Vintage P Bass Machine head

[Riddler]

Hi All

I've got a 69 P bass thats all original but has a poorly A string machine head. I lost the 'cauliflower' many years ago when the hinges gave out on the original case and the bass dropped to the floor as if from some sort of magicians false bottom case.

Anyway, it's never bothered me as I just use a coin to tune, and it never goes out of tune anyway, but recently I discovered the central screw on that tuner has disappeared. (see photos)

Does anyone know where I could get either a similarly tarnished and original tuner or at least a suitable screw to prevent to gearing falling out!

Thanks in advance for your help

Graham

[acidbass]

I don't think it's possible to buy a new machine head that has been relic-ed, but authentic vintage tuners frequently appear on eBay. Just try a search for 196* tuner or something similar and you'll find a number of parts along those lines!

[Greene-Mann]

I would recomend getting in touch with BassDoc...he's brilliant with this sorta thing, he might be able to help

[The Bass Doc]

OK - my spares are going down fast - I've got what you need but I'm asking 'proper' money. £22 posted (nearest thing on E-bay is £45 although you do get the full machine head). Mine would be the backplate with it's key, retaining bolt and washer.

Let me know if it's on.

[Riddler]

[quote name='The Bass Doc' post='534387' date='Jul 7 2009, 07:48 AM']OK - my spares are going down fast - I've got what you need but I'm asking 'proper' money. £22 posted (nearest thing on E-bay is £45 although you do get the full machine head). Mine would be the backplate with it's key, retaining bolt and washer.

Let me know if it's on.[/quote]

Cheers, sounds like a plan, is the key nicley tarnished? want it all to match up.

[The Bass Doc]

[quote name='Riddler' post='534991' date='Jul 7 2009, 06:31 PM']Cheers, sounds like a plan, is the key nicley tarnished? want it all to match up.[/quote]

Certainly is - looks it's age 'nicely'. It's definitely right for a 1969 since it doesn't have the 'R' in a circle after 'Fender' which I think came in around 1972/3.

Cheers,

H.

[Riddler]

[quote name='The Bass Doc' post='535010' date='Jul 7 2009, 06:44 PM']Certainly is - looks it's age 'nicely'. It's definitely right for a 1969 since it doesn't have the 'R' in a circle after 'Fender' which I think came in around 1972/3.

Cheers,

H.[/quote]

OK, you've got a deal. I'll PM with details.

Cheers
Graham

[Mickeyboro]

Isn't it nice when this sort of thing happens?

Warm, fuzzy, etc.

[Riddler]

Sorry about the delay in replying, Here's a pic of the tuner fitted. It is slightly shinier but only the Bass Doc would know that. I reckon it looks well tarnished.

Thanks for your help all, especially the Doc.

Bit more advice please. Should I have the bolt on the backof the tuner done up really tight or a bit looser, also should I put any oil on the gearing? As it's new string time I thought I'd service the tuners a bit.

Cheers Again
Graham.