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5-String Headstock Opinions
- Thread starter KSB - Ken Smith
- Start date
I've always liked the 3/2 style of 5-string tuner layouts, or even the 4/1. While there's nothing really functionally different, they both accomplish the same goal. For me it's just aesthetics. I also think reverse style headstocks look funny, so maybe that has something to do with it. 2/3 tuner layouts look off balance to me, even though 'balance' really has nothing to do with it.
It seems hard to actually try to put into words and explain 'why'. Chalk it up to individual preference I guess.
I personally don't own any Smith's but it's nice to know that a reputable luthier cares what us 'common folk' think
It seems hard to actually try to put into words and explain 'why'. Chalk it up to individual preference I guess.
I personally don't own any Smith's but it's nice to know that a reputable luthier cares what us 'common folk' think
QUOTE=KSB - Ken Smith - "I have been making both 3/2 regularly and 2/3 by request for the last few years. I would like to offer the 2/3 as standard just to cut down on confusion in the shop and offer the original 3/2 only by special request instead".
Why not?! With the 2/3 you will cover and save some "slight differences"...
get a fresh impulse with the new tuner layout on the standards models and still can offer the original 3/2 as a custom request. I can't see disadvantages here. I'd actually buy the 2/3 KS bass, well, I've been waiting for!
While, the 3/2 supporters are for sure KS basses lovers anyway. Wise decision & everybody happy.
Why not?! With the 2/3 you will cover and save some "slight differences"...
get a fresh impulse with the new tuner layout on the standards models and still can offer the original 3/2 as a custom request. I can't see disadvantages here. I'd actually buy the 2/3 KS bass, well, I've been waiting for!
While, the 3/2 supporters are for sure KS basses lovers anyway. Wise decision & everybody happy.
john turner said:
I'm with John on this. I would prefer not to have any of the large windings of the B or E string wrapped around the post.
I'm all for the 3+2. Typically, the odd tuner has been on top, and when I go looking for the A string tuner, I want it on top. It just looks better IMO, works better (with my simple mind) and to me, seems like it would balance a little better on a strap.
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
great bass
+1Nino-Brown said:
As long as it makes no appreciable functional diff, I prefer the convenience of a 3+2. IMHO, it's eaiser to turn a tuner on top than on the bottom.
vics said:+1
As long as it makes no appreciable functional diff, I prefer the convenience of a 3+2. IMHO, it's eaiser to turn a tuner on top than on the bottom.
I'm jumping on this bandwagon so add me in the 3/2 category.
And really? there is supposed to be a physical balance issue with the placement of the tuners?
Maybe, maybe not. Just in my mind it does, probably because it's 2 AM.Jerry J said:And really? there is supposed to be a physical balance issue with the placement of the tuners?
To avoid this dilemma play a six string
I prefer the looks of the 3/2 but if there were any anvantages to the 2/3 soundwise and other, I would actually buy that.
I prefer the looks of the 3/2 but if there were any anvantages to the 2/3 soundwise and other, I would actually buy that.
- Mar 22, 2002
- 2,242
- 50
- 50
- Disclosures
- KISSBASS CEO / Formerly JPBasses founder.
embellisher said:
+1
Ken, both designs look great IMO but I prefer to avoid full string thickness getting around the tuner post.
Peace,
JP
Seems to me that there are people on both sides of the fence here.
Ken - to cut down confusion, why not make it a part of the spec list which you ask the customer when ordering? Then when you select a neck, in addition to putting the customer name etc, you put either 3+2 or 2+3.
Ken - to cut down confusion, why not make it a part of the spec list which you ask the customer when ordering? Then when you select a neck, in addition to putting the customer name etc, you put either 3+2 or 2+3.
- Mar 1, 2002
- 4,237
- 52
- 75
- Disclosures
- Owner: Ken Smith Basses, Ltd.
Guy's (and gal's if your in the mix), thanks for the suggestions thus far.
