Please Help Me with Tuners/Machineheads

[Afghan Dave]

I've never changed a tuner machinehead before so I'm a total noob.

What do you need to do for a Fender Lite Ash strat.

The ones in place don't have screw tags at all and look like standard contemporary Nameless sealed gear tuners.

I want to get black Wilkinson EZ Lok ones without the screw tag. (pictured below)

Looks like it should be a simple change?

Could it be a nightmare?

Please help.

[MDV]

They probably have a little knotch in the back that holds them in place.

Couldnt hurt to take one off and see.

[Afghan Dave]

I'm gonna take one off and measure it all but the information available on the Wilkinsons regarding size is sketchy.

I would guess the diameter would be the same as I'm not changing to Vintage Klusons or the like.

Anybody done similar?

[MDV]

The diameter MAY not be the same. It probably will, but it might not. Havent made the exact same tuner change, but have run into that before. Make sure of it beforehand.

That said, it is just making sure, I wouldnt expect there to be a problem with one of the most common tuner configs and dimensions on the market.

[Philly Q]

The important dimensions should be pretty much the same - i.e. the holes through the headstock will be 10mm in diameter and just about any cast/sealed tuners will fit.

The existing tuners probably have little "pins" on the back which will fit into small holes in the wood (under the tuners).  The Wilkinsons will be similar, but I have no idea if they'll line up with the existing pin holes.

If you're not planning to ever go back to the original specs, it might be better to go for the Wilkinsons with screw tags.

[Afghan Dave]

The important dimensions should be pretty much the same - i.e. the holes through the headstock will be 10mm in diameter and just about any cast/sealed tuners will fit.

The existing tuners probably have little "pins" on the back which will fit into small holes in the wood (under the tuners).  The Wilkinsons will be similar, but I have no idea if they'll line up with the existing pin holes.

If you're not planning to ever go back to the original specs, it might be better to go for the Wilkinsons with screw tags.

Thanks for the info!  :D

I think I will stick with the hidden pin fixing.

Out of interest why would screw tags be better? I'd have to drill holes!  :?

[Philly Q]

Out of interest why would screw tags be better? I'd have to drill holes!  :?

Just because they'd definitely fit - and cover the holes left by the old tuners.  But I know it's not ideal, you don't really want to add holes!

If the new (tag-less) tuners turn out to have pins, but in a slightly different location from the old ones, it'll be a bugger to plug the holes and re-drill them.

[Twinfan]

I knew Phil would chime in and answer this  :lol:

[WezV]

take one off and have a look - should be easy to find some that fit once you know what you are dealing with

as a side note - i hate the bloody EZlok tuners.  two hole in a post does not make a locking tuner - it just gives me stringing up nightmares.  apparently they are fine once you get sed to them but i found them fiddly and pointless

[Philly Q]

I knew Phil would chime in and answer this  :lol:

Well, everyone has to have one branch of specialised knowledge.  No matter how insignificant.  :lol:

[Afghan Dave]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I'll take one off and look tomorrow! PDT_003

[FELINEGUITARS]

Out of interest why would screw tags be better? I'd have to drill holes!  :?

Just because they'd definitely fit - and cover the holes left by the old tuners.  But I know it's not ideal, you don't really want to add holes!

If the new (tag-less) tuners turn out to have pins, but in a slightly different location from the old ones, it'll be a bugger to plug the holes and re-drill them.

+1

Dave - almost surprised you didn't ask me :o