Positioning Fender/Schaller Tuners

[Stringfellow]

Hi...I am in the process of outfitting and installing a new Warmoth custom neck on my American Deluxe Strat, and I have purchased a set of Brushed Chrome Fender/Schaller locking tuners.  I've notices that the backs of the casings have hash marks etched on them, (i.e.:  I; II; III, and IIII).  I've also read different opinions as to what those markings mean, and how they relate to the order of positioning the tuners.  This is especially confusing as the tuners are not numbered 1 through VI, and they are not all different sizes.  I'm aware that these tuners should be "staggered" but no instructions for mounting came with the machines.  Your help is appreciated.

 

[elfro89]

Welcome to the board  :icon_thumright:

I'm not 100% sure what those markings are that you refer too. I also have set of the Schaller locking tuners that you speak of, as far as I'm aware there is no set order that they must be placed into the neck. Placing them onto the neck itself is pretty straight forward, Each tuner should have the following components, A screw, a washer and a nut for each tuner. Simply place the tuner into the back of the neck, then place the washer on the front, followed by screwing the nut on, then you put your screw into the neck to hold it in place. Be sure to drill pilot holes for the screws first and use LUBE I've heard horror stories where screws have snapped in half because of no lube or pilot holes. Sorry I couldn't answer your question about the markings

Happy Building!
Pete

 

[TBurst Std]

Measure the height of each tuning post.
Taller ones are for your EAD, shorter ones for G, B and E

As I recall I = the shortest - for your high E
II = next shortest - for your B
III = next shortest - for your G
IIII = for your D, A and Low E

 

[Stringfellow]

Welcome to the board  :icon_thumright:

I'm not 100% sure what those markings are that you refer too. I also have set of the Schaller locking tuners that you speak of, as far as I'm aware there is no set order that they must be placed into the neck. Placing them onto the neck itself is pretty straight forward, Each tuner should have the following components, A screw, a washer and a nut for each tuner. Simply place the tuner into the back of the neck, then place the washer on the front, followed by screwing the nut on, then you put your screw into the neck to hold it in place. Be sure to drill pilot holes for the screws first and use LUBE. I've heard horror stories where screws have snapped in half because of no lube or pilot holes. Sorry I couldn't answer your question about the markings

Happy Building!

Hi Pete, thanks for responding to my posting so quickly.  I haven't eyeballed them that closely, yet, but I believe that while the tuning posts are the same heights; the string holes drilled in them are not.  Also, my machines have small "nubs" in the rear...no screw holes or screws to fix them to the headstock.  Anyway, thanks again. 
Pete

 

[TBurst Std]

You have the exact tuners I have. SM sells a jig for that

 

[Cagey]

The I, II, and III marks mean nothing to the user. Has to do with their production practices.

The nubs are locator pins. Some (most) tuners use screws for that duty, but Schaller decided to use pins. All they do is keep the tuner from rotating under tension when a string is wound on them. Makes it slightly tougher to drill the holes for them since you need to use a template or a jig to locate them, but on the plus side you don't break any screws off in the headstock, which is frighteningly common and difficult to repair.

 

[Cagey]

Incidentally, the jig TBurst was talking about is this unit from Stewart-MacDonald...

At $37, they're a tad pricey, but they also work very well and allow you to have professional results. For a one-time use, you might want to think about it, but if you think you might ever install tuners again for yourself or others, it might be worth the cost. There are multiple holes to accommodate a number of different tuner styles, so you're not locked into anything.

 

[TBurst Std]

Stringfellow, PM me. I have that jig. Give me a deposit for its cost and I will send it to you. Send it back and I;ll refund your money,
Makes it safe for both of us.

 

[Cagey]

You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar without peer. I shall hoist a pint in your honor.

 

[animal control]

Incidentally, the jig TBurst was talking about is this unit from Stewart-MacDonald...

At $37, they're a tad pricey, but they also work very well and allow you to have professional results. For a one-time use, you might want to think about it, but if you think you might ever install tuners again for yourself or others, it might be worth the cost. There are multiple holes to accommodate a number of different tuner styles, so you're not locked into anything.

Check to insure it supports the schaller model you are buying; it doen't fint them all.

 

[elfro89]

Stringfellow, PM me. I have that jig. Give me a deposit for its cost and I will send it to you. Send it back and I;ll refund your money,
Makes it safe for both of us.

This is why I love this forum!  :glasses9:

 

[Stringfellow]

Gentlemen:

I thank you all very much for your feedback.  I am very glad that I joined this message board, I like the camaraderie between like minded musicians.  Tburst; I discussed the jig from StewMac with my blues instructor and, luckily, he has one that he will lend me once Warmoth sends me my new neck.  I appreciate the offer, that was generous of you.  And Cagey, thank you for the additional info.
:guitaristgif:

 

[reluctant-builder]

Stringfellow, PM me. I have that jig. Give me a deposit for its cost and I will send it to you. Send it back and I;ll refund your money,
Makes it safe for both of us.

I salute you. Top drawer.