40hz Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Evening all, I've bought some tuner bushings (Official Fender ones) for my USA SUB as I couldn't find any Musicman ones online. Upon trying to insert them, they are a literal 'smidge' too big. Are Fender headstock holes bored to a different measurement than Musicman? or is this a case of it having to be a snug fit? I don't want to damage the bass in any way so any help would be greatly appreciated. Si. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted March 28, 2018 Share Posted March 28, 2018 I've not fitted tuners to a Musicman but have done a fair few Fenders. Most of those have been a very snug fit, snug enough not to be able to just push them home by hand. I've placed a thin piece of hardboard on the underside of the head, another on top of the bushing and then squeezed the bushing in, using an adjustable clamp. I would advice caution though and if you feel that they are too tight, then don't force it, instead you will need to open the holes up slightly. A reamer is the best tool, although you may be able to wrap sand paper around a suitable sized timber dowel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted March 28, 2018 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Sorry, @gary mac I wouldn't like to use a clamp. Someone without experience could easily wreck the headstock, by splitting it down through the holes. I would rather spend time with sandpaper and sand the holes bigger, or use a Dremel or reamer. Even better get the right tuners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted March 28, 2018 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Yes you're right Rich, which is why I advised caution. My point though, was even the correct sized ones that I've fitted on Fenders, have needed that method to get them installed. If I had opened up the holes to make it an easy fit, then they wouldn't fit snugly, the way that they should. If the bass was on my bench, then I would know which method to go for but it's not, which is why I suggested alternatives. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted March 28, 2018 Share Posted March 28, 2018 It is very easy to sand the holes too large ( i know this to my cost) so ever since that mistake I use a bolt with large washers as a clamp and slowly tighten the nut on the bolt thereby pushing the bushes in. On the bolt which is almost the the same diameter as the inside of the bush I have 2 rubber tap washers and 2 steel washers and a nut. The rubber washers cushion the steel washers and prevent them cutting into the wood or scratching the bushes. Go slowly, keep everything square and squeezing bushes in is simple. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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