Question about Tuners

[LBS-bass]

For the first time since I left, I am wishing I had access to TB to ask a question (even though I know the answers would frustrate me).

Here's the deal: I need to replace the tuners on my Fender American Elite. I can't remember the year it was built, but they weren't made for long. Maybe 2016 or so?

Everyone seems to love the Hipshot brand, so I was thinking of going with those, but I don't know which ones to order. I'd like to get them installed in time to play that bass at my next show in two weeks, but that may not be feasible. For the moment, though, I'll be happy just knowing what to order.

TIA if anyone has an answer.

 

[4strings]

For the first time since I left, I am wishing I had access to TB to ask a question (even though I know the answers would frustrate me).

Here's the deal: I need to replace the tuners on my Fender American Elite. I can't remember the year it was built, but they weren't made for long. Maybe 2016 or so?

Everyone seems to love the Hipshot brand, so I was thinking of going with those, but I don't know which ones to order. I'd like to get them installed in time to play that bass at my next show in two weeks, but that may not be feasible. For the moment, though, I'll be happy just knowing what to order.

TIA if anyone has an answer.

Hipshot tuners are great. Can you post a clear pic of the front and the back of your headstock? I'll try to help.

 

[Jim C]

Frank at Best Bass Gear will walk you through all that!
The items to know about is:
The outer diameter of shaft
The inner and outer diameters of the bushing
Thickness and existing holes in headstock
The mounting system (single hole, 4 holes, threaded bushing) or a combination

 

[dedpool1052]

For the first time since I left, I am wishing I had access to TB to ask a question (even though I know the answers would frustrate me).

Here's the deal: I need to replace the tuners on my Fender American Elite. I can't remember the year it was built, but they weren't made for long. Maybe 2016 or so?

Everyone seems to love the Hipshot brand, so I was thinking of going with those, but I don't know which ones to order. I'd like to get them installed in time to play that bass at my next show in two weeks, but that may not be feasible. For the moment, though, I'll be happy just knowing what to order.

TIA if anyone has an answer.

Can you post pics of the front and back of the headstock?

 

[LBS-bass]

Can you post pics of the front and back of the headstock?

Yes I can; I'm about to head for a nap because I had shitty sleep and we're going out in about three hours so I want to try for a bit of shuteye, but I will take some pics either once I wake up or, if there isn't time, after I get back home. Thanks all!

 

[dedpool1052]

Right off the bat, I know they'll be the 1/2" diameter tuning posts. It's just a matter of the rear mount.

 

[LBS-bass]

These will post sideways for some reason, I think.

 

[Andyman]

They probably have a small "dowel hole" to prevent them from twisting.

 

[Andyman]

LBS, sorry we didn't get to "meet up", we never made it south of Auburn. Next time.
☺

 

[dedpool1052]

These will post sideways for some reason, I think.

View attachment 19141

View attachment 19142

Alright, I believe these have threaded bushings.
If you order the 1/2" Ultralights from Hipshot, you would need to pre-drill a mounting screw (only one)
That would be your best bet.

IIRC, the Ultralights also have threaded bushings.

 

[LBS-bass]

LBS, sorry we didn't get to "meet up", we never made it south of Auburn. Next time.
☺

No worries, I was looking for you yesterday but I understand how things go. I hope you had a great visit out this way. The weather here has been really nice for this time of year!

 

[LBS-bass]

Alright, I believe these have threaded bushings.
If you order the 1/2" Ultralights from Hipshot, you would need to pre-drill a mounting screw (only one)
That would be your best bet.

IIRC, the Ultralights also have threaded bushings.

I guess the next question is whether there's something I could order that wouldn't require drilling a new hole. I don't have any delusions about the value of the instrument right now, but Fenders appreciate in ways others don't and I would kind of hate to mess that up for some future owner.

 

[dedpool1052]

I guess the next question is whether there's something I could order that wouldn't require drilling a new hole. I don't have any delusions about the value of the instrument right now, but Fenders appreciate in ways others don't and I would kind of hate to mess that up for some future owner.

My next question is,
Why do you need to replace them?
What's wrong with them?
Are they not holding tuning?

 

[ponchonlefty]

the ones in the pics look great. are they loose? or tight? maybe some tlc and go.

 

[LBS-bass]

Ded and I spoke on the phone last night so I haven't answered his questions here. For the group, the D string is not holding; I've tightened it as far as I can. It's better but not great. I wanted to tighten the others up to match, and the E string was especially loose, but somehow when I tried using the hex key to tighten that one it stripped the socket, so now it won't tighten at all.

This is why I don't like working on my own gear - no matter how simple the task, I will find a way to screw it up. Every. Single. Time. I have horrible experiences with attempting self-repair.

I suppose I could just replace those two. The set is expensive and there's nothing special about the E or D. My original thought was to replace them with an upgrade, since they were never holding as well as the cheap tuners on my Sire, which are rock solid. But they were pretty good up until they weren't. So maybe I'll just buy two replacements and call it a day. I don't want to drill into the headstock.

 

[Pilgrim]

I've never had a problem with tuners on any bass, although I do make it a point to tune up to pitch. I think you should be able to get the damaged part out and replace it, but I don't have a clear idea of where it is.

I did a search for "Fender Elite bass tuners" and found these - sold, but it shows OEM replacements should be out there if you look hard enough. https://reverb.com/item/4565977-fen...ss-tuners-chrome-usa-f-logo-bass-guitar-parts

I'd also think Hipshot could advise you on which tuners if you know the diameter of the neck holes.

 

[ponchonlefty]

guessing the the tuners are made of chrome plated brass stripping the threads could happen to anyone. i would replace the ones that are bad.

 

[LBS-bass]

Thanks, everyone. I've ordered what I think I need, and they should be here tomorrow. A friend has agreed to install them next week, so hopefully I'll be good to go before my next show.

Honestly my Sire is very giggable, but it's about the only other four string I have that is in gig-ready condition. My Schecter is still sporting roundwounds and the action is higher than I like. It's playable, but not ideal. Having only one giggable bass is making me nervous because at Friday's show my lead singer knocked my guitar stand over and the bass went face first to the floor. No damage, but imagine the situation I'd have been in on Saturday had he broken the neck or something. So.... getting the Fender ready is a priority and then I need to set about getting one of the others a bit more gig-worthy.