How to prevent "binding" with Hipshot Extenders?

excane · #1 05-16-2009, 06:47 PM

This only happens on models like the BT-1 which is a direct replacement for Musicman, G&L, etc. (Not the Gotoh style with the screw collars) You have to remove the gear, and put the post through the collar.

I have found it's fairly common when you're tightening the back plate to the headstock, the post begins to bind and becomes very difficult to turn.

What is the best solution to prevent the post from binding as you tighten the screws that attach it to the headstock?.....WD-40?.....lithium grease?

**HeavyDuty** · #2 05-16-2009, 07:54 PM

Could the bushing not be square to the headstock? Is it the original bushing?

Another thing I'd look at is if the retaining screws are warping the backing plate causing the bind.

excane · #3 05-17-2009, 02:02 AM

If I am just holding the tuning post with one hand and holding the back plate, it is perfectly fine, it turns freely and easily with no problem. It's only when I tighten the screws does it start to bind, as if it's causing some slight friction against the post.

The president of hipshot addresses this in the video on his website as he shows how to install one, yet he doesn't specify what to do if binding occurs. He just says to make sure it doesn't bind.

You can watch the video here to see what I'm talking about:
http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...ct_detail&p=54

I'm still wondering if I need to slightly file the inside of the hole, use some lubricant, etc?

**HeavyDuty** · #4 05-17-2009, 07:45 AM

This is odd - I guess I'm lucky it never happened to me on the two basses I used to have with extenders.

I'm sure you looked at this already, but are the headstock holes absolutely clean and level with no ridge around them so you have a dead-flat mounting surface?

It may also be worth trying to tap the bushing down in case it isn't fully seated.

Also, have you tried backing off one screw at a time to see if you can tell which one creates the binding condition? If you find the tightening of one screw in particular causes the binding, maybe a small paper shim under that corner would be a temporary fix.

This is worth giving Hipshot a phone call IMO.

Sucks! I have one for my Sterling that I've never gotten around to installing, thanks for the insight.

excane · #5 05-17-2009, 10:17 AM

Thanks.

I'm installing the BT-1 on my Stingray. The headstock is perfectly flat on the back, the bushing in the headstock hole is fine as I've tried both the stock MM and the hipshot one.

It's definitely 1 screw in particular, as if it doesn't quite line up and as soon as you put pressure on it (tightening it) it causes friction ever so slightly on the post.

It's really not that big of an issue because once it's restrung, the tension of the string works the detuner fine, no problem. I'm just a perfectionist and want it freely turning with no binding

JTE · #6 05-17-2009, 11:16 AM

Hmm, I've got Hipshots on my Fender VS '62 Precision, my two Lakland 4-94s, my Fender (MIJ) Jazz Bass Special, and I had them on two other Fenders (a Geddy Lee and a California P Bass Special), and two pre- EB StingRays. Plus when I managed a guitar store until 1988 I installed a lot of them for customers. Never had one bind on me.

jte

**HeavyDuty** · #7 05-17-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by excane

Thanks.

I'm installing the BT-1 on my Stingray. The headstock is perfectly flat on the back, the bushing in the headstock hole is fine as I've tried both the stock MM and the hipshot one.

It's definitely 1 screw in particular, as if it doesn't quite line up and as soon as you put pressure on it (tightening it) it causes friction ever so slightly on the post.

It's really not that big of an issue because once it's restrung, the tension of the string works the detuner fine, no problem. I'm just a perfectionist and want it freely turning with no binding

I'd try a paper shim under that one corner and see what happens. If it helps, replace it with some shim stock or five thou styrene sanded to the proper thickness.

It would drive me crazy, too! Maybe there's a sanding depression on the back of the headstock?

dmusic148 · #8 05-17-2009, 05:19 PM

Sometimes you have to put Loctite on the screw, and run it in till it just snugs up. I've taken new Hiphot tuners apart that already had Loctite applied.