Bass machine heads- lighter is tighter.

[Bass Guy]

Hey gang,

As I'm currently ensconced in plugging the holes of the Gloria headstock (see my build thread for progress) I was canvassing opinions on perhaps replacing the PBG machine heads (standard F-style cloverleafs) with a lighter alternative.

The reduced headstock and after-market high mass bridge are designed to give more sustain and overall "ping" to the bass, so adding heavy machine heads at the other end seems a little counter-intuitive. Anyone had noteworthy experience here- good and/or bad?

[dingobass]

Gotoh Bass tuners are a nice lightweight option.
Not overly expensive and I have not had issues with back lash or tuning instability.

[cade711]

Slight redirect of this existing thread, if anyone can help advise.
Will these PBG modern tuners fit to a JB-4 headstock without filling or modifying the existing machine holes? As opposed to the vintage tuner that comes stock.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/shop/s...rome-left-1pc/

[pablopepper]

Hey Cade, unfortunately no, they won't fit. The holes for vintage tuners are 18mm where as the modern sealed style need 12mm (I think) holes.

[wazkelly]

Yeah, Pabs is correct.

Just checked my EX-5 as it has those smaller style ones and they look to be about 12mm whereas the J Bass with traditional clover leafs has bushings that are most likely covering up around 18mm holes.

Only solution is to plug with dowel and then apply a solid colour on headstock face to hide the mods.

[Simon Barden]

Traditional Fender large hole size is 11/16", which is around 17.3mm.

Hipshot do some lovely ultralight bass machine heads (HB6) available with Y, clover and lollipop style heads, but they are expensive. https://store.hipshotproducts.com/ca...t_detail&p=108

There is also a licensed (Asian made) version that's still relatively expensive for a set, but almost half-the price. https://store.hipshotproducts.com/ca...t_detail&p=405

I've got the US version on a Lakland skyline P-bass (plus an added x-tender) and they are very nice indeed.

You'd need the 1/2" version (fits an 11/16" hole) rather than the 3/8" version.

Unfortunately they don't seem to be sold in Australia, so it would have to be an internet order.

[wazkelly]

Hi Simon, the PBG headstocks already come pre-drilled and on P & J Bass necks it is a fair bet they have the larger hole diameter.

[Simon Barden]

Waz, you just made me look at the PBG P/JB necks page. I think the info on the page is wrong as they say they are drilled for 10mm holes - which is a guitar-sized tuner hole. The two US standard hole sizes seem to be 9/16" (14.3mm) or 11/16 (17.3mm).

[andrewdosborne]

Whilst sorting out a bass order earlier I did email Adam about the individually sold PBG bass necks (for J bass). He confirmed they are the same machine head hole diameter as the J bass kit machine head holes

10mm is the size of the F-type guitar kit machine head holes, must be a typo.

I think I'll splash out on some of the Hipshot ultralight tuners.

[Simon Barden]

I've raised it as a new topic in the feedback section, adding that the hole dimensions for their add-on bass tuners would be nice as well,