Replacement tuners for 80s MIJ Strat

[calibre2001]

Hi all,

My 1985 MIJ Strat tuners need a change. Currently it's using replacement 70s F-tuners (no idea what tuners were originally used). So I purchased an actual replacement USA 70s F tuners from Fender. But the USA ones don't seem to fit due to the extra 'bulge' at the bottom unlike the current F tuners my MIJ is using (take a look at the 2nd, 3rd picture links below for an idea of what I'm talking about).

My question is where I may purchase exact 70s replacement F Tuners per what I have now on my strat.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLWm-Ky6WT_c01yWTB6bTcwcUc2d1JUT0pTejdNWjlXcll3/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLWm-Ky6WT_akxYMEpzYXlUUXJRb0RRQ2RpZ25yMnVYTEhn/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLWm-Ky6WT_Y2t6MG1aNkVIRVdENGhyb3FaMHhUWmwzTVZR/view?usp=sharing

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Replacement tuners for 80s MIJ Strat

The new collared tuners are an improvement. I'd just modify the head to accept them.

FWIW, the post-1975 original F tuners (made by Schaller) also had the collar. Late '60's - '75 are the style you had, and they are not reproduced TMK.

I don't think those tuners are original to your guitar anyhow.

 

[9unslin9er]

Re: Replacement tuners for 80s MIJ Strat

Is there any reason you need to purchase the exact same tuners aside from screw fitment?

Because there are better tuners out there that require no modification.

 

[ItsaBass]

Replacement tuners for 80s MIJ Strat

Actually, the new collared F tuners (and the old collared Schaller ones) are good tuners, and they allow you to keep the attractive 1/4" I.D. press-in bushings on the front of the head. Many aftermarket tuners use a larger hex-nut threaded front bushing, which IMO isn't too hot looking on a vintage-style guitar.

Gotoh vintage-style Mag Loks would be a good option, though they will leave some of the existing screw holes visible.

But to repeat myself, it's an easy retrofit to get the tuners he already owns into that guitar. They will look great, and they will be an improvement over what's in there. He already owns perhaps the best tuner option for that neck, so it would seem silly to go with something else.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Replacement tuners for 80s MIJ Strat

+1 for Gotoh locking 'heads.

 

[calibre2001]

Re: Replacement tuners for 80s MIJ Strat

FWIW, the post-1975 original F tuners (made by Schaller) also had the collar. Late '60's - '75 are the style you had, and they are not reproduced TMK.

Does it mean I own actual 69-75 era vintage tuners or MIJ 70s F tuners are built to the same specs to what I have?

Is there any reason you need to purchase the exact same tuners aside from screw fitment?
Because there are better tuners out there that require no modification.

I don't wish to widen the existing hole to accommodate the collar of newer F tuners.

Gotoh vintage-style Mag Loks would be a good option, though they will leave some of the existing screw holes visible.

I suspect the MIJ might have originally had these. But new holes were drilled to accomodate the F tuners. And now both old and new screw holes seem to close to each other.