Bass-Machine Heads BMFL

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Description
Versions
Operating instructions
Technical drawing
Pictures
Downloads
Arrangements
Guidelines
FAQ

Compared to the BM series, a longer string post and a larger button plus a bigger baseplate make it a perfect replacement tuner for Fender Jazz and Precision™* basses. Counterfort-mount. (*Fender Jazz-Bass und Precision-Bass are protected trademarks owned by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation)

All sealed tuners are lubricated with Schaller special grease for lifetime maintenance-free service.
All parts are precision-crafted and surface-finished, the self-locking drive ensures an even, delicate and steady tuning.
All string posts are made of high-grade brass and fitted into the housing with utmost precision, ensuring the best possible tuning accuracy and wear resistance.
Besides the standard combinations (e.g. 6-in-line or 3/3), all tuner sets may also be ordered with any quantity of left and right tuners.

Versions

Model	ArtNo.	Model	Finish	Buttons	Mounting	Surface	Ratio	Weight g/item	Bore mm
BM5FNI (5455)	5455	Open-3/2	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Nickel	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLNI (545)	545	Open-4 left	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Nickel	1 : 20	103	17.5
BM5FC (5475)	5475	Open-3/2	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Chrome	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLC (547)	547	Open-4 left	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Chrome	1 : 20	103	17.5
BM5FMC (545MC)	545MC	Open-3/2	Machine-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Satin-Chrome	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLMC (547MC)	547MC	Open-4 left	Machine-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Satin-Chrome	1 : 20	103	17.5
BM5FB (15475)	15475	Open-3/2	Machine-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Black-Chrome	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLB (1547)	1547	Open-4 left	Machine-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Black-Chrome	1 : 20	103	17.5
BM5FG (5495)	5495	Open-3/2	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Gold	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLG (549)	549	Open-4 left	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Gold	1 : 20	103	17.5
BM5FRU (5495RU)	5495RU	Open-3/2	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Ruthenium	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLRU (549RU)	549RU	Open-4 left	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Ruthenium	1 : 20	103	17.5
BM5FSP (54505)	54505	Open-3/2	Machine-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Satin-Pearl	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLSP (54515)	54515	Open-4 left	Machine-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Satin-Pearl	1 : 20	103	17.5
BM5FVC (54506)	54506	Open-3/2	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Vintage-Copper	1 : 20	103	17.5
BMFLVC (54516)	54516	Open-4 left	Hand-polished	BMF	4 Srews/Thrust bearing	Vintage-Copper	1 : 20	103	17.5

Pictures

Technical drawing

Please use the download file to obtain a full view of the technical drawing.

TZ Bass-Mechanik/Tuner BMFL

Note: Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files correctly!

Operating instructions

Please use the download file to obtain a full view of the operating instructions.

BA Overview thrust bearings/banjo bolts

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Downloads

Operating instructions

BA Overview thrust bearings/banjo bolts

Technical drawing

TZ Bass-Mechanik/Tuner BMFL

Note: Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files correctly!

Machine Heads combination

Here are all conceivable combinations of left and right tuning heads and the desired numbers of each which are available to order.
All machine heads and buttons can also be ordered individually.


Headstock 2-2	Headstock 3-1	Headstock 3-2

Headstock 4-0	Headstock 4-1	Headstock 4- 2

Headstock 4-3	Headstock 5-0	Headstock 5-1

Headstock 5-2	Headstock 6-0	Headstock 6-1

Headstock 7-0	Headstock Les Paul

Here you will find some additional, useful information about our Schaller product catalog.

Surface finishing

This Schaller M6 locking machine head is an example of the subtle differences between various surface finishes.


NI-Nickel	CH-Chrome	SC-SatinChrome

BC-BlackChrome	GO-Gold	RU-Ruthenium

SP-SatinPearl	VC-VintageCopper

Here you can see our high-quality plating in direct comparison:

M6 2000 Locking all colours

NI-Nickel, CH-Chrome, SC-Satinchrome, BC-Blackchrome, GO-Gold, RU-Ruthenium, SP-SatinPearl, VC-VintageCopper.

