EUB builders: Which tuners?

[bassteban]

What type of tuners are most commonly found on electric upright basses?

[ToneRanger]

Originally Posted by bassteban

What type of tuners are most commonly found on electric upright basses?

On a couple of experimental EUB's I used the compact Gotoh BG tuners and eventually broke strings because the post diameter is too small. The bass Bill Paulin made for me has Fender-style Schallers with the larger post and these are OK. However there's not much room for wrapping the E-string so I had to cut it as short as possible. This is a compromise I made because I wanted to keep the head (and the rest of the bass) as compact as possible. If size is not an issue, I think you'd be better off with traditional DB tuners that go right across the peg box and have plenty of room for wrapping the string.

[bassteban]

Thank you- that answers my question perfectly. I'd planned on using the compact tuners, but wondered about the very problem you had. I also want to keep the headstock as small as possible. Actually, I've already nearly completed the neck, & as I designed it intending to use the smaller tuners, I may be have trouble getting something w/larger diameter posts on...
Live & learn...

[ToneRanger]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Actually, I've already nearly completed the neck, & as I designed it intending to use the smaller tuners, I may be have trouble getting something w/larger diameter posts on...

Bill did the same on one of his early basses but was able to cut down the plate of the Fender-style tuners to make them fit. Fortunately they were black so it was easy to touch up the finish.
One of the Schaller models will retro-fit Fenders (large posts) but has a smaller body.

[thebeatcatcher]

Originally Posted by ToneRanger

On a couple of experimental EUB's I used the compact Gotoh BG tuners and eventually broke strings because the post diameter is too small. The bass Bill Paulin made for me has Fender-style Schallers with the larger post and these are OK. However there's not much room for wrapping the E-string so I had to cut it as short as possible. This is a compromise I made because I wanted to keep the head (and the rest of the bass) as compact as possible. If size is not an issue, I think you'd be better off with traditional DB tuners that go right across the peg box and have plenty of room for wrapping the string.

I did the same thing with nylons and they worked fine. Went to build another EUB so I ordered the compact Gotoh's again and now they have a bigger post diameter. Not quite as big as schaller type, but they are working well.

[bassteban]

I'm leaning towards the larger-diameter Hipshot Ultralites; they look as if they'll go right on & have a 1/2" post. I'll let you all know how it goes.

[ToneRanger]

Originally Posted by bassteban

I'm leaning towards the larger-diameter Hipshot Ultralites; they look as if they'll go right on & have a 1/2" post. I'll let you all know how it goes.

I didn't realise they made one with the larger post. They're beautifully made - I'll have a look at them for my next bass.