| Author | Message | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 510 Registered: 6-2014 |
Hey fellas, wondering if I can solicit some expert opinions on lightweight tuners for my custom fretless build. The basic build is going to be very similar to this Anniversary Model five-string: http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/209169.html?1433300940 ...with the major exception being scale length. I went with medium scale (32") versus standard long scale. (34") Also factor in, a 3 purpleheart laminate classic taper neck, with a (narrower) straight-pull Elan 3+2 headstock instead of a classic Crown. Granted, the headstock difference is probably a wash. For purely aesthetic reasons, (to match the rest of the hardware) I'd like gold or polished brass finish. From what I've read, these three seem to be the top choices for lightening the load on the neck end: Hipshot Ultralites: http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=404 Schaller M-4's: http://www.schaller-electronic.com/hp534784/Schaller-M4-Light.htm Gotoh GB-350's: http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product=gb350 As always, I value and appreciate any advice from this Board over all others, especially since it's usually firsthand information. =) | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 511 Registered: 6-2014 |
*FWIW - I'm not bothered by the balance of my current instrument, a maple-topped mahogany Persuader 5-string with it's 32" scale and 3 purpleheart laminates, though I've read these are notoriously neck heavy. Mine hangs pretty naturally at 9-3, and with how my right arm is positioned it really isn't much of an issue. I'm only looking for improvement here, even if just a slight one. | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 1002 Registered: 5-2007 |
Love the Hipshot Y Key tuners but for me it is aesthetics. VMG | ||
| enzo
Senior Member Username: enzo Post Number: 512 Registered: 4-2009 |
Wow, I didn't know Schaller made a lighter M4 version! Done deal, they're going on my SII long scale. I like the look of the Schaller, maybe because I'm used to see them on many Alembics in the past. I like the Gotoh as my second choice, always aesthetically speaking. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8603 Registered: 6-2000 |
Ooo oo o! THe M4 light has the anchor screw AT THE BOTTOM!!!!! | ||
| enzo
Senior Member Username: enzo Post Number: 513 Registered: 4-2009 |
Nooooooo! Hmmm Tempted anyway  | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 256 Registered: 8-2013 |
I have Hipshot ultralights on my new SII build and on another bass and they are great. They stay in tune wonderfully. I also have Gotoh res-o-lites and they are nice to but the Hipshots seem to tune better for me. M4 light seems real nice. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8604 Registered: 6-2000 |
If that anchor screw matches up with the one from the 1970 it will be so awesome. Buying some today! | ||
| ed_zeppelin
Junior Username: ed_zeppelin Post Number: 33 Registered: 2-2010 |
I'd go with the Schallers. I filled in for Stu Hamm's tech when he was was injured just before showtime (I was only backstage because the company I worked for was giving away a guitar during a Joe Satriani concert) and I was amazed to find that the hardware on his basses looked brand new. Later, he told me that the secret was to wipe any exposed metal with 91% rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or contaminants, then spray it with Pledge. He wouldn't even allow skin contact with new tuners, only handling them with a cloth when he opened the package. Yeah, I know. Sounds weird, using plain old Pledge (not lemon Pledge) when there are so many high-tech creams, wipes and sprays available, but it works dandy-o. I've been doing it ever since, and all metal parts on my instruments gleam. Gold hardware is the most resistant to corrosion, but it can still happen because of infiltration of sulfurous compounds (most often emitted by a drummer, no doubt) through pores in the gold plating. Apparently Pledge seals it up just fine. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 516 Registered: 6-2014 |
Hmmm. Schaller straplocks & tuning machines... yep, that sounds like another same-same something I would do. =) Anxious to hear Mica's thoughts on the M-4 lites versus the others, after some review time. As with prior conversations we've had, my tastes lean sharply "1970's vintage", particularly with regard to Alembics. *hat-tip to a buddy on TalkBass (Jeff Scott) who turned me onto the Schaller Lites... he has them on an Exploiter bass. | ||
| jon_jackson
Advanced Member Username: jon_jackson Post Number: 232 Registered: 12-2008 |
"Gold hardware is the most resistant to corrosion, but it can still happen because of infiltration of sulfurous compounds (most often emitted by a drummer, no doubt) …" Made me laugh. Jon | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2423 Registered: 9-2002 |
Nope, didn't browse far enough on the Schallers, this here is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time: http://guitar-parts.biz/hp524875/Bass-Machine-Heads-Da-Vinci-Bass.htm Joey | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 520 Registered: 6-2014 |
I really like that design too Joey... weight-wise, it's 41g versus 51g... so five of the M-4 lites weighs about what four of the DaVinci machines will. It's an eye-catching design for sure. FWIW - the Hipshot Ultralites split the difference at 44g ea. | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 1164 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mica - Did you get a set of these? Do the holes line up with the holes of the older ones? Thank you, Michael | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 310 Registered: 8-2013 |
FWIW I just installed yesterday an HB6Y Hipshot ultralite detuner and it fit perfectly using the exiting screw hole.   | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1841 Registered: 5-2006 |
Those are Gotoh's, the exact replacement (D-tuner) would be this one: http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=72 | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 312 Registered: 8-2013 |
The next step is to get the remaining 3 matching ultralite tuners. Need to get that neck weight down now that the D tuner experiment works perfectly. It's a keeper and highly recommended, should have put it on sooner. Looking back I should have got the Shiney chrome one like the ones on my Series 2 build . Now those Gotoh res o-lites are nice looking too, wish they had the A logo on them. |
