Author Topic: Lightweight Tuning Machines ?? (Read 1604 times)

edwardofhuncote · « **on:** August 13, 2015, 05:12:12 AM »

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://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=13258.msg141364#msg141364 ...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 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2015, 05:17:45 AM »

*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 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 13, 2015, 06:28:08 AM »

Love the Hipshot Y Key tuners but for me it is aesthetics.

VMG

Enzo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 13, 2015, 07:22:47 AM »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2015, 07:28:33 AM »

Ooo oo o! THe M4 light has the anchor screw AT THE BOTTOM!!!!!

Enzo · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2015, 07:37:22 AM »

Nooooooo!
Hmmm Tempted anyway

moongerm · « **Reply #6 on:** August 13, 2015, 07:45:42 AM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 13, 2015, 08:57:31 AM »

If that anchor screw matches up with the one from the 1970 it will be so awesome. Buying some today!

ed_zeppelin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 13, 2015, 09:32:38 AM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 13, 2015, 09:54:33 AM »

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 13, 2015, 02:36:22 PM »

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 13, 2015, 10:37:38 PM »

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 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 14, 2015, 08:06:05 AM »

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 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2015, 04:50:01 AM »

Mica - Did you get a set of these? Do the holes line up with the holes of the older ones?

Thank you,
Michael

moongerm · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2015, 07:10:01 AM »

FWIW I just installed yesterday an HB6Y Hipshot ultralite detuner and it fit perfectly using the exiting screw hole.