hipshot issues

[robmill3r]

Please forgive and move this thread if there's a more appropriate place for it, but I've looked all over (can't believe this is an isolated incident...)

I've got a P bass and just installed a hipshot.
The gear seems to be the same size as my other tuners, but it is SOOOO sensitive, and maybe a little sloppy, and it makes getting it in tune a bit of a drag.

I tried tightening the screw on the back of the gear, and now when I throw the hipshot down, it doesn't go all the way, so I'm going to have to loosen the screw. Tightening it didn't change anything anyway.

So, do I have a bad unit? Is this just how they are? Any opinions/ experience with these things?

[Dennis40]

The spring loaded screw on the back is for tuning the Drop D. There is a helpful video on the hip-shot website for installing and tuning....at least there used to be...sorry if I wasn't much help.

[robmill3r]

The drop's not an issue, it's the E!

[Dennis40]

If you have the D over tuned (not adjusted just right) the E will keep going out of tune.
The trick is to get close to E, lower the lever and then lift again and the E should be in tune...but only if the spring tension is right on the drop D. Kinda of difficult to explain ... check the video ... it helped me.

[robmill3r]

it's the actual mechanism on the E.
Forget about the drop for a moment and pretend it's just a regular tuner:
when I turn it, it's like it takes a scosh to engage the string, then it moves it too much. Maybe I'm jsut being picky.
My other turners (like I said, they appear to have the same # of turns on the screw and gears on the cog) feel really connected to the string and respond.

It's like rack-and-pinion steering vs power steering that's having a problem...

[Ezbass]

I've used the Fender logoed Hipshot replacement, the standard replacement for a 'Ray and the lightweight version (on my RBIV), never had a problem like you describe they've all been great. Sounds like you have a bad example, I'd get it changed if you can.

[Dennis40]

Sorry, guess I really misunderstood what you were saying .. lol.
It did seem to be a little sensitive to me at first when tuning the E and very easy to over compensate but I got used to it pretty quickly and had no problems...I'm not sure if yours is just faulty or not ... again, sorry I was no help.

[joeyl]

Originally Posted by robmill3r

It's like rack-and-pinion steering vs power steering that's having a problem...

and the steering that has the power assist is rack and pinion or recirculating ball?

[Buskman]

Have you checked out the tutorial video yet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krL94H-wwDw

[robmill3r]

Originally Posted by Dennis40

It did seem to be a little sensitive to me at first when tuning the E and very easy to over compensate but I got used to it pretty quickly and had no problems...I'm not sure if yours is just faulty or not .

Just spoke with one of the guys @ Hipshot. even though I got this thing on ebay, they are willing to take it back, fix it or replace it and get it back to me.
Good folks.
Probably wont do it. It works- just: like you said, "a little sensitive". BTW: did some counting (turns and cogs), and the machines are actually different, so that's probably all it is anyway. Less inconvenient than doing without this bass for as long as it takes to ship it out.

[Bobster]

robmill3r,

Check your inbox.

Bob

[tplyons]

The Hipshot is a 27:1 gear ratio and the Fenders and Schallers IIRC are 22:1. There will be a difference in "sensitivity"

What material is your nut made out of? Have you lubricated the E string slot with graphite?

[robmill3r]

I didn't want to let this thread die without giving these guys props for supporting their product.
Anyone should protect their brand so fervently!