Measure specifications

All measurements in the product catalogue are given in mm (inch), unless a different unit of measurement is stated.

Technical drawings and operating instructions

We do not accept any liability for the correctness of the technical drawings. Prior to installation, please measure for yourself once more, so you can consider regular manufacturing tolerances.

Please note that the technical data can also vary slightly, depending on the surface color. This is due to the difference in the galvanic coating and the galvanic layering, which depends on the color (nickel, chrome etc).

The technical drawings can be printed on one page width. Should the technical drawings not fit on one page, however, please check your print page setup (note: they can be several pages long).

From time to time, the measurements given in the file downloads on our website may differ from those given in the catalogue. Please bear in mind that the measurements given in the online downloads are current. Any discrepancies will be corrected when the catalogue is updated.

Technical Drawings Schaller Machine Head M6

M6 Industrial version

Here you can see our Schaller M6 Machine Head industrial version "J", with a 135 degree bracket or "PIN" for guitar manufacturers. Please contact us directly.

Industrievarianten 1

Industrievarianten 2

Housings Machine Heads

Two different housings are available for some machine heads: The “J” shape, for external mounting via screws; and “Pin”, for locking on the head plate. The difference can be seen in the following images:


Version "J"-Shape	Version with Pin	Version with Pin

The following table provides the type of attachment and axis diameter for all Schaller machine heads in mm (inch). Several machine heads come in different versions.

Machine Heads	Brackets	Pin	Diameter of bore holes for axis	Thickness of headplate from - to
M6-Series	180°		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 18,0 (0,4331-0,7087)
M6 Mini Series	90°		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 15,5 (0,4331-0,6102)
M6 Mini Series	90° + 270		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 15,5 (0,4331-0,6102)
M6 Light Nylon	90° + 270		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 16,0 (0,4331-0,6299)
M6 Locking Machine Heads	135°		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 15,5 (0,4331-0,6102)
M6 Locking Machine Heads	-	1	9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 15,5 (0,4331-0,6102)
M6 Mini Top Mount Locking	90°		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 15,0 (0,4331-0,5906)
M6 Top Mount Locking	180°		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 15,5 (0,4331-0,6102)
M6 Vintage	90° centered		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 16,0 (0,4331-0,6299)
ST6	2 screws		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 16,0 (0,4331-0,6299)
ST6K	2 screws		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 16,0 (0,4331-0,6299)
ST6B	2 screws		8,3 (03268)	11,0 - 16,0 (0,4331-0,6299)
ST6 Vintage	2 screws		9,8 (0,3858)	11,0 - 16,0 (0,4331-0,6299)
BM Series	4 screws		17,5 (0,6890)	11,0 - 15,0 (0,4331-0,5906)
BMFL Series	4 screws		17,5 (0,6890)	11,0 - 15,0 (0,4331-0,5906)
BM Light Bass	-	2	17,0 (0,6693)	11,0 - 15,5 (0,4331-0,6102)
M4S Series Bass	-	2	17,0 (0,6693)	11,0 - 15,5 (0,4331-0,6102)
M4 Series Bass	180°	-	12,0 (0,4724)	14,0 - 19,0 (0,5512-0,7480)
M4-2000 Series Bass	180°	-	12,0 (0,4724)	15,0 - 19,0 (0,5906-0,7480)
M4-2000 Series Bass	90° centered	-	12,0 (0,4724)	15,0 - 19,0 (0,5906-0,7480)
M4-2000 Series Bass	-	1	12,0 (0,4724)	15,0 - 19,0 (0,5906-0,7480)

Some image examples:


Bracket 90 degrees	Bracked 90 degrees centered	Bracket 135 degrees

Bracket 180 degrees	2 screws centered	2 screws offset

2 srews	4 screws	2 brackets 90/270 degrees offset

All machine heads and buttons can also be ordered individually.

