Lightweight replacement tuning machines for a 78` P neck

[Reiska]

Hey all! I`m messing with my MIA 2015 P and a 78` fretless P neck ( Fender factory fl P neck, rosewood fb ). The 78 fl neck isn`t a perfect fit for a contemporary P neck pocket, but boy does this combo sound and look great ( my P is olympic white with tort pg )! However, 70`s neck is a boat anchor when compared to a 2015 one and adds a little too much to the overall weight. Balance is still good, no such neck dive that would piss me off, but the weight is killing me. If I`m about to make this a permanent mod, I`d be willing to sell the original 2015 neck and shave the weight by replacing the 78` tuning machines with lightweight ones that fit, both functionally and aesthetically. What would you recommend?

Thanks, Reiska

 

[Jeff Bonny]

The Gotoh Res-O-Lites are the lightest ones available. They are a direct replacement for the stock tuners on my '63 AVRI p bass and I'm really pleased with them. I don't know if they are an exact fit for yours but the drawing in the link should tell you if they'll drop in with no mods. And they are a reverse screw if that matters to you.

 

[Reiska]

Thanks a lot, I`ll check those out!

 

[Lownote38]

The Res-O-Lites won't have the same hole pattern for the back plates.

 

[Reiska]

Hey thanks, I thought that there could be issues like this. Any clue what would work?

 

[Jeff Bonny]

The only two I know of with cloverleaf buttons and 14mm posts that are light enough to make a difference are the Gotoh Res-O-Lites and Hipshot Ultralites. The Gotohs are lighter (by about 20+% IIRC) but the Hipshots would only require one new screw hole which would be covered if you ever went back to the originals but they'd look kinda like ass on the bass as the smaller footprint would leave the original 16 holes showing. Any new holes will kill the bone stock status of the neck though if collectibility is a concern. If it's 100% a keeper and a player I think the Gotohs edge out the Hipshots.

Hipshot does make a direct replacement for a '78 but they aren't Ultralites and won't be any lighter than the stock machines.

 

[Reiska]

Thanks again Jeff Bonny for the information. My basses are definently players first and if I was into full originality of a F bass, that would be something like yours is ( 63` AVRI must be a serious one ). Anyway, I`m not in hurry with this project at all as I have a cheapo conversion fretless to practise on. If I end up modding my P there will be couple of choices, as I have the fretless neck, but also defretting the original one is an option, as the fit, feel, sound and balance of that neck is outstanding.

The weight of a bass seems to be a delicate issue for me, as I mostly like to stand when playing / practising. I already passed the very cool looking 78` P body to a friend ( we made a deal that the body will stay " in the family " ) because of the weight.