llmtelecaster
Senior Member
- Messages
- 313
Last night I installed a set of the vintage split-post tuners on a strat neck and took a few mental notes I thought might help somebody else out. This was the first time I had installed this type of tuner, so some of it was just trial-by-fire but I knew the basics.
First, as most of us probably know, it's a good idea to run some fine grit sandpaper through the holes to clear out the finish that got in there. This is a pretty standard step. I usually roll up 6" long piece and run it back and forth through the tuner hole a few times.
Second, the part that scared me the most was making sure everything was lined up. To hold everything in place I used some double-sided scotch tape I had laying around. Put a piece of the backside of each tuner and they'll stay in place while you line them up. I used a very fine tip sharpie to mark the spots to be drilled.
Third, drilling the right size pilot holes is very important. I found that a 3/64" bit works great. Not too big, not too small. Just pay VERY close attention to how far you are drilling into the headstock so you don't blast out the other side. When in doubt, just stop drilling and let the screw do the rest. If you need to drill further, then do so in very small incriments.
Lastly, pressing the bushings in is something that doesn't necessarily need to be done by hand. That's how I did the first couple, but then thought of a better idea. I would sand the holes until I could push the bushing in with my finger about half way. For the rest I used a set of vice grip pliers. To avoid scarring the backside of the headstock I used an old tremelo backplate I had laying around. This made installing the other 5 bushings a breeze.
Hopefully this helps somebody.
First, as most of us probably know, it's a good idea to run some fine grit sandpaper through the holes to clear out the finish that got in there. This is a pretty standard step. I usually roll up 6" long piece and run it back and forth through the tuner hole a few times.
Second, the part that scared me the most was making sure everything was lined up. To hold everything in place I used some double-sided scotch tape I had laying around. Put a piece of the backside of each tuner and they'll stay in place while you line them up. I used a very fine tip sharpie to mark the spots to be drilled.
Third, drilling the right size pilot holes is very important. I found that a 3/64" bit works great. Not too big, not too small. Just pay VERY close attention to how far you are drilling into the headstock so you don't blast out the other side. When in doubt, just stop drilling and let the screw do the rest. If you need to drill further, then do so in very small incriments.
Lastly, pressing the bushings in is something that doesn't necessarily need to be done by hand. That's how I did the first couple, but then thought of a better idea. I would sand the holes until I could push the bushing in with my finger about half way. For the rest I used a set of vice grip pliers. To avoid scarring the backside of the headstock I used an old tremelo backplate I had laying around. This made installing the other 5 bushings a breeze.
Hopefully this helps somebody.