Shaft lengths

The following table provides the shaft length or, more precisely, the distance between housing and bore hole for the string for all Schaller machine heads:

Typ Machine Heads		1	2	3	4	5	6	inch
M6 Series	3/3	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	0,9449
	6 in line
M6 Mini Series	3/3	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	0,9449
	6 in line
M6 Light Nylon	3/3	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	0,9449
	6/6
	6 in line
M6 Locking Machine Heads	3/3	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	0,7677
	6 in line	19,5	19,5	19,5	18,5	18,5	18,5	0,7677 / 0,7283
M6 Locking-Machine Heads Topmount	3/3	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	0,7677
	6 in line
M6 Vintage	3/3	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	24,0	0,9449
	6 in line
ST6	3/3	22,5	22,5	22,5	22,5	22,5	22,5	0,8858
	6 in line
ST6K	3/3	22,0	22,0	22,0	22,0	22,0	22,0	0,8661
ST6B	3/3	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	19,5	0,7677
ST6-Vintage	3/3	22,0	22,0	22,0	22,0	22,0	22,0	0,8661
BM Series	2/2	31,0	31,0	31,0	31,0	31,0	31,0	1,2205
	3/2
	4 in line
BMFL Series	3/2	31,0	31,0	31,0	31,0	31,0	31,0	1,2205
	4 in line
BM Light	2/2	33,0	33,0	33,0	33,0	33,0	33,0	1,2992
	3/2
	4 in line
M4S Series	2/2	33,0	33,0	33,0	33,0	33,0	33,0	1,2992
	4 in line
M4 Serie	2/2	32,0	32,0	32,0	32,0	32,0	32,0	1,2598
	3/2
	4 in line
M4 2000	2/2	32,0	32,0	32,0	32,0	32,0	32,0	1,2598
	3/2
	4 in line

String thickness

The following table shows the max. string thickness (in mm and inch) of the machine heads.

Machine Heads	String thickness max. (mm)	String thickness max. (inch)
M6-Series	1,8	0,0709
M6 Mini Series	1,8	0,0709
M6 with Nylon	1,8	0,0709
M6 Serie 2000 (Locking)	1,5	0,0591
M6 Mini Top Mount	1,5	0,0591
M6 Top Mount	1,5	0,0591
M6 Vintage	1,8	0,0709
ST6	1,8	0,0709
ST6K	1,8	0,0709
ST6B	1,8	0,0709
ST6 Vintage	1,8	0,0709
BM Bass-Machine Heads	3,0	0,1181
BMF Bass-Machine Heads	3,0	0,1181
BM Light Bass Machine Heads	3,0	0,1181
M4S Bass Machine Heads	3,0	0,1181
M4 Bass Machine Heads	2,5	0,0984
M4-2000 Bass Machine Heads	2,5	0,0984

Machine Heads combination

Here are all conceivable combinations of left and right tuning heads and the desired numbers of each which are available to order.
All machine heads and buttons can also be ordered individually. All conceivable combinations are depicted here, irrespective of the type of guitar or bass.

Every other possible combination for 8-string / 12-string instruments etc. is also possible, of course.

For the sake of simplicity, the images show only one machine head of the relevant type, either as a left or right-side model. This means that a right-side machine head model may be depicted for the "6-in-line" combination; in such cases, however, the machine head can of course be ordered both as a left and right-side model.


Headstock 2-2	Headstock 3-1	Headstock 3-2

Headstock 4-0	Headstock 4-1	Headstock 4- 2

Headstock 4-3	Headstock 5-0	Headstock 5-1

Headstock 5-2	Headstock 6-0	Headstock 6-1

Headstock 7-0	Headstock Les Paul

Shafts for classical machine heads

The use of the different shafts enables the classic machine heads to be adapted to the various instrument head plates. The right shafts are used for metal and gut/synthetic strings.

