Wilkinson Cloverleaf Tuners for 70s P/J - beware

[ilan]

I bought a set off eBay because at $35 they are half the price of similar Fender-logo tuners. 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.

[Pilgrim]

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

[Rob]

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

[dadagoboi]

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