Detuner tuning heads

[doug_k]

Greetings, did a search, couldn't find any info...
I do a lot of open and alternate tunings, in fact I rarely tune my basses standard these days.
I would like to install tuning heads that allow me more options,
perhaps something along the lines of Michael Manrings' hyper bass
but not nearly as complex (at least allowing alternates on the lowest and highest strings on my distillate). It's a 4 string, and with the crown headstock there is quite a bit of room....
the tough part is,  i do not want to drill any holes, has anyone else here installed detuners on their alembic, and which ones did you use?

[dfung60]

The most popular detuning heads are from Hipshot.  These are the ones that Michael Manring uses.  They build many different models to match your existing tuning heads, so you can usually get a model that will fit perfectly in the existing holes (the only exception would be if you had a rare or discontinued tuning head).  That make the appropriate base plates and hardware to fit strings on either side of the headstock.
 
It's kind of interesting what they do - they take the existing head, disassemble it so they can add the detuner baseplate and lever, then they typically have to lengthen the post to accomodate the extra thinkness of their lever.  
 
Try calling Hipshot (number on website).  You may end up talking to David Borisoff, the guy who runs the company, who is extremely knowledgeable about fitment and a very nice guy.
 
David Fung

[pauldo]

Doug, Here are some pictures of my Hip Shot. It was installed years ago, it does not have a longer post - wish it did, the wrap is tight on the E-string. It was so long ago - I don't recall any drilling or mods to the bass (the picture shows that it appears to use the existing mounting screw. I am pretty constant at keeping it tuned to a low D, I have went to a low C but then the landscape of the fretboard gets way to wierd for me!

 

 

  David is right - contacting Hip Shot directly can answer all of your questions. I think it is a great tool to have.  Enjoy! Paul

[doug_k]

Thanks guys, you're the best. I have installed hipshot extenders on my other basses, just wanted to see if there was any other options or issues. cheers!

[doug_k]

Just thought i'd follow up, i did speak with hipshot and they do make straight replacement extender keys that will fit right on without any mods. You just need to specify the current screw placement (mine is at the 6 o'clock position, unlike Pauls'.)
There may be enough room to put them on both e and g strings (just specify bass or treble side) but unfortunately not enough room on the crown headstock for the throw levers on all 4.
cheers

[white_cloud]

I have a Hipshot D tuner fitted on my main bass too. I recall having some difficulty obtaining the appropriate threaded nut to enable it to be a direct replacement. I contacted Hipshot & I had the said part within a week (from the USA to Britain) completely free of charge.
 
A very helpful & extremely nice company to deal with. Very supportive of their customers. Highly recomended.

[doug_k]

White cloud, what year is yer bass with the extender key?
I wonder if different years have different tuning head components...mine is an 82, and I was informed it would be direct replacement, I could even switch out the key head if necessary so they could all match. Of course, I'll know for sure when I actually attempt installation...

[dfung60]

pauldo -  
 
Took me a while, but after seeing your pictures, I went back to check on my Hipshot basses.  I have a Hipshot on an old (1990) Warwick Thumb 4, and indeed, the post is unmodified and much shorter than the other three.  
 
I also have a Hipshot on a MusicMan Stingray.  The Stingray post is the same height as the other posts, but in this case it's a different kind of machine head than the OEM ones.  The Hipshot elephant ear tuner is actually stamped Hipshot and has a squared-off frame that's not like any other bass head I could find.  The OEM Stingray tuners appear to be made by Schaller (they're stamped Music Man.  I think the HipShot replacement tuner is made by Gotoh - the frame looks different but the exposed gear is finer in pitch than the Schaller gear and looks like the Gotoh gear.  Perhaps they had these made with a longer shaft.
 
Hipshot has many, many specific models.  Generally, they will try to set you up with a detuner key that's based on the same heads you're replacing.  This insures that the tuning ratio and physical appearance matches, although they have a lot of latitude to adjust the position of the securing hole.  
 
David Fung

[white_cloud]

Doug, my advice to you is to either call or email Hipshot direct - they are super helpful & prompt with their replies. I am certain they will be able to fix you up!

[FC Bass]

Pauldo has a Gotoh D-tuner, those have shorter post than the Schallers. That's why the difference looks so extreme in the pic.  The thickness of headstocks seems to vary per period/model also. My '90 Elan headstock is 17 mm thick, with the Gotoh D-tuner there's just enough room for two windings of the string.  My '83 Spoiler headstock is 14 mm thick, with the Schaller D-tuner, there's more than enough room for the string.  (headstock of my new Elan is 16 mm)  Pictures:  '90 Elan with Hipshot Gotoh D-tuner:

 

  '83 Spoiler with Hipshot Schaller D-tuner:

 

  Note: The Spoiler has the old version (bought in '98), the Elan has the new version (bought about two years ago). The base plate is much smaller on the new version (see the tight fitting on the Spoiler)  If you use a D-tuner with the same key it replaces, no drilling is needed and it can be reversed with not too much damage (maybe a slight imprint of the D-tuners base plate in the finish)

[pauldo]

You are correct Flip - mine is a Gotoh.
_ I always learn something here!  :-D

[goran]

Hey guys, I'm thinking of getting a Gotoh GB7 on my 1980 Series 1 bass, would that fit on it?

https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/320579-hipshot-gotoh-gb7-drop-d-tuner-bass-xtender-%C2%A350-posted/?tab=comments#comment-3508390

[FC Bass]

Most likely you'll need the Schaller version: https://hipshotproducts.com/products/m4-bass-xtender