New tuners are almost impossible to turn

[Bass4ThePublic]

That's not how it works here on TB sonny.

Even though you think you've solved your problem there will still be two pages of people late to the thread that really want you to know how much experience they have and umpteen different ways you could fix your (now non-existent) problem.

So I’ve seen lol! In all seriousness some of those upteen ways of fixing things seem like the right thing to do at this point. I'm gonna get some maple dowels and some yellow lacquer tint and plug up the old holes. I might get some of these bad boys Vintage Bass Guitar Tuning Machines for Fender w/ flat back thanks to @digmeout
So +10 internet points to him. I’ve also got to worry about a screw that broke in the headstock, but it’s at a really bad angle, so I might get a way with avoiding it as I don’t own an extractor.

 

[BAG]

I’ve also got to worry about a screw that broke in the headstock, but it’s at a really bad angle, so I might get a way with avoiding it as I don’t own an extractor.

Get some of these. They are very cheap and for most issues they do work. I don't think they last all that well (probably cheap metal) but i've used mine a few times and saved $$$$$ and hassle by doing it myself.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Get some of these. They are very cheap and for most issues they do work. I don't think they last all that well (probably cheap metal) but i've used mine a few times and saved $$$$$ and hassle by doing it myself.

I’ll look into them! Thanks for the info.

 

[CharlieB]

One way to remove screws: You get a little piece of steel tubing and file some saw teeth in the end of it. The tubing needs to be just big enough to fit over the screw shank. Chuck it up in a HANDCRANK drill and slowly, steadily saw a hole around the broken screw. The broken screw comes out with the plug. Then fill the hole with a dowel, redrill, use new screw, done. Whatever you was screwin' on will hide the little remains of the dowel.

I've done this on tuner screws many times and it works GREAT. Go down to your welding supply or A/C supply, or industrial supply.... or hit up amazon for tubing. I got some nice stainless tubing that works great for tuner screws and is pretty strong. DO NOT USE A POWER DRILL, or you'll just twist the tubing and fubar things. Just a slow easy hand crank. And yes, its a bit more fiddly in maple than mahogwood, but totally doable.

 

[JRA]

Even though you think you've solved your problem there will still be two pages of people late to the thread that really want you to know how much experience they have and umpteen different ways you could fix your (now non-existent) problem.

i'm in!


in other news:

a slavish copy of the originals ignores all the advances that have been made in the years since.