Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: lbpesq on October 07, 2017, 10:40:11 AM
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I recently picked up an Alembic P Bass pickup set on Reverb for $135 (couldn't resist). As a result, I'm building my first bass and am researching tuning machines. I'm looking for that ever elusive balance between quality and cost. The Hipshot Ultralites look interesting (their open-gear locking guitar tuners are my current favorites). Anyone have experience with them? Other suggestions? Things I should consider?
Thanks, Bill, tgo
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Pretty sure I have Hipshot Ultralites on my Turner Renaissance five-string. It has been 20 years since I bought the bass and the tuners are not branded in any way but I am 99.9% sure that is what they are. I like them and have never had any issues tuning the bass or with it staying in tune. The Shaller M4 tuners are supposed to be really good, too. I have no idea about the relative cost of any of the tuners, though.
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I have hipshot ultra lites on one of my basses and like them. They are light weight, hold position well, and I believe have a higher ratio which helps with fine tuning. I would use hipshots if I had to replace tuners on my other basses, I like them better than schallers. I was going to put hipshots on my Starfire, but the shaft diameter was apparently wider than the existing hole, which is something you might want to check.
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I have hipshot ultralites on all my basses except my EB-3. I love them. Even my Starfire. Especially my Starfire! A cello reamer opened up the holes perfectly. Just go slow.
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I've got the import Ultralites on a couple of basses and love them.
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I thought about them for my Custom Fretless, but ultimately went with Schaller M4 'Lites', which at the time were reputed to be a couple grams lighter. When they finally came in, we'd gotten the new re-designed version, which look nothing like old Schaller M-4's... I'll admit it took a day or so for the wavy design to grow on me, but I like 'em. Maybe for the uniqueness, since (afaik) they've yet to be seen on another Alembic. :)
Never heard any serious complaints about the Hipshot Ultralights though... Looking forward to seeing your Fender-lembic P, Bill.
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Closer look... this was taken during installation. Mica wasn't too sure about them either.
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Did the weight of the re-designed Shallers change?
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Did the weight of the re-designed Shallers change?
They claim to be 41g, but I can't vouch for the weight, never having held one of them in my hand. In fact, I've yet to see an advertisement for the ones we ended up with. I know Mica had a heck of a time getting them... almost as if there was a production problem.
Whatever the case, they are nice tuners, and for someone with my brand of matching OCD-ness, for some reason I don't seem to mind all three of my Alembics having different keys. ::)
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I've had Hipshot Ultralites on my Fenderbird for 10 years now. No issues. Plus their customer service is top notch.
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I've tried a few of them....
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15 strings? Looks like one of Mica's April 1st COTM!
Bill, tgo
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Wow, Garth, some basses really need light tuners!