Tell me why a D-tuner is bad

[*insertcoolname]

It seems really simple, and as someone who plays four strings only (for the simple reason that I never need anything lower than D) a D-tuner seems to be a very useful tool. So what's the catch? Who here has purchased a D-tuner and then got rid of it? Thanks!



Paul

[Ric5]

If you play a 4 then just tune DGCF. Or get a 5 and tune BEADG. Then you don't need to detune.

[RedLeg]

i actually prefer to have them on my 4 bangers

[standupbassman]

They cause the strings to break a lot faster.

[danomite64]

Over time, they could possible wear down the nut slot? I've had a few, and never had this happen (or a broken string, for that matter).

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by standupbassman

They cause the strings to break a lot faster.

What are the origins of that myth?

[warnergt]

They work just fine. They work great for some tunes but getting from
D# to G# quickly can be challenging. Seven half-steps between the
D string and the A string can present some hurdles.

I have one. I use it -- but not a lot.

[kreider204]

A little bit of added weight, I suppose. If your bass already has some beck-dive issues, a D tuner might complicate it.

I tried one, didn't really have a problem with it, but didn't care for it too much, so got rid of it.

[*insertcoolname]

Originally Posted by Ric5

If you play a 4 then just tune DGCF. Or get a 5 and tune BEADG. Then you don't need to detune.

Thanks but no thanks, most of my work is in E standard and I really can't stand the sound of a B string, especially a 3'd fret D. I had a Spector in DGCF for a while but I really didn't like it much.

So it seems like the potential downfalls are:

1) A small increase in weight. Seems like it probably be no more than maybe a quarter of a pound?

2) Not perfectly accurate after switching it up and down. When in studio I'd be tuning the normal way, but this isn't something I'd have to worry about live right? About how sharp/flat will it become after two or three flips?

3) It might make strings break easier? This seems like a myth though...

4) Potentially harmful to the nut over a long period of time.



Anything else? Thanks for the responses.

[mech]

I have D-tuners on several basses. E string on both 5ers and on 4 strings strung BEAD. No down sides. Work great when they are properly lubricated and the tuning instructions are followed. Never sold one unless it went with the bass.

mech

PS. I've been using them since the 80s and have had no probs with nut wear, breaking strings, or tuning issues if they are maintained, like any piece of mechanical gear.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by *insertcoolname

Thanks but no thanks, most of my work is in E standard and I really can't stand the sound of a B string, especially a 3'd fret D. I had a Spector in DGCF for a while but I really didn't like it much.

So it seems like the potential downfalls are:

1) A small increase in weight. Seems like it probably be no more than maybe a quarter of a pound?

2) Not perfectly accurate after switching it up and down. When in studio I'd be tuning the normal way, but this isn't something I'd have to worry about live right? About how sharp/flat will it become after two or three flips?

3) It might make strings break easier? This seems like a myth though...

4) Potentially harmful to the nut over a long period of time.



Anything else? Thanks for the responses.

I guess if one has a bass that has neck dive issues the d-tuner would add to an already established problem(can't blame Hipshot for that one).

I've been using Hipshot d-tuners since the 80's and I have yet to run into a problem with it being accurate after using it.

I have also never had a problem with a nut wearing down. Or any problems with the nut because I had a d-tuner on it.



Here is a vid of the founder of Hipshot explaining just how to make sure it's always accurate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krL94...ext=1&index=44









I'm a Hipshot endorser.

[Joe Nerve]

Didn't read any of the responses because I've heard it all before in past threads. I bought a bass that had one on it. I've since put them on all my basses and quit playing a 5 string. If anyone has said it adds neck dive, it has never done any such thing on any of my basses. Ever. I doubt it adds more than 2 oz to the weight of the headstock.

[NickInMesa]

Originally Posted by Ric5

If you play a 4 then just tune DGCF. Or get a 5 and tune BEADG. Then you don't need to detune.

Throwing a low 5th or 4th using the open string is easier in standard tuning for most rock songs.

The only time I played DGCF was when I was in a Nightwish tribute band. It seems that most symphonic metal is in standard D.

As far as drop D songs, they are always in the key of D. Again, riding the open D string is a lot easier.

You may also be used to playing certain songs in drop D and changing to standard D means relearning the song with a different fingering.

Personally, I am used to Drop D tuning. I have no issue playing drop D and switching from E to D with a D-tuner is a breeze.

[plankspanker13]

I have 'em on my G&Ls, and also use an octaver for the stuff below D (which is not all that often either, since "Womanizer" is not in heavy rotation with us these days; I use the octaver for the whole song).

[seanm]

IMHO, the only downside to the d-tuner is that it takes a bit longer to tune up. It basically takes as long as a five string would

I only use it on 2.5 songs and could easily get away without it, but it is nice to have.

[Eric!]

I dig them :thumbsUp:

[gus1894]

I have been using Bass Xtenders (D-drop) on all of my 4-string bases for over 15 years. I have never had any issues with them. Can you simply tune the E down? Sure, but the drop Tuner is great to have. To all of these issues people have offered...

Added weight? Negligible.

Long term hazard to the instrument? None whatsoever.

Quicker string breakage? Total myth, I've observed no quicker wear of any kind using Bass Xtenders.

Tuning accuracy? If installed properly (simple process, BTW) there is no issue. It's a Hipshot product. Ask yourself how accurate your Hipshot tuning machines are... My bass xtenders are as accurate as I set them up to be.

The only draw back is that they cost (roughly) $85.00 -- but if you use a drop tuning setting often they're simply great to have.

[gus1894]

And after the initial setup of the tuning when you put fresh,strings on, the Bass Xtender takes no longer to tune than the standard E tuning machine.

[puddin tame]

Originally Posted by *insertcoolname

Thanks but no thanks, most of my work is in E standard and I really can't stand the sound of a B string, especially a 3'd fret D. I had a Spector in DGCF for a while but I really didn't like it much.

So it seems like the potential downfalls are:

1) A small increase in weight. Seems like it probably be no more than maybe a quarter of a pound?

2) Not perfectly accurate after switching it up and down. When in studio I'd be tuning the normal way, but this isn't something I'd have to worry about live right? About how sharp/flat will it become after two or three flips?

3) It might make strings break easier? This seems like a myth though...

4) Potentially harmful to the nut over a long period of time.



Anything else? Thanks for the responses.

It sounds like you need to try better 5 strings

[Nino Valenti]

+1. I haven't broken an E string in years.