Steinberger linear tuners for headless bass?

[grisezd]

Hello all,

I'm building a headless bass and have been struggling with what to use at the body for tuners. ABM and Hipshot headless setups cost more than I want to spend on this first big build project and I've been considering using guitar tuners ala Kramer Duke to get the job done. I've used guitar tuners for bass before so I'm not worried that they'll get the job done, especially on a 30in scale bass. Only trouble is that I hate the look of the tuning pegs sticking out the tail of the bass. That got me thinking of banjo tuners.

I ran across these Steinberger numbers on StewMac
STEWMAC.COM : Instructions for Steinberger Gearless Tuners

They don't wrap but rather pull straight down for tension. I really like that idea. I already unwrap string wraps to get to the solid core when I use guitar tuners, so I don't see thickness being a problem.

Does anyone have anything to say about these? Maybe a more traditional banjo tuner you've had good luck with?

I'll be posting the build in the Luthier's Corner (which they will rename once I get started!).

Thanks,
Dennis

[Slowgypsy]

Just my $.02, but unwrapping a bass string to attach the core to a tuner, then tensioning up the core but leaving the exterior windings "flapping in the breeze" just seems like a bad idea. I would not gig an instrument set up that way... but like I said... just my $.02.

[grisezd]

Maybe they'd be better soldered, but then you have to deal with brittle string. I've been unwrapping for years without issue. Look closely at the way the wraps end (pull up some silk if necessary) and you'll see that they just end!

But back to the tuners

[Slowgypsy]

True, at the end of the string (not the ball end) the exterior windings do just what you say... they end. However... the whole string... core AND windings... are wrapped and compressed around the tuning post. That compression and winding combines them so both elements travel together when the whole string is brought up to tune. Just my $.02.

But back to tuners... the Stew Mac tuner you referenced... sure... buy it, install it, use it, have fun with it.

I gig. I get paid for my gigs. I wouldn't (couldn't) show up for a performance with anything less than equipment that was well designed and well made for the task at hand. But for fun, sure... what you're suggesting would probably work. I'm just not sure it will work well.