Hipshot Ultralight VS. Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners

bongomania · #1 01-28-2010, 02:31 PM

I like Hipshot products a lot, but somebody in another thread today said they preferred the Gotoh Resolites. Rather than hijack that thread, I'm asking here: for those of you that have direct hands-on experience with both brands of ultralight tuner, how do they compare? Does one feel more solid/reliable? Does one have better-looking or more durable finish?

Thx!

BluesDawg · #2 01-28-2010, 02:47 PM

I have used both. They are both high quality. Hipshot may be a little better, but they are both fine.

I got the Gotoh Res-o-lite vintage-type cloverleafs when I wanted to replace the tuners on my '57 AVRI P, and they are dead-on in appearance (nickel finish, long stems), but waaay lighter than the factory tuners (about 50% if I remember correctly).

When I don't need to replicate vintage style tuners, I get Hipshots. They are super high-quality and easier to find.

Willicious · #3 02-01-2010, 02:41 PM

^
Where'd you get your Res-O-Lite's from?
I'm thinking of doing the same thing.

joeyl · #4 02-01-2010, 07:53 PM

res-o-lites are hard to find, I've seen them but never tried them

bongomania · #5 02-01-2010, 08:45 PM

As far as I've been able to find so far, you can only order them directly off their website.

Willicious · #6 02-01-2010, 09:02 PM

allparts has them, but they're asking a left testicle, and every other place i've checked
is having difficulty getting them from Gotoh.

Bongo, any chance you can provide a link for ordering off the Gotoh site?

bongomania · #7 02-01-2010, 09:09 PM

http://ssl.bfit.jp/~jby/product_info...roducts_id=236

Willicious · #8 02-01-2010, 09:25 PM

thanks man.
i just snagged two sets of the GB640s.
can't wait to shed some weight off my
Jazz's headstock.

mongo2 · #9 02-02-2010, 10:55 AM

I've used Ultralights for years, but I've switched over completely to Gotoh Res-O-Lite 350s for my gig instruments.

The reason: 4 Res-O-Lites weigh about as much as 3 Ultralights and I've seen no difference in performance or durability. If anything I find the Gotohs to be smoother.

ErikP.Bass · #10 04-11-2011, 09:36 PM

Just bumping this thread to see if anyone else wants to share their experiences/preferences on this subject. I am looking to swap out some tuners on a Fender RW. Have a few basses with the Ultralites but never played one with Resolites....not sure if would be worth the premium.

Sparkdog · #11 04-11-2011, 09:42 PM

I've used both. I have a Lakland right now with the Hipshots and a Fender Jazz with the Res-O-Lites...that's the 4th bass I've installed them on.

To me there's no contest, the Gotoh's are lighter and far more precise than the Hipshots. Expensive, yes, but they never fail to impress me.

ErikP.Bass · #12 04-11-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparkdog

I've used both. I have a Lakland right now with the Hipshots and a Fender Jazz with the Res-O-Lites...that's the 4th bass I've installed them on.

To me there's no contest, the Gotoh's are lighter and far more precise than the Hipshots. Expensive, yes, but they never fail to impress me.

Thanks Sparkdog. The Gotoh are available in reverse and are direct replacements too, correct?

OldDog52 · #13 04-11-2011, 10:59 PM

I just put Hipshot Ultralights on a Mustang. I'm not crazy about them. They seem imprecise and one doesn't turn smoothly. I put some Gotohs on a Mikro and they're awesome. They aren't Res-O-Lites but I really like them.

Willicious · #14 04-11-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikP.Bass

Thanks Sparkdog. The Gotoh are available in reverse and are direct replacements too, correct?

The model 640 (Kluson-style long stem) is available in two flavors:
GB640 standard-gearing
GBR640 reverse-gearing (a.k.a. correct vintage reverse winding)

Since first trying the 640s a year back, I've now installed them on my other basses. You can get them for $110 from Mojo, which is expensive compared to other tuner options, but they're very well made, and have some nice features that the stock GB8s/9s don't have.

Well worth it if you've got the budget.

jmceachern36 · #15 04-11-2011, 11:08 PM

I bought Res O Lites here: Bass Machine Heads Fast shipping, great price.

ErikP.Bass · #16 04-12-2011, 05:20 AM

Anyone know if the GBR640's would fit my Fender Road Worn? Or how to figure out if they would? I needed the 1/2" in the Ultralites.

FunkMetalBass · #17 04-12-2011, 07:13 AM

They make a standard Fender replacement, so I assume they will fit. They may require you to keep the ferrules in, though.

Sparkdog · #18 04-12-2011, 08:03 AM

Erik P - I think the GBR640 will fit your Road Worn, I put them on a Fender 50's Precision and they were a direct replacement and fit perfectly.

That price from Mojo is fantastic! I bought mine from Allparts and they were a lot more...not sure it's cool to post prices here but trust me, that's a real deal on the best tuners I've ever used.

Also, Allparts carries only the reverse version, I wasn't even aware they made a standard (non-reverse) version.

9mmMike · #19 04-12-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikP.Bass

Anyone know if the GBR640's would fit my Fender Road Worn? Or how to figure out if they would? I needed the 1/2" in the Ultralites.

Yes. I have a set on a 50's MIM neck (non-reverse because I ordered the wrong ones) and a reverse set on a '62 AV RI neck.

They are very light. Mine are actually too easy to turn and I have not been able to adjust the tension. They do not slip but a little bump (I am a klutz) will move them quite easily.

ErikP.Bass · #20 04-12-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9mmMike

They are very light. Mine are actually too easy to turn and I have not been able to adjust the tension. They do not slip but a little bump (I am a klutz) will move them quite easily.

This is an interesting point. Is there generally a way to adjust the tension on a tuner?