Tuner Hole Problems, Help Needed

[klk999]

Hey everyone,

I have a BC Rich NJ Series bass that I bought as a fixer upper last year. I finally got around to working on it over the holidays. I was pretty excited about it until I took off the old tuners.

As you can see by the pictures, it looks like someone resized the holes with a dull pocketknife to make the tuners they had fit. So my dilemma is, how do I fix this?

I spoke with a wood worker friend, and he suggested making some maple plugs, but he was unsure what type of glue to use. I thought of this forum, and told him I would ask on here.

So what type of glue should I use? Is that even the right approach? Because the holes are so misshapen, we are going to have to drill them out to at least 7/8”, and maybe even an inch. Will that be a problem? If this is the right approach, on the front of the headstock there will be anywhere from 1/8” to 1/2“ of the maple plug showing. What do I do about that?

One last question. I am in the process of stripping off the old finish, since a lot of it was completely jacked. How do I do the front headstock, or should I just leave it? If I remove the varnish on the face of the headstock, will that cause issues with the logos? What about that walnut?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ken

 

[black_labb]

epoxy if the plug is loose in the hole, titebond or similar if it is tight would be my oppinion. you may have to refinish the front and possibly the rear of the headstock.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Now that hole-job looks just grrrreat :scowl:.

epoxy if the plug is loose in the hole, titebond or similar if it is tight would be my oppinion. you may have to refinish the front and possibly the rear of the headstock.

+1.

One option is to glue in contrasting plugs of something light colored wood like maple You suggested, and leave the "rings" showing. Takes a lot of careful planning and drilling though to keep everything in line and good looking. The looks of that isn't for everyone though. I'd probably find some walnut for the plugs.

Yet another option would be to use oversized washers to cover the plugs, requires a lathe though.

I'm not familiar with the BC Richs way of doing logos, but to me that looks like a water slide decal under a clearcoat. You can sand a bit, but the logo is easily damaged.

Regards
Sam