New tuning machines - what to measure?

[TheRev]

Now that I've got Boris (Hungarian Poller bas) playing just how I like it, I think I'd like to replace the stiff & creaky nickel plated machines with some nice brass ones.

What are the pitfalls of choosing a new set of machines? Obviously, there's no standard size for spindle holes or spacing when buying plate style machines.

Anyone done this before? What should I be measuring/looking out for?

Churrz.

Dave

[geoffbassist]

Hey Dave, I chatted recently with Martyn Bailey about the idea of retrofitting tuning machines and he suggested it was a job for a luthier as there's a ton of variables...I guess if you have some luthier skills it may be worth trying yourself, but double basses are all so different that I think it would be worth getting them fitted by a luthier.....and of course first trying to improve the function of the ones you have with some oil etc...especially as it could get quite expensive fitting new machines once you add in the labor costs, but I would recommend checking out Martyn's if you want some really nice ones. They are certainly the best I've used. http://www.mjbl.co.uk/doubl-bass-machines.html

That said I've never actually tried to do it myself and it may be something you could do easily...but I would expect it's more likely to be a tough thing to do.

[TheRev]

Cheers Geoff - I suspected that it wasn't an easy thing to do.

I've oiled/lubed the worm and the gear and fiddled about with the screw that attaches the gear tot he roller, but the E tuner is still stiff and creaky. Are there other parts of the machine that I can oil up or loosen in some way?

I've seen the Baker machines before and much as I love to have a set, they're about 60% of the vale of my bass - and that's before they're even fitted.

My luthiery skills are minimal and hampered by lack of time and patience! Although I'd rather have plate style machines, I wonder if the single machines like these would be easier to fit?


[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/rubner_doublebass_machines_4_string.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/rubner_doublebass_machines_4_string.htm[/url]

As long as the holes in the pegbox are big enough for the rollers, then it would be a simple matter of four small holes per tuner, no?

Cheers

Dave

[geoffbassist]

[quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1438182043' post='2832351']
Cheers Geoff - I suspected that it wasn't an easy thing to do.

I've oiled/lubed the worm and the gear and fiddled about with the screw that attaches the gear tot he roller, but the E tuner is still stiff and creaky. Are there other parts of the machine that I can oil up or loosen in some way?

I've seen the Baker machines before and much as I love to have a set, they're about 60% of the vale of my bass - and that's before they're even fitted.

My luthiery skills are minimal and hampered by lack of time and patience! Although I'd rather have plate style machines, I wonder if the single machines like these would be easier to fit?


[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/rubner_doublebass_machines_4_string.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...es_4_string.htm[/url]

As long as the holes in the pegbox are big enough for the rollers, then it would be a simple matter of four small holes per tuner, no?

Cheers

Dave
[/quote]
I'm afraid I'm rubbish at this stuff. Hopefully a more skilled Basschatter will be able to throw some ideas out there. :-)

[Owen]

There is nothing I would change about my DB (which is odd given my insatiable plank GAS) but a tasty set of those machines would be very lovely indeed. I have always hankered after a REALLY tasty set of machine heads.

[3below]

Can you take a picture of your machines and post? I have sorted out similar problems on various bass guitars and am about to embark on the same with my DB - the E tuner is smooth most of the way but has the stiff / creaky spot.

Edited August 13, 2015 by 3below