Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Anybody use one of the Hipshot Bass extender tuning keys on a Ric? I'm thinking about getting one for the 4004Ci that I just bought from Ebay.

Since I am selling my other two Rics (including one strung BEAD) I have two options.....string the Ci BEAD (which rules it out as a backup for the LK) or get the Hipshot so I can use it as a backup but still play detuned songs. Plus I have a single bass I could take for "light equipment" gigs.

It seems like a good idea and I'll likely give it shot.......just wondering if anyone has any experience good/bad. Thanks!

I have found that a Ric can only be detuned to 1/2 step because of the 33 1/4" scale ... the 4004 makes a very good 5 string bass ... It has the same nut size as a Carvin 5 string bass and I use a 2 3/8" bridge ... this makes for a nice 5 string bass ...

Thanks Jeff.....the short scale was why I had concerns. I knew the 5 string conversion would come up but that is not an option I'm looking at.

I play with .095's now so maybe if I go to .105's the loss of tension may not be too bad going down a whole step (which is all I need). I guess the only way to see is to pick up a set of strings and give it a shot. If not I'll just go the BEAD route.

Yeah Jeff, he asked about Hipshots! I'm thinking of putting one on my Thunderbird. My band plays a lot of songs in D, but I only need to get down to B on one song.

Brian, I have the Hipshot extender on my new Cii. Love it no problem tuning down to a D

I have them on my Alembic Series II Short Scale, my fretless Precision Bass, and one of my Turner M basses. The longer the scale the more accurate the return pitch. The Alembic is a 32" scale and it's borderline accurate with the Hipshot tuner.

Chris....I have read the "return pitch" problem on other sights but the opinion seems to be that it is a problem with something hanging-up (the Hipshot needs lubed or the string is sticking in the nut).....is it possible that may be the problem in your case?

Andy......excellent news! What gauge E string are you using?

Brian - The strings are RIC stock!

No problem with the tuning down or up!

cheers

I found that an E string had to be at least .110 to detune to D or else it would become dull, flabby, and lifeless ... sorta like flat wound strings ...

Just an update......

I picked up the Hipshot extender tuning key and am quite happy I did. It works great and the string tension loss is minimal.....noticable but not distracting and the tone stays solid.

The only minor dislike I have is strictly cosmetic. The peg portion of the tuner doesn't protrude as far from the face of the headstock so it looks a tad odd but not a big deal....I'm just a spaz .

It has been a bit of a nightmare for me to relearn the songs we cover with the "new" tuning. Songs that we have played for years without me giving a thought to now require some effort again! It is worth it now though since I can take one bass to cover everything we do. Since I sold my other Rics it is nice to know that I don't have to take the LK if the bar we are playing is "extra shady".

I like how you got a gold one...

The gold one's are readily available at the right dealers for a few dollars more. It would look kind of odd with chrome or black.....

You see Brian, I told you it would work just fine!

Yep.....and thanks BTW .