The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Fender Basses => Topic started by: ilan on June 09, 2015, 11:52:25 PM

Title: Wilkinson Cloverleaf Tuners for 70s P/J - beware
Post by: ilan on June 09, 2015, 11:52:25 PM

I bought a set  (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilkinson-Chrome-Cloverleaf-Bass-Tuners-for-70s-Fender-P-Jazz-Bass-WJBL-200-CR-/321684507010)off eBay because at $35 they are half the price of similar Fender-logo tuners (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Fender-70s-Style-Bass-Tuners-0076568049-Set-of-4-Jazz-Precision-New-/311378142436). The bushings are too large for a '75 neck. The seller responded, "I would check the peg head holes for any glue residue etc. they are supposed to be a tight fit and may require a clamp to press in. Been around vintage basses a long time and have sold lots of these and this is not a normal issue."

I didn't want to widen the peg holes in a vintage neck, and pressing the bushings in with a clamp could crack the headstock. Luckily I had a spare set of Fender bushings, and they fit perfectly. Just FYI, if you intend to buy a Wilkinson set.

Title: Re: Wilkinson Cloverleaf Tuners for 70s P/J - beware
Post by: Pilgrim on June 10, 2015, 06:27:03 AM

Agreed - using clamps is a bad idea. I've read any number of reports about cracked headstocks from doing that.

Title: Re: Wilkinson Cloverleaf Tuners for 70s P/J - beware
Post by: Rob on June 10, 2015, 06:39:42 AM

Clamps (and wood cauls) are actually a good technique IF the bushings are properly sized.

Title: Re: Wilkinson Cloverleaf Tuners for 70s P/J - beware
Post by: dadagoboi on June 10, 2015, 07:12:26 AM

I use Wilkinson gold clovers only because Gotoh doesn't make them in gold AFAIK.  The bushings are cast pot metal.  I ream the headstock holes to eliminate the possibility of cracking.

The Wilkinson screw hole pattern is also different from Fender/Gotoh.  So is the construction, they can be taken apart and converted to LH if necessary.  That's the only thing good I can say about them compared to Gotoh CBS style which are nickel like the originals. 

Wilkinsons are available from Eden USA for $8 each chrome, free US shipping.  $9 for gold plated.  The gold plating is better quality than the chrome.
http://www.edenguitars.com/wilkinson-open-frame-bass-tuner-tuning-peg-chome/?page_context=category&faceted_search=0