• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Need help with hat pegs please!

timobee4

timobee4

Mar 15, 2010
674
171
Cairns, Australia
#1
Been a long time since my last entry! Guys, I desperately need some advice on machine heads/hat pegs! Just sold my house and the first thing I am buying is a new bass, actually I decided to get a virgin bass built for me! :) Its on its way but I was asked about the pegs today. Immediately went on the net to look for something nice! Gallery Strings have some beautiful pegs like the MK-3 "Jansen" or MK-4 "Healey" are my choices so far! But something tells me that I would love the old Ebony Hat Peg! Unfortunately the only one I can find are the ANTIQUED Ebony "Hat Peg" Peg Tuners from Upton! Anyone with the slightest rudimentary chemistry knowledge would know how to do that but that is not the point (ask me if you ever wonder how to turn your shiny tuners old in 20 minutes), I had them Upton tuners and they were great accurate (bit jumpy though) on my old bass and for some reason I always hated the look of plate!!!! My very first bass before I turned 13 had old beaten up hat pegs but the plate the gear was sitting on was lovely, rusty and worn but very stylish! Please give me some idea perhaps together we can cook up something! Thank you all!!!!!!!!!!! :help:
 
#3
KUNGfuSHERIFF said:
I'm not sure I understand. Are you looking for something like the Upton machines you had, but not "weathered?" If so, look here:

Link Removed
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply! No I won't in my wildest dream use those tuners again, weathered or otherwise, I am looking for some exceptionally beautiful stylish hat pegs you'd see on very old basses! Seems like luthiers had better taste 100 years ago! But I am sure that there is a guy somewhere with fine turning skills! USA luthiers take a lot of pride in their work and I would be surprised if I can't find someone soon with some advice.
 
#6
timobee4 said:
Thanks for the reply! No I won't in my wildest dream use those tuners again, weathered or otherwise, I am looking for some exceptionally beautiful stylish hat pegs you'd see on very old basses! Seems like luthiers had better taste 100 years ago! But I am sure that there is a guy somewhere with fine turning skills! USA luthiers take a lot of pride in their work and I would be surprised if I can't find someone soon with some advice.
Click to expand...

I turned my own pegs, and installed them in the tuners that Mr. Warburton sent me. I love those plates - they definitely have character to them.
Link Removed


Link Removed
 
#7
I have the deluxe Rubners with engraved plates and all brass fittings (no stainless steel ring). Is this one of the styles that you don't prefer?

IMG_2790.jpg
 
#10
drurb said:
I have the deluxe Rubners with engraved plates and all brass fittings (no stainless steel ring). Is this one of the styles that you don't prefer?

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/lesb/Messiah/IMG_2790.jpg
Thank you! I had these tuners on my bass and now I think I have no choice but to go back to them! I made my set look antique and they were sweet as!! I thought it I get these, reshape the plate before give them the antique look will nice!!! Best choice out there, I still prefer the ones Paul had donated! Thank you!!!
Click to expand...
 
#11
I see. If you're going to antique them and reshape the plates, then it seems you could save a few bucks and not get the deluxe version. The deluxe version has the floral engraving, the scalloped edging on the plates, the brass rather than stainless ring, and upgraded abalone in the center of the pegs. Might as well go with the regulars:

Invalid Link Removed
 
#12
drurb said:
I see. If you're going to antique them and reshape the plates, then it seems you could save a few bucks and not get the deluxe version. The deluxe version has the floral engraving, the scalloped edging on the plates, the brass rather than stainless ring, and upgraded abalone in the center of the pegs. Might as well go with the regulars:

Invalid Link Removed[/QUOT

Actually this is what I had not the deluxe version! More I think about it now I think that I will in deed get these again! And I am glad that you also have these, perhaps you could tell me if the ones you have on your bass go right through or stops within the side of the peg box???? You see I would so love a set that goes all the way like on old German instruments! If it does I order them now and kill my luthier for cutting it shorter ;) if not than my search isn't over yet or I stick with the French ones that go through and have a screw on the other side. At least I don't knock myself unconscious every time I play ;) thank you!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
 
#13
Mine don't go all the way through as evidenced by the picture I posted. Notice that you don't see the ends of the pegs from the other side. My understanding is that the ebony pegs, as delivered, are plenty long enough to go all the way through and that they are cut to fit when they are installed. So, it seems you could have exactly what you want.
 
#15
drurb said:
Mine don't go all the way through as evidenced by the picture I posted. Notice that you don't see the ends of the pegs from the other side. My understanding is that the ebony pegs, as delivered, are plenty long enough to go all the way through and that they are cut to fit when they are installed. So, it seems you could have exactly what you want.
Click to expand...

That gives me hope!!! I will shoot them an email to find out the exact lenght, Cheers Drurbie
 
#17
I love those old iron tuners too. Have them on one bass. But, I bet modern Rubners work a lot better. You could reshape the brass plates and dip them in whatever to blacken them, but I think really getting the character of the old ones would be difficult. Maybe take them to a jeweler who does repro and antique work?

Edit: I actually don't know that they are iron. Anyone?
 
#19
By the way, just got a reply from Upton. Indeed, the Rubner pegs are long enough to go through the pegbox, if that's what's desired.
 
#20
robobass said:
I love those old iron tuners too. Have them on one bass. But, I bet modern Rubners work a lot better. You could reshape the brass plates and dip them in whatever to blacken them, but I think really getting the character of the old ones would be difficult. Maybe take them to a jeweler who does repro and antique work?

Edit: I actually don't know that they are iron. Anyone?
Click to expand...

You know, actually those old tuners are a great match for my 3 guts, not just visually, but in terms of function also. They don't turn 100% smoothly, but that was not what I was looking for. Most of the time, when I tune, I end up pulling on the string on either side of the nut during the process. Writing it down sounds more complicated than it is. Long story short: they work great.

George
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back