Advice needed on Drop D tuner for Mustang PJ

[cattrax]

I would like to put a drop D tuning machine on my Mustang PJ bass. The obvious choice would be the Hipshot Bass X-tender that matches the original clover tuners on the bass. The bass does have some neck dive which I would like to correct, so Hipshot ultralights would be the way to go, but I would like to not have to drill new holes. Plus, I really don't like the way the back of the Fender headstock looks with the ultralights.

Gotoh has the Res-o-lite tuners in the Fender clover style, but I don't think they make a drop tuner to match. Not sure about Schaller. I don't want to make the bass heavier by adding weight at the other end.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[DanBass81]

As far as I'm aware, Hipshot are the only company that make a drop tuner. They make the BT10 which would be a direct replacement. If you want to reduce weight and add a drop tuner, then your only options are their ultralight tuners which would involve drilling.

 

[cattrax]

Thanks, I was afraid of that. The ultralights just seem to take the "mustang" out of the Mustang...

 

[lz4005]

I would like to put a drop D tuning machine on my Mustang PJ bass.
.....
The bass does have some neck dive which I would like to correct, so Hipshot ultralights would be the way to go, but I would like to not have to drill new holes. Plus, I really don't like the way the back of the Fender headstock looks with the ultralights.

You may not realize it, but you're at an important crossroads in your development as a bass player.

You can choose to make the bass play better and feel better, or you can choose to value what the back of the headstock looks like more than those things.

Is this bass for looking at the back of or for playing?

 

[RSBBass]

Also, be aware that the short scale length of your bass will impact the feel and sound of the drop D, most likely not in good ways. BTW I agree with Iz4005 the way your bass feels and plays is way more important than how the back of the head stock looks.

 

[cattrax]

You can choose to make the bass play better and feel better, or you can choose to value what the back of the headstock looks like more than those things.
Is this bass for looking at the back of or for playing?

the way your bass feels and plays is way more important than how the back of the head stock looks.

You both are right. I was just hoping there was something out there that I hadn't run across. Thanks for your input!