Author Topic: Schaller Machine Heads (Read 212 times)

77640 · « **on:** June 05, 2006, 03:25:32 PM »

I have a 77-640 Series I. One of the chrome Schaller machines has a broken tab on the shaft tip where the string wraps around. For the safety of the other tab cracking off and missing the gig. I want to replace the whole set in GOLD. Looks to me like the Schaller M4 2x2 series is what need. Except the hole in the wood of the head stock is a hair under 1/2 inch. Everything I find in sealed machines measures 9/16. I called several stores and was told I have a problem. Schaller or anyone else dosen't make them anymore. Any ideas what I can do for sealed schaller style gold machines that have the 1/2 inch collar on the screw. Used is fine.

drjenney · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2006, 05:34:34 PM »

I'd recommend moving to Gotoh compact tuners, they use a 7/16 hole, so no modification should be necessary to your instrument. You can find them here: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Bass/2/Gotoh_Compact_Bass_Tuners.html. and yes, they come in gold.

77640 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2006, 06:58:47 PM »

Site said: 7/16-diameter string posts and threaded hex bushings. 9/16-diameter pegholes required. Looks like I'm gonna have to file the holes out a tad to accomondate anything new. My basic option is to keep'em chrome and only replace the bad machine on the E string. I just hate takin a file to this baby. It's not like the gold will make it go any faster anyway.

effclef · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2006, 11:37:38 AM »

Didn't someone on the forum replace just the tuning post inside before? Maybe that can be done here.

EffClef

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2006, 06:41:20 PM »

Here is an old thread that might be of some help. But I think Eff is right; somewhere around here is a fairly recent thread about replacing the shaft.

room037 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2006, 07:59:23 AM »

I also looking for OLD gold Schaller Machine Heads for my 70's 5 strings basses.
Especialy my 76' 421 is curious.
Highest Machine head is UP SIDE DOWN !
I want to replace regular one.

I have the old chrome set.
But both of my basses has gold one and Chrome set are lacking for 5 strings.

I can trade it for gold set.
Someone has old gold Schaller for trade ?

For example,
This is old one.
Mounting rig is just below.

And this is new(80's) one.
Mounting rig is side.

These housing are different, but these mechanism are same.

And more, I have a question about mounting screw size.
Is the old screw smaller than new one ?

Eiji

edwin · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2006, 04:01:53 PM »

I replaced my Schallers on my '78 SI with Gotohs, and I have to say that it was a big improvement. I did have to make the hole larger, but it wasn't difficult. The key is to use the right tool and the right tool for the job is a cello peg hole reamer, not a file. Just go slow and check the progress frequently. I did it at Woodsong's Lutherie here in Boulder and they let me do it myself, using their reamer. The Gotohs feel a lot smoother.

Just my 02c.

Edwin