Double Bass Tuning Machines for Shen SB80

[51rhc]

I purchased a used Shen SB80 earlier this year and would like to replace or repair the tuning machines. They have quite a bit of slop/play when tuning and tend to jump from not making a difference to over-correction.

Does anyone have any recommendations on improving their performance? If not, any recommendations on replacement machines?

Thank you.

Also, if anyone has string recommendations, please lease let me know. I’m primarily playing pizz jazz/roots music with occasional arco.

 

[BassinCT]

I had the original tuning machines on my SB150 replaced about five years ago with an improved Shen set. What I learned is that there is no such thing as a direct replacement, and that it is advisable to have a luthier do the job. I forget the cost per set, but the folks at CSC should be able to point you in the right direction if you want a modestly priced option. Contact CSC Products Inc. and Samuel Shen musical Instruments
My recommendation is to go to a bass luthier to see what else is available and workable. Around 15 years ago, I had a set of K.C. Strings machines installed on an older bass- they were very well made, smooth and precise, but they are no longer being made. There are other, very fine replacements that will cost 2-4x more, such as the Rubner, Irving Sloane, etc.

Evah Pirazzi weich strings are my favorites, and would be well suited for what you describe.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Rubner individual machines. It’ll require a little fiddling with a Dremel but whatever.

 

[BassDaddy11]

I have an sb88. Are those Rubner tuners do it yourself?

 

[Fretless55]

I’d be interested in seeing a photo of your tuners and knowing the year of manufacture.
I’m surprised given Shen’s reputation for reliability.

 

[Inky13]

Sub’d.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I have an sb88. Are those Rubner tuners do it yourself?

If you’re experienced in precision woodworking and metalworking, probably.

 

[BassinCT]

27090344[/URL], member: 161546"]I’d be interested in seeing a photo of your tuners and knowing the year of manufacture.
I’m surprised given Shen’s reputation for reliability.

The laminated top Shen models and hybrid 150’s are equipped with lower-cost machines. On my 150, 3 of my tuners were fine, but one had an unacceptable amount of play between the gear and worm, so I decided to upgrade the set.

Matthew Tucker shared this a few years ago. Watch the video of the key for the extended string move while being vibrated:

The bit you really need to lubricate is where the shaft of the tuning handle runs through the "saddle" especially on the handle side. This is where most of the pressure is put. It would be nice if you could put a thrust washer right at the end, but its rarely possible without removing the handle. The cog gear and worm don't actually need much lube at all; there is supposed to be resistance here, that's how a worm and gear works. in fact if you lube it too much, the gear can slip, and I have video to prove it!

 

[51rhc]

Thank you all for your replies.

BassinCT’s suggestion about CSC products led me to some maintenance and troubleshooting recommendations for tuning machines on their website. I will start with this and see if I can improve the functionality of the existing tuners.

I’m away until the new year, but I will post results and photos of the experience when I return home.

 

[RSBBass]

I have had an SB80 for 12 years. I have never had a problem with the machines. Before replacing them, I would suggest taking a good look at the nut. A nut that isn't cut for the strings that you use are a more

 

[51rhc]

I’d be interested in seeing a photo of your tuners and knowing the year of manufacture.
I’m surprised given Shen’s reputation for reliability.

I don’t know the year the bass was manufactured.

 

[51rhc]

Thank you all for your replies.

BassinCT’s suggestion about CSC products led me to some maintenance and troubleshooting recommendations for tuning machines on their website. I will start with this and see if I can improve the functionality of the existing tuners.

I’m away until the new year, but I will post results and photos of the experience when I return home.

I removed, disassembled, and cleaned each tuner one at a time. I waxed the parts of the shaft that contact the pegbox and lubricated the shaft of the tuning key.

I then reassembled and tightened each tuner as specified on the CSC website.

I added graphite to the nut and bridge and installed the strings with careful attention to the winding resulting in a straight line to the nut (the existing windings were pretty poor). I have new strings arriving today.

The tuners are now performing much better. There is still a bit more “play” than I would like, especially on the E-string, but they are tuning much more smoothly and I can accurately get the bass in tune without trouble.