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Post subject: Strat tuner shaft measurements????
Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 8:50 pm
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Location: Utica
Can anyone tell me the diameter of the gear shaft that goes into the fender standard/ping tuner button?
I want to trade out the tuner buttons for a set of oval buttons, http://www.axetec.co.uk/guitar_parts_uk_038.htm
but the only chrome oval buttons ive found fit a 3.6mm shaft (2.9mm flat side). I measured the shafts up on the strat and it's close but without a caliper I dont trust measurement. I like the stock tuners and just want to replace the buttons and avoid any unnecessary drilling.
I cant find a schematic anywhere on them !!!
I figured asking here might save me time and money :D


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Post subject: Re: Strat tuner shaft measurements????
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 6:06 am
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Location: Peckham: where the snow leopards roam
Hi UncleMoe: I have everything necessary to supply you with that measurement - except it's 200 miles from where I am at this moment. I'll be home Monday: if someone else hasn't answered the question by then I'll come back to you.

By the way, here in the UK there's a gentleman who custom makes tuner buttons to any specs you need - materials, shaft size, etc. So if you have difficulties finding what you need there's likely a solution.

Stay tuned...

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: Strat tuner shaft measurements????
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 8:20 am
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I appreciate it Ceri. It will be a few days before i have a chance to get a caliper and check myself. I saw those chrome ovals buttons and figured they'd look great on my strat.
So far ive changed out the pups with dimarzio injector/area67/injector and a toneshaper http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/ToneShaper-for-Stratocaster-P2032C218.aspx
and am changing out the height screws on the saddles to save my hand when palm muting...


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Post subject: Re: Strat tuner shaft measurements????
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 1:10 pm
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Hi again UncleMoe

Well, I got home to find the battery on my digital calipers was flat. No time to go buy another right now, so the following are analog measurements. The metric ones are probably the more reliable: the imperial are conversions from them.

Assuming your Fender tuners are the same as mine this is how the shaft and tuners measure:

Image

Looking at the top of the shaft you will notice that it is flattened on either side to allow the button to grip it. Here are the measurements of the round and flat parts, in case that's useful:

Image

There ya go - not sure that helps? My shaft measurements look bigger than the replacement buttons you've found. Time for more searching, maybe...

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: Strat tuner shaft measurements????
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 2:00 am
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Thanks, i really appreciate it a lot. Definitely time to search again or just go with different tuners all together...Not sure which way to go right now...
Thanks again ..


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Post subject: Re: Strat tuner shaft measurements????
Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 7:49 am
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Hi again UncleMoe: my curiosity is piqued by this thread so I've been doing some checking around - not with much luck, I'm afraid. For starters, all the vintage style Fender tuners with oval buttons that I own or have been able to examine have the solid, non-removable type buttons. I've a feeling that's the norm, so it probably ain't a matter of just buying a set of Fender vintage machines and swapping out the buttons.

I'm not quite certain but I've a strong suspicion the ones on the page you linked to are Gotoh buttons. Gotoh make more interchangeable parts (buttons, poles, etc) for their tuners than anyone else as far as I'm aware, which is nice if that's the brand you've got. However, their shaft size is not compatible with Fender machines.

I've been hunting around and not come up with anyone supplying aftermarket oval tuners for standard Fender machineheads. Doesn't mean they're not out there, but I haven't been able to find them.

Here in the UK there is a guy who makes tuner buttons to order. He does all the mainstream shaft sizes and offers buttons in all sorts of interesting materials, such as walnut, rosewood, ivoroid, tortoiseshell and real mother-of-pearl. Tasty stuff!

Unfortunately, since he makes them himself the one thing he doesn't offer is metal knobs, since he's obviously not set up to machine steel. Still, just for kicks you might want to browse his offerings - here's his Ebay shop:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/rothesay-music ... 34.c0.m322

That's just a glimpse: he offers ma-a-any more options on a bespoke basis.

However, if you are determined to have oval metal buttons on your Fender I have a feeling you may end up having to fit new, vintage Kluson style or modern Gotoh tuners. Which in turn will mean filling the screw holes and drilling new ones, which you might not be keen on.

Still, if I'm wrong and you find some oval buttons that fit I'd certainly be glad if you felt like coming back and telling us. A bit more knowledge for the databanks! :)

Good luck - C

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Post subject: Re: Strat tuner shaft measurements????
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 7:03 am
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Those are nice tuner buttons Ceri, I might give them a try if i cant find chrome ones.
It's been kinda fun trying to find buttons to trade out rather than replacing the whole tuner with something like these http://www.guitarfetish.com/Wilkinson-EZLok-Vintage-Style-Tuners-for-Fender-Headstocks_p_886.html I just hate the thought of drilling holes in my headstock. It might take some time lol.
This strat is kinda my old meets new project. The burst finish on her has a nice 58' look to it.
Thanks again


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