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What tuners would fit this headstock?

WSquires

WSquires

Jun 11, 2015
124
299
Calgary, Alberta
heavydive.bandcamp.com
#1
Hey there everyone!

So, I've got this awesome 77 Aria Pro 2 jazz neck but no tuners. It looks like it has had 2 different tuners within its lifetime: 70s style tuners and possibly a smaller set of gotoh tuners.

I want to buy a set of tuners for this neck without drilling new holes. Does anyone have any idea if any of their tuners would fit this bass? If so, can you provide as much information as possible regarding the tuners so that I may find a set within the near future?

I feel like I've searched all over the web and have left empty handed. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Here are a few pics of the headstock:

ariapro-frontback.jpg


All measurements in the following pic where taken from centre-to-centre.
ariapro2.jpg
 

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#2
I believe the two inner holes with a 12mm gap are for a set of vintage tuners... I don't know what else to call them but I know I had a 77 "lawsuit" Ibanez Challenger and it had that same shape.. It looks like someone tossed them and threw a normal set on at some point.
 
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#3
SOLD - 1977 Ibanez Challenger Lawsuit P bass MIJ

This is the thread and some pictures of what they look like. I honestly believe these are similar to your "original" styled tuners giving the wood discoloring.

I'm no expert though! if you got any set of exposed back tuners it'll fill the 4 outer holes and It should work out fine. I didn't want to find a set of them to replace my original either so I sold the bass before throwing any set on.. now you can! And 1/2"
 
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#4
No those aren't it. Those are top mount ferrule type with studs on the back plate that require recessed holes in the headstock.

Op are press in ferrules with screwed on plates. It's pretty difficult to find an exact match for Asian hardware: as you've noticed it's difficult to find dimensions. Especially like screw hole dimensions.

Take a look at Hipshot HB2 which are made to replace early large plate Fenders. It's pretty close. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The next problem is finding the press in bushing/ferrule size (bore size). You'll have to measure that carefully and see if you need to shim out the bushing or ream out the hole since the hole is metric.

So yes it's difficult to find drop in replacements. Very likely will need to drill new screw holes if you go with a name brand. But you may luck out with Gotoh or other Asian brand that has the big plate like the Hipshot hb2

Take a look at Gotoh gb2. Close. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
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#5
DevinWard369 said:
I believe the two inner holes with a 12mm gap are for a set of vintage tuners... I don't know what else to call them but I know I had a 77 "lawsuit" Ibanez Challenger and it had that same shape.. It looks like someone tossed them and threw a normal set on at some point.
Click to expand...
You are probably right about the order of which tuners replaced what. At least the discolouration suggests that!

96tbird said:
No those aren't it. Those are top mount ferrule type with studs on the back plate that require recessed holes in the headstock.

Op are press in ferrules with screwed on plates. It's pretty difficult to find an exact match for Asian hardware: as you've noticed it's difficult to find dimensions. Especially like screw hole dimensions.

Take a look at Hipshot HB2 which are made to replace early large plate Fenders. It's pretty close. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The next problem is finding the press in bushing/ferrule size (bore size). You'll have to measure that carefully and see if you need to shim out the bushing or ream out the hole since the hole is metric.

So yes it's difficult to find drop in replacements. Very likely will need to drill new screw holes if you go with a name brand. But you may luck out with Gotoh or other Asian brand that has the big plate like the Hipshot hb2

Take a look at Gotoh gb2. Close. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

I've looked at Gotoh and Hipshot but I'm worried that the dimmensions are too close for some of the holes which would call for filling and then drilling. I would like to avoid that if I could, but the HB2s are a great option.
I did not realize that north american ferrules may not fit. I will have to check that! Thanks for the advice.

As the more 70 style tuners appear to be installed later on, I'm wondering if maybe they were Fender brand tuners? I can't find any measurements for 70s style fender tuners, reissue or authentic.

Can anyone confirm their measurements?

EDIT: Now that I think about it. Hipshots are drop in replacements for Fenders, aren't they? I guess I just answered my own question.
 
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#8
96tbird said:
Filling isn't a big deal. It'll be hidden. Dab of wood glue, round toothpick, shave it flush with an Exacto blade, let dry overnight. Place the new tuners mark the holes drill with a hand drill, screw them home.
Click to expand...

You make it sound so easy, but if I'm willing to fill 1 then I might as well fill them all. There are 24 holes.

I figured, hey why not see if anyone can answer this question. All it takes is a ruler and making a few measurements on the tuners of an instrument (where the brand of tuners have not been mentioned yet).

Who knows, maybe Greco tuning keys from a late 70s p bass would fit, or tuning keys from an early 70s ibanez. If I can answer that question then I do not mind waiting to see what pops up on ebay or yahoo.

I'm not in a rush.
 

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