need help trouble shooting a hipshot bass extender

TheXym · #1 10-17-2007, 06:22 AM

I put a hipshot extender on my Yamaha 4 string about a year ago and now it's not going all the way down. It seems as if the pivot mechanism on the tuning head is sticking when I pop the lever to go to drop-D. The nut was a bit loose on the side of the headstock where the string goes into the peg, but tightening it didn't help much. Is this a simple fix like squirting some WD-40 or other lubricant into the mechanism or is there more to it? Thanks in advance for the help, everyone!

ga_edwards · #2 10-17-2007, 10:14 AM

Is the little screw on the back that attached the unit to the headstock tight and flush with the baseplate? It could be the tuner itself could be getting caught on the screw if it's sticking out, even a little bit.

I realised this when I installed mine, I thought I could use the screw from the stock tuner so that it wouldn't cut a new thread in the hole, but it was a dome topped screw and the hipshot wouldn't swivel over it.

Also, the instruction manual says they are supposed to be lubricated every now and then with vaseline or lubricant grease. WD40 AFAIK in more an instant fix lubricant, designed to unclog but lubricate in the long term. I haven't done mine yet in the six months I've had it, but it might be worth it.

TheXym · #3 10-17-2007, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the reply, ga edwards!

It's not the screw, it seems to be internal after checking that. I took it off and I'm going to oil it to see if that helps.

Update - had the metal shop teacher oil it, problem solved!