Hipshot anyone? Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Hipshot anyone? « Previous Next »

Author Message
goatfoot
Junior
Username: goatfoot

Post Number: 44
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:12 am:   Edit Post

Anyone using a bass xtender on their Alembic?

I love the feel of my SC, but I miss having a B-string on a few tunes. I understand that balance is an issue on the small-bodied/short scale instruments and so you don't see too many 5 & 6 string SC basses.

Is anyone using a Hipshot w/ a SC with success? Does it just drop in for the exisiting tuner or did you have to drill more holes? Are you able to drop down to B w/o the string becoming too floppy?

Thanks,
Kevin
dela217
Advanced Member
Username: dela217

Post Number: 378
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:29 am:   Edit Post

I use one on my Series II. My bass is a short scale, with the Hip Shot. It drops down to D successfully, but any less than that gets loose.
I guess if you played with a light touch (and I don't), it could be done.
Michael
dfung60
Junior
Username: dfung60

Post Number: 41
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 12:34 am:   Edit Post

Hipshot makes many models of DeTuners. Your Alembic either has a Gotoh or Schaller head, so they definitely will have exact replacement models that won't require drilling extra back holes or boring out the main hole.

When they make the Hipshot tuner, they start with the same kind of head that you have now. The body of the tuner is mounted on a plate that has the lever mechanism, and they have to cut the string shaft and lengthen it to accomodate the extra depth of the plate. The plate is bigger than the footprint of the tuner, but they put the screw holes in the same place.

I've got Hipshots on a couple of basses (Musicman Stingray, Warwick Thumb, and an SSD Spector) and I would agree with dela217 - it's a winner dropping to D, but beyond that you'll probably find that it just doesn't work that well.

The action is smooth and nice on all the basses except the Warwick. On that instrument, the tuners are angled in close to the headstock, so the pivoting action of the lever is severely limited.

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration