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Old 11-12-2020, 02:36 AM
mtotatm mtotatm is offline
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Question washer for Conversion Bushings

I've recently change my conversion bushing from a ones that I got from here
https://www.carousell.sg/p/available...ngs-163064184/

to stewmac 3/8 ones
https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-ha...r-bushing.html

and I realize that the holes that the previous luthier made were abit too big for the stewmac ones so i had to tape some tape around the stewmac ones to fit them in. The stewmac conversion bushing wasnt big enough to cover the holes completely and there are some ugly marks left by the previous bushing, i was wondering if there are washer available or other bigger hex style conversion bushings.
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Old 11-12-2020, 04:10 AM
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JayBee1404 JayBee1404 is offline
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You don’t want washers under press-fit bushings - they are Buzz-Monsters, and sooner or later you’ll be back here asking how to stop them buzzing!

Many (most?) of us who have/had Martins with OEM open-back tuners, which used to be installed with washers under the bushing, remove the washers at the first opportunity.

The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.
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Old 11-12-2020, 04:14 AM
Brucebubs Brucebubs is offline
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Martin are the only maker that has ever used a washer with a push-fit bushing and they are notorious for 1. - stopping the bushing from sitting down flush and 2. - the loose washer creates buzzing on the headstock.

JayBee1404 posted the same advice while I was typing mine!
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Old 11-12-2020, 07:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brucebubs View Post
Martin are the only maker that has ever used a washer with a push-fit bushing and they are notorious for 1. - stopping the bushing from sitting down flush and 2. - the loose washer creates buzzing on the headstock.

JayBee1404 posted the same advice while I was typing mine!
Great minds, Bruce!
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Old 11-12-2020, 07:38 AM
Dave Richard Dave Richard is offline
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Unfortunately, wrapping tape around bushings, for a snug fit in an oversized hole, is not, IME, a good long term fix. I recently installed some Waverlys in a vintage Martin, with crudely enlarged holes from Scaller tuners. I wrapped tape around the bushing for a snug fit. But under string tension, the bushing cocks toward the nut, and the tuner binds somwhat. I’ve ordered the Stewmac conversion bushings, but if they also don’t fit well, I plan to plug and redrill the holes. Otherwise, the nice(expensive) Waverlys will wear prematurely.
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Old 11-12-2020, 10:46 AM
mtotatm mtotatm is offline
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so the only way is to plug and redrill the holes? cause im would like to find a permanent solution as well
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Old 11-12-2020, 12:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtotatm View Post
so the only way is to plug and redrill the holes? cause im would like to find a permanent solution as well
It depends on how much the holes are ‘too big’. If it’s only slightly, You could try building up the holes by swabbing CA or wood-glue in the holes and allow it to cure completely before test-fitting the bushings again - if still loose, repeat the swab ‘n’ dry routine and try the bushings again. If too tight, ream the holes slightly - if you don’t have a reamer, some fine sandpaper wrapped around a pencil will work.

Did that with a couple of tuner holes on my HD seven or eight years ago, they’ve been fine ever since.
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Old 11-12-2020, 09:19 PM
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I have wrapped a bit of copper tape around the bushing if they are just a bit loose.
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bushing, conversion, conversion bushing, stewmac

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