Gotoh SD91 issue on Squier JM/Jag?

[lyair]

Hi guys.

I bought a set of Gotoh SD91-MG-T-05M(locking tuners) last year and installed them on my J Mascis Jazzmaster. The official spec showed that both Gotoh's and stock's bushing O.D. were 8.8mm. However, while installing, Gotoh's bushing was actually larger than the tuner hole on the neck. So I had to drill the holes a bit to finish the installation. At that time, I thought this was a QC issue or spec deviation of my JMJM.

However, recently I got a Squier vintage modified Jaguar. I tried to put these Gotoh tuners on it and again, the same mismatch happened.

So, is this the QC issue(or design?) of Gotoh tuners? What tuner can I use on my Squier VM Jag without drilling?

Thanks!

[alexpigment]

The J Mascis switched factories around 2019, so the earlier models (2018 and earlier) would have an outer diameter for the bushings of 9mm, just like the MIM vintage style tuners (i.e. Ping manufactured). The later ones (2019-present) use an outer diameter of 8.2mm, and this is also true for any of the Paranormal series guitars. I don't know what the VM bushings should be, but I assume that they - as well as the current Classic Vibes - are also not 8.8mm. The 8.8mm bushings are basically the standard for Japanese guitars.

[lyair]

The J Mascis switched factories around 2019, so the earlier models (2018 and earlier) would have an outer diameter for the bushings of 9mm, just like the MIM vintage style tuners (i.e. Ping manufactured). The later ones (2019-present) use an outer diameter of 8.2mm, and this is also true for any of the Paranormal series guitars. I don't know what the VM bushings should be, but I assume that they - as well as the current Classic Vibes - are also not 8.8mm. The 8.8mm bushings are basically the standard for Japanese guitars.

Thank you so much for your helpful info!

My JMJM is a 2023 model and VM Jag is a used one built in 2016. Didn't expect the spec of tuner bushings could be such complex...

[alexpigment]

Yeah it's a real shit-show out there Just to add to the insanity, American vintage tuner bushings are 9.24mm. There really is no 'standard' unfortunately.

[B.T.]

I have this exact model and installed them on a MIM JM a couple years ago. Had to pull the stock bushings and use one of the Gotoh sets that came in the box. Recently uninstalled from that guitar and installed on a USA JM. Left the stock bushings in place, the tuners just screwed right in. Super happy with the results, and they really don’t add hardly any extra weight.