Fender® Guitar Tuning Machine Replacement
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I want to upgrade the tuning machines on my guitar from the vintage style tuners that came on it, to your more modern style die-cast tuning machines. Can you tell me if this is possible, and what are the diameter differences between the vintage and die-cast tuning machines?
Although it is possible to upgrade or change out tuning machiens, you
should know that they are not a simple drop in replacement; some
modification to the headstock is required to make this change.
The diameter of the mounting hole on the headstock for our vintage style
tuners is 11/32" (8.7mm), and the machines themselves have a .249"
diameter string post. The mounting hole on the headstock for our
die-cast tuning machines is 13/32" (10mm) with a .236 diameter string
post. The modern tuning machines are obviously larger in diameter than
the vintage tuners and consequently, the mounting holes will need to be
enlarged to accept the new tuners. As this is not an easy project for a
beginner, we would suggest that you only have a skilled luthier perform
this modification for you.
Conversely, if you want to switch from the modern tuners to vintage
style tuning machines, without having to fill and re-drill the mounting
holes, you will need to purchase a set of conversion tuner bushings
which allow an 11/32 string post to fit into a 13/32 diameter mounting
hole without any filling and drilling. Fender does not produce or offer
these conversion bushings, so you'll need to purchase them through an
aftermarket parts supplier.
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