Hipshot Ultralights for a Stingray 5

CapnSev · #1 04-16-2009, 09:19 PM

So after playing an excruciatingly long gig the other night on my SR5, I had some left wrist pain (that I thought I was rid of) start to come back. It was caused on my old bass mostly due to neck dive.

The SR5 doesn't have a ton of dive to it, but it's certainly not light, and the neck does have some serious meat to it. Therefore, it does sag slightly. After about 4 1/2 to 5 hours I can feel it.

I was thinking of putting some Hipshot ultralights on it to change the balance and reduce weight. Any thoughts from folks who've done this? Is it worth the $120? (Which is ridiculous BTW, I know)

Human Bass · #2 04-16-2009, 09:28 PM

I'd definetly try, extra light turners are the best thing since coca-cola.

CapnSev · #3 04-17-2009, 11:23 AM

Bump for some more input here...

CapnSev · #4 04-17-2009, 03:29 PM

Nobody?

dmusic148 · #5 04-17-2009, 03:44 PM

I don't have an SR5. But I am an ultralight user; I think they're great. Here's a thought: if it only dives a little, consider changing just two or three to ultralights instead of all five, because if you do it might be TOO light and want to stand up all the time.

Matt Dean · #6 04-17-2009, 03:46 PM

I think Hipshot ultralights are worth it...

depalm · #7 04-17-2009, 09:26 PM

Do that!
I used to have the same problem with my Sterling so I replaced the heavy and old fashioned tuners for the Hipshot Ultralites.
Bass is perfectly balanced now.

I don't understand why Ernie Ball Music Man is still using those tuners! Even on the so called "modern designed" Bongo basses

CapnSev · #8 04-17-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

Do that!
I used to have the same problem with my Sterling so I replaced the heavy and old fashioned tuners for the Hipshot Ultralites.
Bass is perfectly balanced now.

I don't understand why Ernie Ball Music Man is still using those tuners! Even on the so called "modern designed" Bongo basses

That's what I wanted to hear! You haven't experienced any tone change, or dead spots? My only worry (besides the absurd price) is that my setup will completely change, and possibly create dead spots by not having that mass on the headstock. I'm not sure if that's even a legitimate fear or not.

depalm · #9 04-18-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

That's what I wanted to hear! You haven't experienced any tone change, or dead spots? My only worry (besides the absurd price) is that my setup will completely change, and possibly create dead spots by not having that mass on the headstock. I'm not sure if that's even a legitimate fear or not.

No, never had any dead spots, even with the old tuners.

I also replaced the stock ceramic pickups for a Nordstrand (alnico) so there was a change in tone, for better!

The only noticeable change, as you can see, is the opened holes in the back of the head.

I don't really care about that but if people at EBMM weren't that stubborn I'd order another one with the Ultralites factory installed.

Anyway, this was a huge improvement on my bass and I'm really happy with it. Nothing is better than a well balanced instrument.

Hope that helps and good luck.

CapnSev · #10 04-18-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

No, never had any dead spots, even with the old tuners.

I also replaced the stock ceramic pickups for a Nordstrand (alnico) so there was a change in tone, for better!

The only noticeable change, as you can see, is the opened holes in the back of the head.

I don't really care about that but if people at EBMM weren't that stubborn I'd order another one with the Ultralites factory installed.

Anyway, this was a huge improvement on my bass and I'm really happy with it. Nothing is better than a well balanced instrument.

Hope that helps and good luck.

Good to hear! I was looking at the differences today, and it would save me almost 3/4 of a pound in weight on my headstock!

Also, you used the 1/2 posts, not the 3/8" right?

depalm · #11 04-18-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

Good to hear! I was looking at the differences today, and it would save me almost 3/4 of a pound in weight on my headstock?

Also, you used the 1/2 posts, not the 3/8" right?

Yep, get the 1/2 posts.
I'm not sure how much weight it will save but on my bass it made a huge difference.

You won't regret.

best

Schizoid75 · #12 04-18-2009, 11:24 PM

I just switched out the stock tuners on my Warwick Fortress One for Hipshot Ultralites. I bet you'll notice an even bigger difference with those big Ray tuners. If you want to test the waters, do what was recommended to me by some other helpful TB'ers. If you have an approximate idea of weight difference between the Hipshots and the stock tuners (can't help you there), then simply remove enough of the stock tuners to replicate that effect. Strap on the bass and see what sort of difference it makes.

CapnSev · #13 04-19-2009, 08:01 AM

Whoops! I didn't mean to put a ? after the statement of how much weight it would save me, it was supposed to be an !.

I meant it will save me about 3/4 of a pound, while a 4-string set would save 1/2 pound on a headstock.

Gopher Bob · #14 04-21-2009, 10:04 PM

I've had no experiences with hipshot ultralights but I can tell you from owning about 2 of their bridges and 2 of their bass trems that they make very high quality stuff.

I think the sperzel are lighter than normal??? I've had them on one bass and they were very nice as well(the same rediculously high price though).

I always wonder is the price so high because musicians don't often buy/upgrade their tuning keys>?