Looks right to me. You can remove the hex "fine tune" hex cap screws and replace with a like knurled thumb screw if you have addt'l time to waste.
Riis
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Looks right to me. You can remove the hex "fine tune" hex cap screws and replace with a like knurled thumb screw if you have addt'l time to waste.
Riis
Riis, thanks for the link. I just picked up a 6 string Bunker from the classifieds. That helps with the adjustment, should any be needed.
Do you happen to have any idea if Bunker made a single ball end string adapter for these and if they still have any or if anyone is still answering emails?
Not that I recall but I was always satisified with the double ball-end options. The retainer is a strange agent as it bolts directly to the tension-free rod and butts-up against brass disc nut assembly...there should be a small piece of adhesive green felt between the two. The simplest move would be to add an aftermarket lock-down block on the far side of the retainer (for example: 5-String Bass Headstock Mount). I would think the string tension would hold it in place but modifications are always an option.
Edit: Hey...post some pics of the retainer. The gears are a turnin'!
Riis
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I’ve got those blocks for a 4 string bass and a guitar. They work fine and probably are the easiest option.
Here’s pics of mine.
Another TB’er posted pics in the sale thread for this bass of his 5 string and it looks like someone ran grub screws through the top of the retainer but mine definitely isn’t threaded. I don’t think there’s enough material there for the load either.
I may just get a block in brass and try it. The only double ball 6 string sets I’m finding online are rounds. Mostly stainless rounds and I’d like to give groundwounds or flats a try.
Here’s pics of mine.
Another TB’er posted pics in the sale thread for this bass of his 5 string and it looks like someone ran grub screws through the top of the retainer but mine definitely isn’t threaded. I don’t think there’s enough material there for the load either.
I may just get a block in brass and try it. The only double ball 6 string sets I’m finding online are rounds. Mostly stainless rounds and I’d like to give groundwounds or flats a try.
Why don't you run this by Peter Weiss (Designs)? He may have ideas that have escaped out collective minds. I don't see enough meat to tap anything. A locking block still remains the best...and cheapest...approach. Bonus points if we can engineer some type of alignment between the retainer and locking block. We just need 6 locking grub screws and an anchor so it doesn't fly-off into space!
Riis
I might. I have some aluminum and maybe brass. I may just see about making one of the off the end of the neck blocks as they don’t have a 6 string bass one. The strings on the bass are good for now and I’m still working on painting some bodies and necks so I can’t make a whole lot of sawdust or metal shavings in the garage at the mo’.
I've seen some individual lock-downs (Passini?) which may work using the existing faux-headstock. As mentioned, the retainer is actually "sandwiching" the rod(s). The larger cap screws anchor to the rods, the PH screws hold the sandwich halves together. Here's what I'm thinking: remove the top half of the sandwich and replace with a like-size & like-drilled flat plate. Once trued and installed, add clamp-downs in either block or individual platforms. Check this thread for some ideas as to what's available: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ne...-guitar-hardware.1374396/page-7#post-27455217
Minor niggle: you have to virtually disassemble the neck for any substantial work.
Riis
I was actually thinking about making a block that fits into the open space on the headpiece less maybe 0.020” or so, put a 0.020” piece of either brass or steel shim stock on the bottom of that open area then make the set screws in the block so they press the strings into the shim material. I may need to cut channels along the bottom of the block for the string ends to pass through. I’ll think on it. Like I said, some painting to do still while the weather, hopefully, stays amenable then another neck to butch… er… fix. 
Then I can think about this. I was just hoping there would be something easily purchased but even the blocks you linked at first don’t have a 6 string bass version.
Then I can think about this. I was just hoping there would be something easily purchased but even the blocks you linked at first don’t have a 6 string bass version.
I was actually thinking about making a block that fits into the open space on the headpiece less maybe 0.020” or so, put a 0.020” piece of either brass or steel shim stock on the bottom of that open area then make the set screws in the block so they press the strings into the shim material. I may need to cut channels along the bottom of the block for the string ends to pass through. I’ll think on it. Like I said, some painting to do still while the weather, hopefully, stays amenable then another neck to butch… er… fix.
Yeah, I was just thinking along the lines of creating a "blank slate" or flat unencumbered mounting surface and adding readily available hardware. Keep us posted!
Riis
