Tuners for a GOOD Affinity Squier Precision

[amphlett7]

This topic has come up a lot in my searches but it's usually in regards to the later squiers with the cheaper box tuners. What I have isn't that.

This bass kicks ass, neck and body are really good, but the hardware and electronics are a little of a letdown. The bridge has been replaced with a Hipshot A style and the pickups/electronics had been replaced.

The tuners are a little stiff and don't hold tune that well.

I contacted Hipshot but they don't have a drop in fit. I'm fine with having to redrill holes as long as the original screw holes are covered!

What tuners do you recommend as a replacement?

PS, Ignore the ratty strings, They're long gone!

 

[sissy kathy]

Tuners like that, not holding a tune 98% of the time is from misuse, not the tuners. First when you string the bass the witness points have to be set. All three points for each string. from the post, over the nut and again over the saddle. Second you need to tune up to pitch, if you over shoot the mark, take it flat and tune up again. Tuning up to pitch that way keeps the lash (play) in the gear from affecting the string.

I don't see a question. Are you seeking tuner recommendations? If so in this case, though I don't think you need them, I'd recommend the Gotoh GB 640 They are the same basic design, but are very light weight. They're also about $100 a set.
GOTOH Gb640 Super Light Weight Bass Guitar Tuning Machine Set Nickel | eBay

 

[amphlett7]

Tuners like that, not holding a tune 98% of the time is from misuse, not the tuners. First when you string the bass the witness points have to be set. All three points for each string. from the post, over the nut and again over the saddle.

On the setup, the witness points are all in place and I take great care when stringing up (The strings in the photo are not the best example as they were about 6 years old and had been on a dozen basses).
I don't have this issue on my other Precision bass which has an MIM jazz neck, so I don't think it's a setup issue.

Second you need to tune up to pitch, if you over shoot the mark, take it flat and tune up again. Tuning up to pitch that way keeps the lash (play) in the gear from affecting the string.

This is what I do.

I don't see a question. Are you seeking tuner recommendations? If so in this case, though I don't think you need them, I'd recommend the Gotoh GB 640 They are the same basic design, but are very light weight. They're also about $100 a set.
GOTOH Gb640 Super Light Weight Bass Guitar Tuning Machine Set Nickel | eBay

Edited the post for clarity. I am looking for tuner recommendations.

 

[sissy kathy]

The Schaller BM, and Hipshot HB1 are also good choices, both are about the same weight as what you presently have. The HB1 is the lighter of the two.

 

[amphlett7]

The Schaller BM, and Hipshot HB1 are also good choices, both are about the same weight as what you presently have. The HB1 is the lighter of the two.

Good to know.

The body is basswood so with the heavier bridge and light tuners it should bring a better balance.

Thanks!

 

[sissy kathy]

Good to know.

The body is basswood so with the heavier bridge and light tuners it should bring a better balance.

Thanks!

The Gotoh GB 640 will help the most then. They are very light in comparison to even the Hipshots.

 

[Ronbeast]

A lot of times, most times even, tuning issues are a symptom of the nut. Very rarely have I come across a bad tuning machine. The only one was on my Squier Bronco, and I replaced that single tuner with a stock one that fender sent me free of charge and the stock tuners have worked fine for the 7 years I’ve owned that bass.

Is the nut well cut? Do the strings make a telltale pinging noise when tuning up or down? That’s where I’d start.

 

[amphlett7]

A lot of times, most times even, tuning issues are a symptom of the nut. Very rarely have I come across a bad tuning machine. The only one was on my Squier Bronco, and I replaced that single tuner with a stock one that fender sent me free of charge and the stock tuners have worked fine for the 7 years I’ve owned that bass.

Is the nut well cut? Do the strings make a telltale pinging noise when tuning up or down? That’s where I’d start.

The nut seems fine. It was replaced when I changed the strings to a lighter gauge.
There's no pinging at all when tuning.

 

[CallMeAl]

@amphlett7 did you find tuners? I have a 2005 affinity p bass myself and am having similar performance issues

 

[sissy kathy]

@amphlett7 did you find tuners? I have a 2005 affinity p bass myself and am having similar performance issues

If you aren't worried about weight the Hipshot HB1, I beleive, is a drop in, along with the Schaller BM.

 

[SquidgeyB]

Got a similar problem with my Lawsuit Hardpuncher, only the tuners (unsurprisingly) are quite unlike the Fender's, having only 3 screwholes in the backplate. I heard they are notorious for slipping, one does frequently, another's bent... any ideas for replacements? Would rather keep it looking as original as possible, but may have to replace with the schallers.

 

[sissy kathy]

Got a similar problem with my Lawsuit Hardpuncher, only the tuners (unsurprisingly) are quite unlike the Fender's, having only 3 screwholes in the backplate. I heard they are notorious for slipping, one does frequently, another's bent... any ideas for replacements? Would rather keep it looking as original as possible, but may have to replace with the schallers.

The Gotoh GB11W is the only tuner I'm aware of (for sale) that has three holes. Available here.
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