We are trying to pick one or the other as Standard for All models. Currently, Japan buys all 2/3 with an occasional 3/2. USA and the rest buy mainly 3/2 with an occasional request for the 2/3. The new Fusion models (F-MS and 25th) are standard with 2/3 but we have made the F-MS with 3/2 either by request or by 'mistake' at least once!!
This is why we want to pick just one for the Standard and the other an option but not necessarily a listed option.
If the 3/2 stays as the standard with the exception of the Fusion models, then we never mention 2/3 as an option. If 2/3 becomes the new standard configuration, then we have to offer the 3/2 as an option for those die-hards wanting the original.
As far as the Fender thing being mentioned earlier (and I have met the man in person), if I wanted to follow his work, I would be buying Bodies and Necks like the rest of the Parts-type builders out there. My goals require new directions away from those Basses to achieve what wasn't happening within the traditional Bass from my time.
So . Keep em coming.. So far its kinda close with the 2/3 (reverse tuners) nosing ahead just a little ..
Oh, and for those of you commenting about the string thickness wrapping around the Post on the 3/2, it isn't really. With the purple Silk covering the Spread portion of the String, only about 1/2" of actual String is under the Thread. Then the windings start to taper off slightly. The Silk/Thread adds strength to this part of the string. The String is about 38" from Ball to Silk but wound about 38.5" b4 the Silk is spun over to lock it all down folowing the Spread of the windings. The Main difference in the Two different Tuner positions is the Angle and Length. I am not sure what each do to contribute to the slight difference but it's either 'shorter 'n steep' or "longer and shallower'......
We are trying to pick one or the other as Standard for All models. Currently, Japan buys all 2/3 with an occasional 3/2. USA and the rest buy mainly 3/2 with an occasional request for the 2/3. The new Fusion models (F-MS and 25th) are standard with 2/3 but we have made the F-MS with 3/2 either by request or by 'mistake' at least once!!
This is why we want to pick just one for the Standard and the other an option but not necessarily a listed option.
If the 3/2 stays as the standard with the exception of the Fusion models, then we never mention 2/3 as an option. If 2/3 becomes the new standard configuration, then we have to offer the 3/2 as an option for those die-hards wanting the original.
As far as the Fender thing being mentioned earlier (and I have met the man in person), if I wanted to follow his work, I would be buying Bodies and Necks like the rest of the Parts-type builders out there. My goals require new directions away from those Basses to achieve what wasn't happening within the traditional Bass from my time.
So . Keep em coming.. So far its kinda close with the 2/3 (reverse tuners) nosing ahead just a little ..
Oh, and for those of you commenting about the string thickness wrapping around the Post on the 3/2, it isn't really. With the purple Silk covering the Spread portion of the String, only about 1/2" of actual String is under the Thread. Then the windings start to taper off slightly. The Silk/Thread adds strength to this part of the string. The String is about 38" from Ball to Silk but wound about 38.5" b4 the Silk is spun over to lock it all down folowing the Spread of the windings. The Main difference in the Two different Tuner positions is the Angle and Length. I am not sure what each do to contribute to the slight difference but it's either 'shorter 'n steep' or "longer and shallower'......
+1.Nino-Brown said:
I also think it's more logical, seeing as you get the E and A string on top as "usual". I consider 3+2 standard.
Ken, thanks for asking and for making already great basses even better.
I prefer the 2-3 configuration because in my opinion a longer B string is a better B string. I also prefer not having the big E and B string windings on the tuner post.
Thanks,
Manfred
I prefer the 2-3 configuration because in my opinion a longer B string is a better B string. I also prefer not having the big E and B string windings on the tuner post.
Thanks,
Manfred
James Hart said:
2+3 for me. I also like having the B tuner farther away.
I prefer a straight string pull.
OTOH if it's a bass I like, I don't care... as long as I can tune it, cool.
