Hipshot D-tuner with V63

[rikk]

In fact my avatar has the gold M4. Can barley tell.

[rikk]

Just got the HE6C-3/8 that Hipshot recommended but it does NOT fit. I have a gig in Boston on Wednesday that I REALLY want to use the V63. Will call Hipshot again on Monday ;-(

[bobcat]

I've actually been wondering about the D-tuner for a long time now. I've been told though that it doesn't work as flawlessly as people claim . . . like, it ends up requiring more retuning later, or it doesn't jump exactly to D from a tuned E, etc. etc. Can anyone here comment on how accurate it is over the span of a 1-2 hour show?

[rikk]

I've got two M4 Hipshot D-tuners on my 1975 and 1978 4001s and they work great. Only thing is the tuner is a very different style.

As for tuning with the Hipshot you have to under tune a bit and then click the lever to "D" then when going back to "E" it is going to be a bit sharp. It takes a bit of playing with it to lock in the proper E, but once you "get-it" it's no big deal. Mine stay in tune for days or even longer. No different than the other strings.

I just wish I could find one to go with my V63!

[cassius987]

I've actually been wondering about the D-tuner for a long time now. I've been told though that it doesn't work as flawlessly as people claim . . . like, it ends up requiring more retuning later, or it doesn't jump exactly to D from a tuned E, etc. etc. Can anyone here comment on how accurate it is over the span of a 1-2 hour show?

It works flawlessly for me; it worked flawlessly over an 8 hours studio session recently if that counts. Yes, I was using it multiple times. There is a video on how to compensate for the E going sharp, but mine doesn't go sharp, so I don't compensate.

[tomersg]

Actually, that's a different model than the BT5 that is made for Rics. That is what they suggest you use if you aren't sure the aesthetically-matching BT5 will fit. The BT5 looks pretty much identical to the other tuners, besides having the Xtender function. Rikk, to get the exact aesthetic match you need to call Bill at Hipshot and order a BT5. They don't sell them on the website. If you're not sure if your headstock will fit one, what Kevin has with an elephant ear would probably be the next best thing.

hi thats looks very nice!
how does it fits? did you needed any drilling or matching? does the string post looks identical from the front? can you put pic of the front?
and how does the lever opens? the D string key not interrupting to the D-tuner to function?
thanks

[cassius987]

It's a two-minute install, no problems whatsoever, no drilling... Yes, the Xtender function works fine, there is no contact made with other tuners. And like I said above it does not need compensating, at least in the case of my bass.

I don't have any pics of the front handy, but it looks the same as it would with the stock tuner so there's no point posting one. At some angles you can see the Xtender bar but not looking head-on.

[bobcat]

It works flawlessly for me; it worked flawlessly over an 8 hours studio session recently if that counts. Yes, I was using it multiple times. There is a video on how to compensate for the E going sharp, but mine doesn't go sharp, so I don't compensate.

That's good to know, thanks. I'm seriously considering getting one, because I'm lazy and half the stuff I play is in drop D. I probably couldn't go all Michael Manring with it, but it might prompt me to try!

[jps]

I probably couldn't go all Michael Manring with it, but it might prompt me to try!

Why not put 4 of them on?

[cassius987]

It works flawlessly for me; it worked flawlessly over an 8 hours studio session recently if that counts. Yes, I was using it multiple times. There is a video on how to compensate for the E going sharp, but mine doesn't go sharp, so I don't compensate.

That's good to know, thanks. I'm seriously considering getting one, because I'm lazy and half the stuff I play is in drop D. I probably couldn't go all Michael Manring with it, but it might prompt me to try!

If you have a well-cut bakelite nut it should be a piece of cake. I'd recommend using it with an E string that is a *tiny* bit more taut than the others so when you tune down it doesn't feel markedly different from the other strings.

[teeder]

Mine takes a little tweaking to get it right, but once there it lasts the whole gig.

[johnallg]

Mine takes a little tweaking to get it right, but once there it lasts the whole gig.

Is the intonation on your E string dead on?

[rikk]

Just to update this thread. I finally got an M4 (like Kevin's) and it doesn't match the others, but it fits and works. So if you see me rockin' with the V63, just don't look too close it the machine heads.

[gearhed289]

I've been using Hipshots since.... 1989? They drop perfectly, but for me, always go back up to E a little sharp. I've tried the compensating technique and it kind of works. I usually just yank the string just right and it goes to pitch. I'm a big fan. I currently have them on 5 of my basses.

[tomersg]

hi
so this is the back of the headstock of my 91 4003
will the Hipshot BT5 will fit my Ric?



this the measure from the hipshot site but i dont have the right tool to measure...
http://pictures1.kyozou.com/pictures/_1 ... 532716.jpg

thanks