Drop-D Tuner on Korean Tribby L-2000

Maj. Lee FUBAR · #1 01-29-2009, 07:19 PM

I am looking to put a drop D tuner on my Korean Tribute L-2000. I would greatly prefer not to have to do any drilling. Does anyone know off the top of their head if there is one available that will fit the existing holes?

Thanks!

MLF

pauldebass · #2 01-30-2009, 03:57 AM

look at hipshot, i believe they make one that replaces the G&L tuner
http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...ct_detail&p=54
you could them and ask

Maj. Lee FUBAR · #3 01-30-2009, 07:27 PM

I sent them an e-mail. I'll let you know if/when they reply.

MLF

Maj. Lee FUBAR · #4 02-02-2009, 04:52 PM

Here is the reply I got from Bill at Hipshot:

Hello Wilson,

My name is Bill and I'm a Tech at Hipshot. Thank you for your question about our Bass Xtenders. Unfortunately the BT1 would require drilling new mounting holes. The hole pattern is close, but do not match perfectly. The other issue would be the size of the keys, the BT1 has a smaller key similar to the USA tuners. The Tribute series has a large Fender style key. Hope this is of some help, let us know if there are any other questions.

Bill Woolery

Bummer.

ljazz · #5 02-03-2009, 05:29 AM

I think you'd have to buy all new hipshot tuners, and then put in new mounting holes for all. I know someone who did this, and he's been pleased with the results. I don't know what I'd do without a detuner on my 4 strings.

Ljazz

bassasm33 · #6 02-17-2009, 05:41 PM

I too am having this problem. I'm probably going to drill the current holes out to 1/8", fill them, and then drill the new ones.
Has anyone done this or does this sound like a good idea?

PJD · #7 02-23-2009, 07:29 PM

Damn, I was just about to order one.

You know, I don't care if it doesn't match aesthetically and drilling mounting holes is no big deal, I just don't want to drill out the post holes.

The post hole sizes are the same, correct?

bassasm33 · #8 02-25-2009, 08:34 PM

Yes. The tricky part is that the old mounting holes are so close you can't just drill new ones or they will collapse.

PJD · #9 02-25-2009, 09:09 PM

Damn. I wonder if i could find a wooden dowel small enough to fit the old holes.

Has anyone successfully fitted one on a tribby?

FookFookFook · #10 02-28-2009, 02:20 PM

My Trib L2k has the Drop D tuner and the Hipshot Ultralites installed. I think it originally came from someone on this forum at first.

bassasm33 · #11 03-02-2009, 05:47 PM

I'm doing mine tomorrow I think. I was planning on sanding down a dowel to make it fit if they don't have the exact size.

I will let you know how it goes.

PJD · #12 03-03-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassasm33

I'm doing mine tomorrow I think. I was planning on sanding down a dowel to make it fit if they don't have the exact size.

I will let you know how it goes.

Awesome, please post pics if possible!

I really want to throw a hipshot on since I just joined a cover band and that low D would be helpful in a song or two.

bassasm33 · #13 03-07-2009, 09:35 PM

Well it went really smoothly. Here are some pics.

***Note: My Dad has a lot of wood working experience and provided me with expertise advice throughout. Don't screw yourself by not taking care.***

If you would like detailed step by step instructions PM me.

EDIT: My pictures were an Epic Fail and did not show up. I will try to get them up soon but not right now I am tired.

PJD · #14 04-14-2009, 06:42 PM

I just wanted to update this thread as I too have successfully installed a Hipshot BT1 on my Tribby following the instructions Bassam33 PM'd me but I ran into a snag he didn't.

In short,

I pulled off the old tuner and used toothpicks and Elmers wood glue to fill the old holes. I did have to sand the toothpicks a little to get a good fit and obviously I broke off the pointy end and sanded it smooth before putting it in. I put a bit of glue on each toothpick and stuck them into the holes.

I then waited 24 hours for them to dry and then cut them off as close to the headstock as possible. I then sanded them flush with the headstock.

It was at this point that my problem arose. The way the old tuner had been mounted didn't allow for the Hipshot to be mounted next to it without the string post binding and not turning smoothly. In order for me to allow the Hipshot to fit cleanly in the old string post hole I would need to grind off some of the metal on the A string tuning machine mounting plate. It was at this point I realized the original tuning machines were mounted somewhat haphazardly and if your thinking of throwing a BT1 on then you might want to look at the mounting of the stock tuners.

Anyway, I ground down the old tuning machine base plate a bit on a bench mounted grinding wheel and put that back on. The BT1 then fit no problem.

I then temporarily clamped the BT1 mounting plate in place so I could make sure the string post was moving freely before drilling the new hole. I taped off the bit on my drill so I wouldn't drill too deep, drilled 3 holes, installed the screws, removed the clamp, drilled the last hole, installed the screw and then followed the rest of the instalation instructions.

Works like a charm.