Classical guitar and mandolin machine heads come with four different types of shaft:

1 = Nylon-shaft (brass with a plastic sleeve)
2 = Emberger shaft
3 = Gibson shaft
4 = Emberger shaft (brass with a plastic sleeve)

Shafts "2", "3" and "4" require the use of thrust bearings.

Shaft type 1 for Lyra and Hauser machine heads varies slightly from shaft type 1 for standard machine heads.

This image shows the different types of shaft and the choice of finishes available (nickel, chrome, gold, nylon shaft in white and black):

Schaller shafts for acoustic machine heads

All shafts can also generally be supplied in the eight different surface finishes available (see above).

This list shows the options available when selecting a shaft:

Nylon shaft brass with a plastic sleeve (1)

Emberger shaft

(2)

Gibson shaft

(3)

Emberger shaft brass with a plastic sleeve(4)

Model

ItemNo.

Design

Finish

white

black

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

white

black

Hauser/Lyra

LNi 1

550

Lyra, open

Nickel

yes

LG 1

553

Lyra, open

Gold

yes

HNi 1

560

Hauser, open

Nickel

yes

HG 1

563

Hauser, open

Gold

yes

MK/MK Mini

540

closed

Chrome

yes

MKG

541

closed

Gold

yes

MK Mini

542

closed

Chrome

yes

MKG Mini

543

closed

Gold

yes

MK-E

2540

closed

Chrome

yes

MKG-E

2541

closed

Gold

yes

MK Mini-E

2542

closed

Chrome

yes

MKG Mini-2-E

2543

closed

Gold

yes

MK Mini-2-E-O

2542/5

closed

Chrome

yes

MKG Mini-2-E-O

2543/5

closed

Gold

yes

The models with the product numbers 2542/5 and 2543/5 do not have a baseplate.

Shaft 1

Shaft 2

Shaft 3

Shaft 4

Model

ItemNo.

Design

Finish

white

black

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

white

black

Standard

LSNI 1

5501S

Lyra, open

Nickel

yes

LSMS 1

5511S

Lyra, open

Brass

yes

HSNI 1

5601S

Hauser, open

Nickel

yes

HSMS 1

5611S

Hauser, open

Brass

yes

The designation "BS" refers to brass.

Mandolin

MNI2

591

open/shaft_2

Nickel

yes

yes

MNI3

592

open/shaft_3

Nickel

yes

yes

MNI4

593

open, staggered

Nickel

yes

MG2

594

open/shaft_2

Gold

yes

yes

MG3

595

open/shaft_3

Gold

yes

yes

MG4

598

open, staggered

Gold

yes

MGP4

597

open, staggered

Gold

yes

MGP4 with real mother-of-pearl button.

This image gives another overview of the available options:

Schaller shafts for acoustic machine heads

This list shows the shaft lengths which we supply as standard (in mm). Alternative lengths, which we will be happy to supply upon request, are shown in brackets. The shaft length is measured from the housing to the center of the string hole. All measurements are given in mm.

Nylon shaft brass with a plastic sleeve (1)

Emberger shaft

(2)

Gibson shaft

(3)

Emberger shaft brass with a plastic sleeve(4)

Model

ItemNo.

Design

Finish

white

black

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

white

black

Hauser/Lyra

LNi 1

550

Lyra, open

Nickel

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

LG 1

553

Lyra, open

Gold

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

HNi 1

560

Hauser, open

Nickel

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

HG 1

563

Hauser, open

Gold

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

MK/MK Mini

540

closed

Chrome

24/22/18

16,0

MKG

541

closed

Gold

24/22/18

16,0

MK Mini

542

closed

Chrome

24/22/18

16,0

MKG Mini

543

closed

Gold

24/22/18

16,0

MK-E

2540

closed

Chrome

24/22/18

16,0

MKG-E

2541

closed

Gold

24/22/18

16,0

MK Mini-E

2542

closed

Chrome

24/22/18

16,0

MKG Mini-2-E

2543

closed

Gold

24/22/18

16,0

MK Mini-2-E-O

2542/5

closed

Chrome

24/22/18

16,0

MKG Mini-2-E-O

2543/5

closed

Gold

24/22/18

16,0

Shaft 1

Shaft 2

Shaft 3

Shaft 4

Model

ItemNo.

