Replacing machine head on bass with 3 tuning keys on 1 side and 1 tuning key on the other side

[Smollfaces]

I've got a music man style bass and I've heard you need different machine heads depending what side of the head the tuning key lies and what string it is. Is this true? I thought I could flip mine around but I've then seen differently online 

[Vinny]

If there's a screw (usually an allen head) on the bottom end of the bit you turn, then it's more than likely not reversible, if it looks like a mushroom shape it might be. The only way to tell is to pull one to bits and find out, really.

Edit: I have an SR5 (around 99/00 build) and they look like they should be switchable - the end of the shaft is machined flat just to make me look daft after writing the above! It had strings not long ago, so I've no plans to mess with it yet.

Edited June 28, 2020 by Vinny

[BassBunny]

A 3+1 set of tuners will give you exactly what you need or some tuners are reversible, so a 4 inline set can becomes 3+1.

All depends on the tuners you wish to use.