If it was 2 months after being brand new and there aren't any extenuating circumstances/environments, I'd be e-mailing Dingwall to see if you got a bad batch or something.

Here's what I can offer. I was seriously considering a complete hardware change out on my NG-2 as well In my searches this is what I think I know: Tuners: Stock brand are Ping. I know nothing of these. Does not matter. The Hipshot HB6Y-3/8" is a direct replacement. I like these tuners and have used them on many basses. Lightweight and function beautifully. These are the USA versions. And yes, a set of 5 will be around $100-$125 delivered. My hangup was chrome. Current chrome is actually a two tone look and the shiny nickel has been discontinued so I balked. Your black should be a piece of cake to source. e-Bay, Amazon, etc. You may have to get a set of 4 and a single if you need five. They are easily reversible for side. so 2/3. 3/2 no matter. I would also assume that you could just as easily use the import or 'Licensed' versions as well as they should be the same physical size. But you may find that for a few dollars more you can have a much better quality product. One example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hipshot-LIC-Ult ... xymcdRhaQL Bridge: While I cannot nail a brand on these the style is cheap plentiful. Just search "individual Bass Guitar Bridge" at eBay, Amazon, Google etc and you will see what I mean. Some have measured drawings as well which I found as direct match to the NG-2 http://www.ebay.com/itm/331567415908?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT http://www.ebay.com/itm/251975791988?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT You get the idea. Output Jack: You are on the right track with the ElectroSocket jack. These to be fairly standard sized but that a wildcard. The only missing link is the string retainer and I did not search that at all. But I think there are some options. Measure your overall length and screw hole centers My V2 combustion is 47mm total length and 30mm screw centers. No spec or measure on this one but its an idea http://www.beyondeleven.com/Floyd-Rose- ... r7srbp.htm

Sorry. The Facebook page has kind of stolen the forum's thunder. All of my hardware for my Combustion blackout came off eBay. I did use Hipshot tuners which are easily converted From treble to bass side use.

I've just picked u a very nice Matte Black Combustion from Bass Direct in the UK, thinking of blacking out the hardware too (as well as adding a Tone Capsule) Ive found most of what i want (im assuming these bridges would work - http://www.thomann.de/gb/abm_3710b_sing ... s_250683_5) But i cant seem to find any knobs, any recommendations guys? Ideally id like the same ones that are on there just in black. Also did anyone find a string retainer that fit, right screw spacing etc?

Just received the ABM Bridges and the holes don't line up with the stock ones at all, so rather than trying to make it work i think il just send these back and try and find something that does fit with having to add more holes. Anyone one got some that do fit? Looking at the ones linked in the first couple of post and they look good but i thought that about these ABM ones so if anyone has any experience with any that would be great to know? Edit - Believe i have found some.