My bass family now includes 4 soon to be 5 manufacturers and since I do my own setups I’m trying to buy good quality tools for each model. Here’s a list I made of common manufacturers and wrench sizes. If anyone has something to add post it below. Also if anyone has recommendations on tools leave them here too.
Fender
USA models: 1/8" Allen wrench
MIM (Made in Mexico) models: 4mm Allen wrench
Vintage and Reissue models: Flathead screwdriver (no wrench, heel adjust)
Music Man (Ernie Ball)
All models (StingRay, Bongo, etc.): 3/16" Allen wrench
Ibanez
Most modern models (SR, BTB, etc.): 4mm Allen wrench
Prestige models: 5mm Allen wrench
Some older models: 7mm nut driver
Gibson
All models: 5/16" Allen wrench
Epiphone
Most models: 4mm Allen wrench
Yamaha
Most models: 4mm Allen wrench
ESP/LTD
Most models: 4mm Allen wrench
Squier
Recent models: 4mm Allen wrench
Older models: 1/8" Allen wrench (sometimes)
To add in case this gets searched for at some point, I think (the cheap wrench I got isn’t labeled) vintage Yamaha’s use an 8mm box wrench but the metal on the sides needs to be really thin to get in there.
Sorry for talking to myself but I also think I’m going to try to find a kit that has a more screwdriver style design. Yes the L shaped wrenches give you more leverage but if you still have the strings on positioning is a pain. Plus having less leverage might save you from doing something stupid with too much force.
I bought their whole kit and kaboodle, just to make sure I’ve got my a$$ covered. I have a lot of basses and a lot of unmarked allen wrenches and assorted other bits and bobs. I got tired of looking at that mess. The Music Nomad tools I have came in 3 kits (MusicNomad Starter Kit Bundle MN609). Easy to store. Easy to keep things straight.
Not (always) true. I owned a MIM Standard Precision bass, and I needed an inch size hex wrench for that. It was some weird fraction size. I think I still have it, so I can look it up if you want.
