the easiest (and cheapest) trick to complete the task while keeping the bushing straight. With this method, you're pulling the bushing in instead of trying to push it in.
 
#8
Lownote38 said:
Here's a trick I learned from a wonderful luthier. Get a thick bolt with a matching large wingnut, a thin piece of felt (like a drummer would use on a cymbal stand) and two huge washers. Place the bushing in the hole. Put one of the big washers on top of it, and one on the other side of the headstock with the piece of felt between the washer and the back of the headstock. Put the bolt through and screw on the wingnut. When it gets too tight to turn by hand, attach a pair of vice grips to the wingnut, turn the wingnut, and watch that bushing slowly sink into the tuner hole. It's the easiest (and cheapest) trick to complete the task while keeping the bushing straight. With this method, you're pulling the bushing in instead of trying to push it in.
Click to expand...

That's awesome physics, but i think i would still get out a dremel and enlarge the hole a bit. I would be afraid of splitting the headstock.
 
#9
Lownote38 said:
Here's a trick I learned from a wonderful luthier. Get a thick bolt with a matching large wingnut, a thin piece of felt (like a drummer would use on a cymbal stand) and two huge washers. Place the bushing in the hole. Put one of the big washers on top of it, and one on the other side of the headstock with the piece of felt between the washer and the back of the headstock. Put the bolt through and screw on the wingnut. When it gets too tight to turn by hand, attach a pair of vice grips to the wingnut, turn the wingnut, and watch that bushing slowly sink into the tuner hole. It's the easiest (and cheapest) trick to complete the task while keeping the bushing straight. With this method, you're pulling the bushing in instead of trying to push it in.
Click to expand...

I found a video in another thread of a guy doing basically the same thing but with a nut, bolt, and two wrenches. I think I'm gonna try that method first. (And wax the crap out of the bushings)
 
#14
comicbookguy95 said:
I found a video in another thread of a guy doing basically the same thing but with a nut, bolt, and two wrenches. I think I'm gonna try that method first. (And wax the crap out of the bushings)
Click to expand...

Waxing will help, but I've found that the bushings are pretty hard and won't get any marks on them if you put the wingnut (or regular nut) on the back of the headstock. That way the washer touching the bushing doesn't turn.
 

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