Design

Finish

white

black

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

Nickel

Chrome

Gold

white

black

Standard

LSNI 1

5501S

Lyra, open

Nickel

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

LSMS 1

5511S

Lyra, open

Brass

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

HSNI 1

5601S

Hauser, open

Nickel

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

HSMS 1

5611S

Hauser, open

Brass

14,5

14 (12,2)

23(21)

Mandolin

MNI2

591

open/shaft_2

Nickel

12,5 (14)

21 (23,5)

MNI3

592

open/shaft_3

Nickel

12,5 (14)

21 (23,5)

MNI4

593

open, staggered

Nickel

12,5 (14)

21 (23,5)

MG2

594

open/shaft_2

Gold

12,5 (14)

21 (23,5)

MG3

595

open/shaft_3

Gold

12,5 (14)

21 (23,5)

MG4

598

open, staggered

Gold

12,5 (14)

21 (23,5)

MGP4

597

open, staggered

Gold

12,5 (14)

21 (23,5)

Thrust bearing and capstan for machine heads

All measurements are given in mm. The inner and outer dimensions are given in the column "Dm" (diameter). Alternative capstan lengths, which can be supplied upon request, are given in the column "A-length". TM=Topmount.

	banjo bolt	thrust bearing	length	Dm inner	Dm outer	A-length
M6	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
M6 Mini	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
M6 Nylon		X	7,5	6,1	10,0
M6 2000 Locking	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
M6 Mini Locking TM	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
M6 Locking TM	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
M6 Vintage	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
ST6		X	7,5	6,1	10,0
ST6K	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
ST6B		X	9,6	6,2	8,7
ST6 Vintage		X	7,5	6,1	10,0
BM		X	10,1	14,1	17,0
BMFL		X	10,1	14,1	17,0
BM Light	X		16,0	13,0	16,7
M4S	X		16,0	13,0	16,7
M4	X		15,7	9,2	12,0
M4 2000	X		15,7	9,2	12,0
Hauser/Lyra		X	7,5	6,1	10,0
MK/MK MIni		X	7,5	6,1	10,0
Standard		X	7,5	6,1	10,0
B5	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
B4	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
B4 adjustable	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
B4 Excenter	X		13,2	6,0	7,8	11,7/ 16,2
Mandolin		X	7,5	6,1	10,0	13,3
Ukulele	XX		7,0/9,0	5,8/6,8	8,5/11,1

FAQ

FAQ10001 Can I also get machine heads in a 5/1 or 4/2 configuration?

For the sake of clarity, we have only illustrated the standard layouts. Naturally, every other combination (5/1, 4/2 etc.) can also be ordered via your retailer.

…in addition to this, individual machine heads, sets of buttons etc. can also be ordered.

FAQ10010 How can you tell the difference between left-side and right-side machine heads?

A simple way to tell the difference is to place a machine head in front of you so that the back of the housing is facing towards you and the button is pointing upwards. If the worm gear and button are then on the left of the housing, then it is a left-side machine head, e.g. as found on a Stratocaster.

FAQ10015 Can I also order individual machine heads or just the buttons?

Yes, you can also order any machine head individually, or just a set of buttons without the machine heads.

FAQ10020 I know that you produce machine heads for many reputable manufacturers such as Fender, Gibson, PRS, etc. with their company logo. What can I do, if one of these machine heads breaks?

Unfortunately we are not allowed to provide you with a replacement part. Please contact the manufacturer directly. Alternatively, we can only recommend you to install a set of Schaller machine heads from your specialist dealer. Then you will always have 100% quality - since today, unfortunately, almost all manufacturers also use products with their logo from the Far East.

