open-gear vs sealed tuners

Hapes-Nova · #1 06-29-2006, 10:39 PM

So, I've been looking at replacement tuners recently, and I'm curious as to what people think about open-geared tuners vs. sealed tuners. Specifically, I have been looking at hipshot ultralites and gotoh gb7's. In general though, what do you all think are advantages or disadvantages of having open-geared or sealed tuners. Do open-geared tuners build up dirt or grime in the gears, which then requires cleaning or lubricating? Is one type smoother turning than the other?

Also, I seem to notice that the ultralites don't have the tapered string post that I usually see on tuners. They just have a straight post. Are there any issues with that?

Thanks.

-Dennis

5stringDNA · #2 06-29-2006, 10:44 PM

You coudl potentially get crud in open gears, but as long as you don't abuse the bass it shouldn't be an issue. My TB custom has open gear hipshots and my custom Spector 5 has sealed scahllers- I like them both. The difference is mostly personaly taste, really. it is much easier to grease or service an open tuner, but it is more vulnerable as well, so take your pick.

As long as you wind your string properly you shouldn't have an issue with the straight posts. Again, i ahve tapered and straight posts, and neitehr of them give me any grief. Straight posts can be more durable becasue there is more substance. I have broken a tapered post before.

lpdeluxe · #3 06-30-2006, 07:09 AM

I have had 6 basses so far, 4 with open back tuners and 2 with Gotoh (or Gotoh style) sealed tuners. They all work the same. The Gotohs are a little smoother, but, frankly, they look a little wimpy compared to the traditional ones.

For reasons unrelated to tuner style, I am selling both sealed tuner basses, by the way. If I had a bass with the features I like about the non-Gotoh tuner basses, with the Gotohs, I am sure I could accommodate them in the grand scheme of things.

DSB · #4 06-30-2006, 11:50 AM

Hipshot ultralites weight about an ounce less than gotohs. On a 4 string that means a quarter pound less weight on the headstock. Just my .02.

MrLenny · #5 06-30-2006, 12:01 PM

All my current axes have sealed Gotoh.
Much smoother and easier to tune.
Less dendancy to de-tune as they are moved in/out of cases/gig bags.
Have 1 opened back set up/cheap Yamaha 4 and find the
tuners very easy to de-tune/not much resistance holding
in place.

Hapes-Nova · #6 07-01-2006, 03:16 AM

thanks all for the replies.

i went to the store today and tried out some basses, paying attention specifically to the tuners. They had a bunch of basses with the gotoh-style tuners, as they're pretty standard, and they had one Cort A5 which has hipshots.

the sealed gotoh style tuners felt a bit better in my fingers than the hipshot ultralites did, but the lighter weight of the hipshots is attractive. I suppose in the end its not really a huge deal, but its nice to know what people think.

If anyone else has opinions, feel free to add on.

-Dennis