Will Hipshot HB3s fit in a Fender Classic '60s Jazz Bass?

Ryan Mohr · #1 06-21-2009, 08:42 PM

The tuners in my Fender Classic '60s J bass don't turn very well so I thought I would upgrade to some quality Hipshot tuners.

My bass has the vintage style reverse tuners. The specs are on this page: http://fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0131800300 Here is a picture:

The HB3s, which are designed as a replacement for pre-CBS Fenders with reverse Klusons, are for 11/16" headstock holes: http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...ct_detail&p=99

Will they fit? Also, does anyone know if the tuners on the Classic series are the same as the American Vintage?

Ryan Mohr · #2 06-22-2009, 07:24 PM

J. Crawford · #3 06-22-2009, 07:27 PM

Not saying I can tell you Ryan, sorry, but I think this bass would look killer "stealthed" out. Tuners, and all.

Ryan Mohr · #4 06-22-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordasch

Not saying I can tell you Ryan, sorry, but I think this bass would look killer "stealthed" out. Tuners, and all.

What do you mean "stealthed" out?

J. Crawford · #5 06-22-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mohr

What do you mean "stealthed" out?

I thought the bold would give it away!

Black tuners, knobs, bridge, saddles, etc.

Ryan Mohr · #6 06-22-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordasch

I thought the bold would give it away!

Black tuners, knobs, bridge, saddles, etc.

Oh haha I didn't catch that. I bet that would look sweet, but I have never dug black hardward or modern looking hardware for that matter.

I'm going for the pre-CBS vibe, like the vibe the bass is designed to capture, but I want better quality tuners and I think the HB3s should fit the bill. I just emailed Hipshot so hopefully they will reply soon.

9mmMike · #7 06-22-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mohr

... I just emailed Hipshot so hopefully they will reply soon.

They will. That is a seriously top-notch outfit. They contacted me after reading a thread here on TB!

J. Crawford · #8 06-22-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mohr

Oh haha I didn't catch that. I bet that would look sweet, but I have never dug black hardward or modern looking hardware for that matter.

I'm going for the pre-CBS vibe, like the vibe the bass is designed to capture, but I want better quality tuners and I think the HB3s should fit the bill. I just emailed Hipshot so hopefully they will reply soon.

Youre better off getting a response here, as it will be much quicker. Just keep bringing up random questions to keep this in the top threads.

Ryan Mohr · #9 06-22-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9mmMike

They will. That is a seriously top-notch outfit. They contacted me after reading a thread here on TB!

Thanks, do you have Hipshot tuners in your bass?

9mmMike · #10 06-22-2009, 08:45 PM

I do not have them on any of my basses. I have pretty much converted to AV RI's and I leave them pretty stock.

Beefbass · #11 06-23-2009, 04:41 PM

The HB3 will work. It is the replacement for vintage reverse style tuners, like you have.

Ryan Mohr · #12 06-23-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefbass

The HB3 will work. It is the replacement for vintage reverse style tuners, like you have.

Thanks, but I'm not sure the holes on the Fender are 11/16" and I don't know if the baseplate is the same size.

Ryan Mohr · #13 06-23-2009, 09:01 PM

I did some measurements and they definitely will fit. Can anyone vouch for them being higher quality than the ones in my Fender?

Craig_S · #14 06-23-2009, 10:08 PM

I can only vouch for the HB-2s. They are very good quality tuners. But, after looking at the ones on your bass, I wouldn't swap them. I don't think you'll benefit from it. As a matter of fact, I think the HipShot tuners will be a bit heavier than stock. The HipShot gear ratio isn't any better than what you have.

I replaced the tuners on my MIMs with the HB-2s because the gear ratio allows for more precise tuning and I like the quality. I used them, years ago, on my 70's reissue for the same reason. They also match the D-tuners, and I'm kind of obsessive that way...

sockdeluxe_mike · #15 06-24-2009, 04:48 AM

I have a Marcus Miller with HB3's installed, which is the same style as what's fitted on your 60's jazz bass reissue - they will DEFINITELY fit, and I'm also fairly certain you'll be pleased with the results

I've had them for about 6-9 months and through daily use, I only had to spray a tiny amount of WD40 on them about a week ago - lovely machine heads.

Personally I think they are actually quite a big improvement, as for one they are a big deal smoother than the standard machines (the G on my Marcus Miller starting grinding metal in the screw) and they are adjustable for turning smoothness. Another big advantage people don't talk about so much but I feel is important is that the HB-3's don't have weld spots, so you can't knock the bloody clovers out like I did by accident on one of the old machines...

Ryan Mohr · #16 06-24-2009, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

I can only vouch for the HB-2s. They are very good quality tuners. But, after looking at the ones on your bass, I wouldn't swap them. I don't think you'll benefit from it. As a matter of fact, I think the HipShot tuners will be a bit heavier than stock. The HipShot gear ratio isn't any better than what you have.

I replaced the tuners on my MIMs with the HB-2s because the gear ratio allows for more precise tuning and I like the quality. I used them, years ago, on my 70's reissue for the same reason. They also match the D-tuners, and I'm kind of obsessive that way...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sockdeluxe_mike

I have a Marcus Miller with HB3's installed, which is the same style as what's fitted on your 60's jazz bass reissue - they will DEFINITELY fit, and I'm also fairly certain you'll be pleased with the results

I've had them for about 6-9 months and through daily use, I only had to spray a tiny amount of WD40 on them about a week ago - lovely machine heads.

Personally I think they are actually quite a big improvement, as for one they are a big deal smoother than the standard machines (the G on my Marcus Miller starting grinding metal in the screw) and they are adjustable for turning smoothness. Another big advantage people don't talk about so much but I feel is important is that the HB-3's don't have weld spots, so you can't knock the bloody clovers out like I did by accident on one of the old machines...

Thanks for the opinions guys, my tuners don't turn very well and grind a little. I'm just looking for better quality, looks, and smoothness and precision of turning.