Tuners

[johnsaved2002@yahoo.com]

Hi I'm new and I need help with changing my machine heads. I have a 1978 series 1 bass and I would like to change the ones that came on the bass(chrome) for some gold heads to match my other hardware. I ordered some from Gotoh but they were to big for my bass. How do I get the right size?

[adriaan]

Hi and welcome to the club!


On a 70s instrument, you would expect Schaller tuners. The older ones have a different type of tab for the mounting screw, which Schaller no longer makes, but I think by 78 they would probably have the tab configuration that is still being produced.

[StephenR]

Did you measure the hole for the tuner? I believe they come in only two different diameter sizes for the shanks but obviously you need the right one.

My 78 Series five-string has Schallers but with the exception of the key for the B string they were changed at some point prior to my acquisition of the bass in 1985. Judging by the extra unused screw hole below each tuner, on the original Schaller tuning keys the little tab with the screw was directly below the bottom of the gear. The tab with the screw on the "newer" Schaller tuners on there currently comes out of the side. The tab with the screw sits parallel to the shaft and key.

[mica]

I agree with Adriaan on this one. The Schaller M4 is the model number you'll want to find. Note that the chrome finish are likely original, as we felt that since they were the most durable finish, they would be the best long-term. but many people change out for the gold on older basses, and we pretty much use gold tuners with the brass hardware all the time now.

[johnsaved2002@yahoo.com]

Hi just got my new Schaller tuners today and they make my instrument look great. Now I have the original chrome ones and the gold tone ones. Thanks for all the help!

[pauldo]

The chrome ones make nice Christmas tree ornaments (a little heavy) but pretty in their own special way.
I removed my E string one to install a HipShot years ago and ever since that tuner (much to the dismay of my wife) ends up hanging somewhere on the tree . . . .  It's kinda turned into 'find the pickle'.   :-D

[mica]

It's kinda turned into 'find the pickle'.   :-D

I so love this!