Dean Zone Bass Re-build

[Simon Barden]

Nice project.

I’ll put in my standard advice to measure up the headstock for size before buying any tuners. You should be fine with any Y-style tuners as their bodies are pretty compact. But Fender-style elephant’s ears can be a very tight fit indeed on a 2+2 headstock and are often just too large unless it’s been built with them in mind.

Same with a replacement bridge. Whilst it’s probably got standard P/J bass spacing, just measure to double check, as you may find it’s a bit narrower. You’d also be amazed at the variation in spacings available on replacement bridges, so don’t go by looks alone.

All the best with the project.

[MusicStudent1]

Nice project.

...Fender-style elephant’s ears can be a very tight fit indeed on a 2+2 headstock and are often just too large unless it’s been built with them in mind.

Same with a replacement bridge. Whilst it’s probably got standard P/J bass spacing, just measure to double check, as you may find it’s a bit narrower. You’d also be amazed at the variation in spacings available on replacement bridges, so don’t go by looks alone.

All the best with the project.

Simon, you are 100% correct! The Fender elephant ears type tuners are a really tight fit but they didn’t cost too much. It’s some kind of IQ test to switch them around to get them to fit. (I am failing that IQ test, &#128514. I might actually buy another set and mix and match until I can get them all to fit.

They add so much weight and mass to the headstock, I love them! I can’t go back to those little toy tuners. I also bought a hipshot bridge that definitely fits. It’s good and heavy, too. For me, the heavier the better.

This is my goal: A light, breathable finish, mass at each end of the strings (headstock and bridge) with a quality bone nut. Thanks for the heads up. I am going to make this work.