Please help - 2001 Stringray strap screw replacement.

[Cbbass]

Hi,

I bought my first ever Music man - 2001 Black Stingray, flame maple neck, whilst an absolutely beautiful bass in all aspects. It was shipped with the stock strap pins undone. The previous owner has ruined the screws in the process and now they won't go back on. So I've been looking online for hours to find a replacement, I've even taken screws off my other guitars just to see if they match but the round heads of the screws are thinner than the others and are the only screws which fit

I have uploaded some pictures of the screw to imageshack, I hope someone out there will look and help me find a replacement, I'm more than willing to pay. I just want this bass back to it's original condition.

Click images for better resolution.









Please help, I'm absolutely desperate. Heck, I'll even pay more than the screws are worth + shipping with a tip for your troubles.

 

[bovinehost]

Any dealer can get those for you. And probably any decent home improvement store (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc). I mean, you can call Customer Service, too, but I bet there's a quicker way.

 

[Freddels]

I'd just get a set of strap locks for it.

 

[kamakazee]

Just take a couple #8 wood screws and sand the heads until they fit in the strap button - oh and make sure they're long enough

 

[KevinM]

The strap locks come with smaller than stock size screws. When I installed mine I used the original screws but had to grind down the head diameter just a tad so they would fit in the locks. You might be able to get the stock screw size by emailing MM customer service and then buy some from your hardware store.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I use No. 2 drywall screws (6 x 1 1/4") and grind down the heads so they will fit through the strap button of the straplocks I use. The drywall screws have a more aggressive thread that works well and you can find them at any hardware store. If the wood is stripped, you can also insert a toothpick in the hole first that will compress when you enter the screw. Add a drop or two of some carpenter's glue to the threads and they shouldn't come out!

 

[Cbbass]

Thanks for the help guys, I've emailed music man support to see if they will do replacements, I offered to pay if it matters. Depending on if or not they will send a replacement I've found the screws Fender used on my squier strat are the same just with different heads so I'll order some and sand the head down.

 

[syciprider]

Hi,

I bought my first ever Music man - 2001 Black Stingray, flame maple neck, whilst an absolutely beautiful bass in all aspects. It was shipped with the stock strap pins undone. The previous owner has ruined the screws in the process and now they won't go back on. So I've been looking online for hours to find a replacement, I've even taken screws off my other guitars just to see if they match but the round heads of the screws are thinner than the others and are the only screws which fit

I have uploaded some pictures of the screw to imageshack, I hope someone out there will look and help me find a replacement, I'm more than willing to pay. I just want this bass back to it's original condition.

Click images for better resolution.


Please help, I'm absolutely desperate. Heck, I'll even pay more than the screws are worth + shipping with a tip for your troubles.

If the holes are too loose then just fill it up with wood putty or toothpicks to make it smaller then reinsert the screws. Easy fix.

If the screwheads are buggered up then either Home Depot, a dealer or EB CS can help.

The strap locks come with smaller than stock size screws. When I installed mine I used the original screws but had to grind down the head diameter just a tad so they would fit in the locks. You might be able to get the stock screw size by emailing MM customer service and then buy some from your hardware store.

All my EBs wear EB straplocks and they drop right in in the factory screw hole. Same thread pitch and everything. No grinding and fitting is necessary.

 

[adouglas]

My preferred method if the holes are buggered, which works perfectly:

- Get a candle and saw the screw across it to lube the threads. Make sure it's thoroughly coated. You can probably also use a bar of soap if you have to.
- Put toothpicks and a little wood glue into the hole -- the flat-style toothpicks are somewhat easier to deal with. Just dip the toothpick in the glue, shove it in as far as it will go, and break it off flush. One toothpick might be enough, or you may need two. Just put as many in as will fit comfortably.
- Install strap button.
- Allow to dry thoroughly before putting any load on it.

The purpose of the candle wax is so that the screw can be removed later if need be. This produces a repair that as strong as the original.

Sounds like the hole itself is okay, though. FYI, the screws that come with EB Super Locks are identical to the stock screws… and when you buy a pair, they come with these really nifty straplocks…

 

[JayDawg]

My preferred method if the holes are buggered, which works perfectly:

- Get a candle and saw the screw across it to lube the threads. Make sure it's thoroughly coated. You can probably also use a bar of soap if you have to.
- Put toothpicks and a little wood glue into the hole -- the flat-style toothpicks are somewhat easier to deal with. Just dip the toothpick in the glue, shove it in as far as it will go, and break it off flush. One toothpick might be enough, or you may need two. Just put as many in as will fit comfortably.
- Install strap button.
- Allow to dry thoroughly before putting any load on it.

The purpose of the candle wax is so that the screw can be removed later if need be. This produces a repair that as strong as the original.

Sounds like the hole itself is okay, though. FYI, the screws that come with EB Super Locks are identical to the stock screws… and when you buy a pair, they come with these really nifty straplocks…

What he said! I have not had to do this on any of my EBMM basses but have had to on other brands.

 

[kylierider]

Yeah what they said... I prefer strap locks...But EB customer service is THE BEST. I'm sure they would send you a factory screw. They have sent me many replacement parts for my used MM SR.

 

[Cbbass]

How long does it usually take to get an answer from support? I emailed Fender once. After waiting days, to never get an answer.

 

[bovinehost]

No worries. It's not Fender. But wait for the weekend to be over.

 

[adouglas]

One other thing….

All my EBMM basses came with white nylon washers between the strap pins and the body. One of these is special… flat on one side and curved on the other to match the curvature of the upper horn.

These are important. If I recall correctly, a few years back some poor forumite buggered the finish on his Bongo because he didn't put the washer on when he installed a pin or straplock or something. When he tightened the screw, the pin pressed on the finish and cracked it.

I don't know if the SR has these washers or not and if so, if yours are missing, but it might be worth asking customer service about it.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Yes, my SR4s have them and the 5s have rubber washers.

 

[SugarMaple]

I called EB customer service by phone a few years ago and they were very helpful and sent me replacement strap pegs. I agree with everybody who says EB customer service is great - I have ordered replacement pickguards from them too, they have great customer service.

 

[naruki]

My preferred method if the holes are buggered, which works perfectly:

- Get a candle and saw the screw across it to lube the threads. Make sure it's thoroughly coated. You can probably also use a bar of soap if you have to.
- Put toothpicks and a little wood glue into the hole -- the flat-style toothpicks are somewhat easier to deal with. Just dip the toothpick in the glue, shove it in as far as it will go, and break it off flush. One toothpick might be enough, or you may need two. Just put as many in as will fit comfortably.
- Install strap button.
- Allow to dry thoroughly before putting any load on it.

The purpose of the candle wax is so that the screw can be removed later if need be. This produces a repair that as strong as the original.

Sounds like the hole itself is okay, though. FYI, the screws that come with EB Super Locks are identical to the stock screws… and when you buy a pair, they come with these really nifty straplocks…

Giggidy.

 

[Cbbass]

I completely forgot to follow up with this thread, sorry!

Anyway, I was sent a pack of strap buttons for free. I couldn't ask for better customer service. Anyone reading this thread wondering if they should get a EB-MM bass... Do it. You will get an amazing instrument with the best customer service support you could ask for.

Thanks everyone.

 

[slickbass3]

I could not agree more. I ordered the same today. Love these guys!