FAQ10030 Where can I find information on the required hole diameters on the head plate for Schaller machine heads?

On our website, under "Products/Product help/Guidelines", we have set up a table from which you can see the relevant measures for your machine heads.

Under "Products" and then in the detailed view you will of course find a detailed table for each of our products, showing the bore diameter in one of the columns.

The "Technical drawings" tab in the product details view gives you access to full technical drawings of the product in question, complete with all dimensions. These drawings can also be downloaded.

FAQ10040 Where can I find information on the different mounting options of your machine heads (bracket, pin, etc.)?

On our website, under "Products/Product help/Guidelines", we have set up a table from which you can see the respective designs.

FAQ10050 What do I need to consider when using Schaller machine heads "6 in line" for my left-handed guitar?

Please order 6 right or 6 left machine heads, depending on your preference and the arrangement on the head plate.

FAQ10060 Which are the methods available for mounting Schaller machine heads onto the head plate?

There are 3 methods:

Fastening with screws with or without thrust bearing;
Fastening with screws and banjo bold. Here, the banjo bolt is an additional fastening and thrust bearing at the same time.
Fastening only with banjo bolt and pin.

The pin or pins (2 in our Fender machine heads) are only used to prevent machine head twisting. See also the reference table under Products/Product help/Guidlines.

FAQ10065 In your product catalog, what does the transmission ratio mean for the machine heads?

If, for example, you have a machine head with a transmission ratio of 1:16, this means that you will have to turn the button 16 times to turn the adjusting axis once.

FAQ10070 After several years of use my machine heads are hard to turn; what can I do?

We recommend the following procedure:

Change the mounting screw of the button.
Check the plastic or wave washer at the button for wear and renew if required.
With the machine heads closed, carefully oil with light precision mechanics oil at the shaft or gears, with the machine heads open, carefully oil the mechanical parts.

FAQ10080 I saw machine heads bearing the "S" from Schaller and "Made in Germany" on the D-Tuner device from the U.S. company Hipshot. How's that?

We produce the machine heads for Hipshot, while Hipshot produces the "D-Tuner" itself, but the machine heads are original Schaller parts.

FAQ10090 Schaller supplies the classic machine heads with acrylic and plastic buttons. What is the difference between the materials and the processing?

The acrylic button is a high-quality plastic which is made from layered material in an elaborate process. Its structure is based on that of mother-of-pearl. The colors are homogenous, i.e. not painted. The plastic buttons are used for "standard" machine heads and are made by injection molding using high quality plastics.

FAQ10100 I have seen "I", "II" und "III" symbols or markings on the inside of the Schaller machine heads. What do they mean?

These markings have no significance at all for you or for the function of the Schaller machine head. For us they designate the individual machine molds so that we are better able to isolate the cause of a problem in the event of a material defect. Of course, no product leaves the Schaller premises without having been checked and approved by our multi-stage quality control.

FAQ10110 Can I modify machine heads myself and, if yes, which ones in order to to be able to use left machine heads as right machine heads and vice versa?

This is only possible in isolated cases with some bass machine heads. We do not generally recommend such practices, however, because the product specifics are usually not taken into consideration and this can lead to defective assembly.

FAQ10120 I need machine heads for my concert guitar with a 36mm wave washer and not the normal 35mm. What do I do?

In this particular case we recommend you use our MK MINI Series without the base plate. This way you have high quality machine heads and can select the shaft distance as you wish. You can use shafts for steel or nylon strings.

FAQ10130 I am looking for "Reverse Headstock" machine heads, and instead of the normal 6 left, I need 6 right machine heads. Where can I get them?

Please simply order them from a specialist dealer. We can easily supply any combination, including 6 right machine heads (please see under Products/Product help/Guidelines).

FAQ10140 How exactly is the Schaller Banjo tension peg B4 adjustable?

