Hipshot Bass X-Tender problems on my Sterling by Musicman Ray'34

Raccio14 · #1 12-19-2010, 07:04 PM

I just got a hipshot bass x-tender BT1 for my Sterling by Musicman Ray'34, but it doesn't fit at all. Despite being advertised as a direct drop-in replacement for Musicman and G&L basses, the screw holes don't line up at all to those of the original tuner, and the shaft is tapered differently as well (though it fits, so that's merely an aesthetic issue). Additionally, the actual key part is slightly differently shaped and sized than those of the other original tuning keys.

Here's a pic so that you can see how they're differently shaped on the back (leading to the screw holes not lining up).

Obviously I'm going to return it and get a different tuner, as I really don't want to start in with drilling new holes on my baby. Is this some sort of misunderstanding? do the Sterling by Musicman basses use different tuners than the actual Musicman basses? Any suggestions?

On a side note, after looking at all of the pictures of the different sorts of Hipshot bass xtender keys, the shape of the plate on the back of my tuning keys looks somewhat similar to the Fender keys. Should I get a fender x-tender?

DWBass · #2 12-19-2010, 07:06 PM

Those look like the Fender MIM tuners. Hipshot HB-7's IIRC. The one you got looks like the Fender American Series tuners. It may have fit if your bass was an actual Musicman and not the Sterling by Musicman brand.

Joe Nerve · #3 12-19-2010, 07:09 PM

I've got my Big Al in my hands, and yes, they are different tuners than what you have on the Sterling. If you go to the hipshot website they're very good with matching you up.

plankspanker13 · #4 12-19-2010, 07:13 PM

Budget import versions will sometimes have different tuners, as is the case with G&L Tributes vs G&L USA instruments. Your tuners look like what Squier's been using; just like my CV50'sP and VM Jag. Get a hold of Bill Woolery at Hipshot (also a poster here on TB). He'll probably be able to hook you up with a remedy.

Raccio14 · #5 12-20-2010, 11:32 AM

Just talked to Bill, and he suggested getting the BT-7. From measuring and looking at the dimensions posted on their site, it seems that the BT-7 will in fact be the closest drop-in replacement, so that's what I'm gonna go ahead and do. I'll keep this thread updated when I actually get it so you can know if it actually fit or not.