machine head component names

[roonjuice]

Hi guys!
Does anyone have a list of the different parts that make up a 70's fender machine head? Basically i'm looking to buy a couple of the big screws and washers that hold the capstan in. I think they may be called "worm screws" but i am having real difficulty finding info, and even more difficulty finding finding replacements! i could always buy replacement complete tuners but i want to keep the old girl as original as possible as cheap as possible!
Cheers if u can help!

[Ou7shined]

Does [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_head"]this[/url] help?

[roonjuice]

Kinda, cheers mate!
thats where I got the name "worm screw" from but not where to buy em!

Edited May 5, 2010 by roonjuice

[Ou7shined]

Have a word with Howard (The Bass Doc) and see if he can turn anything up for you.

[roonjuice]

Good pun my friend!
chhers for the tip!

[The Burpster]

I was a bit confuzzed upon reading your post but I think I have it now.

You want the mounting nuts.

A bolt or screw has a male thread a nut has an internal or female thread. Tuners are secured by small wood screws (normally 4 on the back of the headstock and the mounting nut and washer that goes through the headstock from the front.

These might be tricky to get hold but someone will have some.

[gjones]

Yes I know exactly what you mean. One fell out of the machinehead of my Schecter about 15 yrs ago and I've never been able to find one that fits in any hardware store. The good news is that the screws from my Geddy Lee Jazz (which I believe has vintage style tuners) do fit the Schecter so they must be a standard size. I have an American friend who is an engineer (he builds simulated robot insects for Edinburgh Uni......somebody has to I suppose?) and after telling him of the problems I've had finding a replacement he has recently made it his sole object in life to find a screw that fits.
After measuring them in minute detail he's now in the process of ordering them from the states. So IF they fit I will give you the correct size to ask for.

Hopefully my long search will be over.

Edited May 10, 2010 by gjones

[roonjuice]

WHOAH
That seems an impossibly difficult task to make something that must exist in the millions by now!
Crazy but appreciated!

[gjones]

[quote name='roonjuice' post='862234' date='Jun 9 2010, 03:51 PM']WHOAH
That seems an impossibly difficult task to make something that must exist in the millions by now!
Crazy but appreciated![/quote]

Well guess what.....he managed to find the size. It's an M5 screw with a 10mm length and a philips head similiar to these [url="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/__m5+x+10mm_W0QQ_dmdZ2?rvr_id=&crlp=1535558920_228459_228460&UA=WXI7&GUID=054416e61220a0aad3d59a25ff1040bd&agid=728969020&MT_ID=10&keyword=m5+x+10mm&ff4=228459_228460"]http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/__m5+x+10mm_W...4=228459_228460[/url]

What I've noticed is that the two other basses I have - a fender geddy lee jazz and an old squier jazz bass from 2002 have worm screws that fix perfectly so it must be a standard screw.

Hope this helps.

Edited June 10, 2010 by gjones

[gjones]

These look like the little suckers!

[url="http://www.stagonset.co.uk/fasteners?cart_id=5444941_26246&prm_grp=A2_ScrewBolt_PhilRaPan_M5&summit=M5|Phillips|Pan|Head|Machine|Screws#top"]http://www.stagonset.co.uk/fasteners?cart_...hine|Screws#top[/url]

Choose the 10mm screw from the table at the bottom. 13p each I do believe........cheap as chips.

Wish I knew where to find them 15yrs ago.

[roonjuice]

You guys quite literally rock!

[The Bass Doc]

The metric thread mentioned above will be fine if it's for the later 70s model that carries heads made by Schaller (they'll have 'Made in Germany' stamped on the reverse of the plate which is engraved 'Fender').

If however your bass is from the earlier 70s period those screws will not fit as they require an American imperial size - 12-24 x 3/8ths.

Edited June 10, 2010 by The Bass Doc

[roonjuice]

got the metric ones and yuo, they dont fit!
Any ideas where to get the imperial ones in the uk?

[The Bass Doc]

I may be able to help - can you be sure of the year of your bass?

OR, maybe take a photograph of the back of the headstock?

[roonjuice]

i will dig out details and photos at the first opportunity!

[gjones]

[quote name='roonjuice' post='866304' date='Jun 13 2010, 07:41 PM']got the metric ones and yuo, they dont fit!
Any ideas where to get the imperial ones in the uk?[/quote]


This website seems to have them. It's in the states but won't cost more than a fiver to get sent over. [url="http://www.buzzardsbass.com/parts/tuning-machines/parts.html#gear-screws"]http://www.buzzardsbass.com/parts/tuning-m...tml#gear-screws[/url]