Hipshot Tuners any Good?

[Gilmourisgod]

Has anyone used the Hipshot replacement tuners, they are a good bit less expensive than the original Schaller's with the Rick logo, wondered of they are a good deal for the money. Supposedly they fit original screw spacing with no mods, assume that applies to the bushings too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/371075371911?lpid=82

[Gilmourisgod]

Sorry All,
Just found this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=396752&p=641304

Sounds like they should be a perfect fit. Any difference (other than the Rick logo) worth mentioning between these and the Schaller's?

[jps]

I have had the ones that fit Fenders a few years ago. They are very nice with a high tuning ratio for precision (although I had them on a Jazz, instead ) and accuracy, plus the tension is adjustable for the keys.

[cassius987]

Hipshot tuners are fantastic. Highly recommended (Ric replacements and the Ultralites).

[woodyng]

I bought a very slightly used set of them from Cassius,and they have been great,very solid and precise feeling. I've had them on my '74 4000 for a while (couple of years) now.

[Gilmourisgod]

Thanks All,
Ended up going for a set of original Rick logo Schallers on the advice of another Forum member after all, for around the same price. Love that shiny chrome!

[cassius987]

If you are just after the direct fit replacements, the major advantage is gear ratio. All that means is that it is easier to tune the strings up with a lot of precision each time. It won't hold tuning longer or anything magic -- it just operates a bit easier and while this doesn't sound like much, in practice it the operation is noticeably smoother and you grow to appreciate it (or at least I did). Hipshot and Schaller both make good tuners in general.

Where Hipshot really wins IMO is the Ultralites, which I have outfitted multiple Rics with. (Yes, you have to dowel and re-fin some small screw holes on the back of the headstock... But I'm a butcher after all.) I just adore these tuners. They work great and the weight savings are felt, not so much in your back but your shoulders and the way the bass neck suddenly becomes very perky. Takes a load off when you play. And a lighter headstock is a sustain freak's best friend in my experience--my 4003FL had "the classic deadspot" found on a big chunk of 4003s and the Ultralites cured it 100%. Doesn't mean you have to let every note ring for hours while you make a sandwich, you might feel like Rocco Prestia that day instead, but it's nice to have the choice.

[spongebob]

Interesting topic.

I assume that to change newish, fully functioning Ric tuners for a set of HB5's wouldn't then bring a huge benefit? Are these any lighter than the originals?

Do like the sound of the Ultralites. How bad are the holes left after fitting, very noticeable? Also, are these the HB6C's? They seem to come in 2 sizes - 10mm and 13mm. Which ones are best?

Got me quite intrigued here.....

[cassius987]

I assume that to change newish, fully functioning Ric tuners for a set of HB5's wouldn't then bring a huge benefit? Are these any lighter than the originals?

Like I said, better precision and smooth feel when tuning and that's about it. But they are very well made so it's not a bad investment. You'd be surprised how much nicer that high gear ratio feels when you are trying to nail the tuning the first time, or do tiny tweaks checking for intonation. Weight savings? Not that I'm aware of. We'd have to weigh a few of each and see if there was a significant difference... Even so it couldn't amount to much.

Do like the sound of the Ultralites. How bad are the holes left after fitting, very noticeable? Also, are these the HB6C's? They seem to come in 2 sizes - 10mm and 13mm. Which ones are best?

It's not about which one is best, it's about what fits your headstock. I am not sure but I believe it is the smaller of the two that is the correct diameter (outer bushing diameter is key). I thought I specified 3/8'' when I ordered mine last go 'round.

The holes are quite noticeable if you are staring at the back of the headstock. I will show you the janky touch-up job I did on my 4001FL. Some people will probably recoil in horror but... it's my bass, so there. I gig the heck out of this thing and no one's ever noticed. And if they did what the heck would they be able to do about it? I do this mod to all my most heavily gigged basses. (So far that's my 4001FL, my 4003FL and my 4003/5. And these tuners came stock on some of my other--albeit former--basses.)

I think it's too bad the 4004 basses don't come with these tuners or at least the Schallers that have the same mounting design, so they would be a direct swap.

[spongebob]

That's great, thanks for the extra info.

Excuse the stupid question - is it right that the only mod required is to fill the old holes and drill new ones?

Mine is my main gigging bass and I'm also more into weight saving, and making just how I want it!

[jps]

Here Are Ultralites on ,u old '73 4001.

[cassius987]

Excuse the stupid question - is it right that the only mod required is to fill the old holes and drill new ones?

Basically, unless the bushings need some maintenance or replacing first (I haven't seen too many cases of that). I tend to use the stock bushings instead of the Hipshot ones that thread on.

Don't get overzealous when you drill. Use a very short length of the bit--shorter than the screw threads, so probably not much more than 1/8'' IIRC--only after marking where the screw should go by temporarily putting the tuner in place. The screw should have a good deal of bite even after you drill.

[spongebob]

Thanks Cassius! Great advice.

Now to order some - decision on which style....shiny chrome or satin?

I like both - I suppose the clover is more standard, but something about the Y key style reminds me a little of Grovers for some reason, bit retro.

Maybe it's just me!

[spongebob]

Here Are Ultralites on ,u old '73 4001.

Nice! Would love to see a front shot too!

[jps]

Here Are Ultralites on my old '73 4001. [spelling corrected!}

Nice! Would love to see a front shot too!

Headstock_800_09.jpg

You can get Ultralites with cloverleaf keys instead of the 'Y' keys for that vintage look, if desired.