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New Tuners for a 50's Precision Roadworn

#22
walterw said:
if you want to spend the big bucks, get the gotoh res-o-lites, which look like regular big fender keys but are super-lightweight. i'm sure they'll turn more smoothly, too.
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+1
If you've got the coin, these are a great replacement for the stock Fender tuners. A nice added feature on these (and the old GB9s) is the allen-head torque adjustment, which lets you dial in turning stiffness/gear backlash to your liking.

It's the first upgrade I perform on new basses.
 
#23
I'd like to replace the tuners on my Lakland 55-02. I believe the stock tuners are Hipshot Ultra-lites (HB6C). I'd like something not so "touchy", bigger ratio...not sure what the Hipshot ratio is.

I have an Ibanez SR505 that I really like the tuners on. Not sure what brand they are, though. I know the SR5005's have Gotoh's on them, but not sure about the 505's. However, I love the ratio and consistency of the ones on my 505.

My Lakkie has 1/2" holes, that I do not want to enlarge.

I gig 3-5 nights a week, so weight and more importantly, durability is a factor.

Any suggestions?
 
#26
Vintage tuners are real accurate--they have a 27 to 1 ratio! You can really dial them in. I've bought many sets to put on Fender basses in the past. The little holes on the back of the heastock are from the way the tabs fold over to hold the pegs in place. I've had to gouge out the back of headstocks to make them fit.

The one guy who put those little tuners on that Fender---those look so wierd---that's just not right. Almost offending to Leo. :p
 
#27
TheFantod said:
Sorry, should have read the original post closer. Yes, I had to drill new holes, but it was only four holes, total. The Ultralites use only one mounting screw. I really should have taken a "before" photo. The Ultralites take about a quarter of a pound off the headstock. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it makes a world of difference. The body of the RW is so light that those old school retro-tuners threw off the balance. Here's a pic of the after:
Ultralites.jpg


I have no idea what those "big" holes were for. But you can see how the Ultralites have a much, much smaller "footprint." If you don't want to drill any new holes, the Hipshot reverse tuners will probably be your best choice.
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did you have problems installing these? I bought a set for the exact same bass, 1/2in ultralights, and they do not fit snug in the holes. I was wondering if you had any tips or if you could help me in any way.
 
#28
If those work for you--let 'em fly. My first impression was strong---as I'm old school with the Fenders. I look at a Fender headstock and I envision Fender tuners. Those little guys looked out of place to me---but that's just me. I also think the big funky looking chrome rims and little rubber band looking wheels and tires on cars are ugly looking. I'm not crazy about Death Metal . I don't think snakes are great pets. I prefer salami to balogna. You see--I'm just full of opinions. I bet you have some cool opinions too.
I have a sweet Roadworn P bass. It stays in tune . I left the tuners alone. It's light and plays very well for a wide style neck. A friend of mine was telling me that he has tried out several Roadworns and he says the good ones are really good. That sounds about right for Fenders. I played an original P bass back in the 70's and I played a 64 P bass back then. Those stick out as being the two best Fenders I ever played. They were (soundwise) almost perfect. Perfect would be hard to achieve.
 
#29
Nope. Zero problems installing them. There was, maybe, the slightest bit of "play" when installed. But once you get string tension on them, all is well.

Antoinette said:
did you have problems installing these? I bought a set for the exact same bass, 1/2in ultralights, and they do not fit snug in the holes. I was wondering if you had any tips or if you could help me in any way.
Click to expand...
 
#30
Part of the problem with the roadworn tuners is they must 'age' them assembled, parts of the grit they use to scuff them up (guessing they must put them in a big tumbler) gets stuck in the gears.

I pulled mine apart (its one screw.. very easy, just pay attention to how it goes back together!), there will be a gritty black gunk in the gears and in the threads, clean it all out (some metho or naptha), wipe it all clean, re oil lightly and reassemble.

That's what I did and problem solved.
 
#31
Mine are pretty tight.. but that makes me think they will hold in tune better. Do you think the grit will wear the gears down and eventually make them loose? If that's the case--if the grit is like metal shavings then I'll take those babies apart and clean them up.
 
#32
TGLbass said:
Mine are pretty tight.. but that makes me think they will hold in tune better. Do you think the grit will wear the gears down and eventually make them loose? If that's the case--if the grit is like metal shavings then I'll take those babies apart and clean them up.
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Its pretty soft.. I'm guessing it might be some kind of pumice (hell, after the acid/stone wash jean craze of the early 90's there has to be a bunch of unused industrial tumblers going cheap out there somewhere!).

It cleans out very easily, took all the gritty feeling out.. I can't imagine it will hurt long term.
 

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