It works like a D tuner. You tune a note, setting it with a knurled thumb screw. With the second knurled thumb screw you adjust the required deeper string note. When you loosen the 1st knurled thumb screw the machine head then automatically turns to the second set note.

FAQ10145 What is the difference between the B4 and B4 Excenter banjo machine heads?

The 'excentrical' offset form of the B4 Excenter machine head provides increased flexibility when fitting it to the headstock. A further difference is that it has a 1:3.5 gear ratio, as opposed to 1:4. This makes tuning your instrument quicker, easier AND more precise!

FAQ10150 What does Schaller recommend for cleaning the tarnished tuning buttons on chrome-plated bass machine heads?

A difficult one: give it a careful try with a chrome polish. If the buttons are already too heavily tarnished, usually due to hand perspiration, then replacement is the only option.

FAQ10160 How do the Schaller clamp machine heads / locking tuners work?

These function like normal tuners but you do not need to wrap the strings around the shaft at the beginning. You position the string in the shaft hole with the clamp screw loosened, shorten the string approx. 10 mm behind the shaft, clamp the string with the clamp screw and tune the string (please see under Service/Lexicon).

FAQ10170 How can I clean Schaller BM Light machine heads with plastic housing?

Our plastic is reinforced with carbon fiber, so you can clean them using car polish or key oil.

FAQ10180 I have two sets of Schaller machine heads, but I have realized that the buttons are of different sizes.

Our tuning heads are fitted as standard with large buttons for 3/3 configuration and small buttons for 6-in-line configuration.

FAQ10190 Can I fit a set of Schaller "mini" machine heads with the buttons from a set of normal-sized machine heads?

Yes, you can do that - the shaft has the same diameter, so you just need a longer screw. However, you need to pay attention to the appearance and to the spacing between the machine heads, which they require in order to turn and which obviously becomes smaller.

FAQ10200 Can I also order individual machine heads or just the buttons?

Yes, you can also order any machine head individually, or just a set of buttons without the machine heads.

FAQ10220 Are the screws supplied for fixing the buttons to the housing the same color as the buttons?

In general yes, except in cases such as bicolor products or ebony buttons.

FAQ10230 I have fitted Schaller M6 locking machine heads to a Gibson headstock which is very thick; the problem is that the shaft with the hole only protrudes very slightly. What can I do about this?

In such cases, please order our Schaller M6 2000 locking machine heads with the special shaft length, which is 21mm rather than 18.5 or 19.5mm (staggered).

FAQ10240 Can I use steel strings with Schaller's acoustic guitar machine heads?

Yes, you can. Our machine heads are designed for this purpose. Please use either the Gibson or Emberger-type shaft (see Products/Guideline). For our nylon shafts, we recommend using nylon or gut strings.

FAQ10250 What does the "ST" used in the names of certain machine heads stand for (ST6, for example)?

"ST" is an abbreviation of "Standard Tuner"

FAQ10260 Do Schaller's sealed/enclosed machine heads need to be oiled from time to time?

All sealed tuners are lubricated with Schaller special grease, for a lifetime of maintenance-free service

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Bass-Machine Heads BMFL

Versions

Pictures

Technical drawing

Operating instructions

Downloads

Operating instructions

Technical drawing

Machine Heads combination

Here you will find some additional, useful information about our Schaller product catalog.

Surface finishing

Measure specifications

Technical drawings and operating instructions

M6 Industrial version

Housings Machine Heads

Shaft lengths

String thickness

Machine Heads combination

Shafts for classical machine heads

Nylon shaft brass with a plastic sleeve (1)

Emberger shaft(2)

Gibson shaft(3)

Emberger shaft brass with a plastic sleeve(4)

Nylon shaft brass with a plastic sleeve (1)

Emberger shaft(2)

Gibson shaft(3)

Emberger shaft brass with a plastic sleeve(4)

Thrust bearing and capstan for machine heads

FAQ

Emberger shaft

(2)

Gibson shaft

(3)

Emberger shaft

(2)

Gibson shaft

(3)