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Checking tuning machine (Bass extender) for interior rust?

Jester4108

Jester4108

Nov 5, 2019
23
80
#1
To try to make a long story short, i happen to be going through some rough times at the moment and i wanted to buy myself a new toy. I notice that Hipshot bass extenders were on Amazon for about 70 bucks so i bought one as a fun little install project to take my mind off a few things. It comes in the mail and the threading that the bushing screws onto has a fair bit of rust on it but i don't notice rust at any other joints.
Whatever.
I grab a toothbrush, small wire brush, and some w-d40 and get to work scrapping most of it off which i manage to do okay at. Installed it and it seemed to be doing what it is supposed to do. (For the most part, i need to get some nut lubricant). I started thinking to myself that there might be rust inside of it where i can't see and i thought i'd ask the fine folks here at TB if there is any way i can really know for sure.

Either way, i've learned my lesson and will be going through hipshot themselves if i ever want to buy another one.
 
#5
Yeah, it is a GB7. I was hoping there was a way to check without completely stripping it down. I don't trust myself to rip it apart and then be able to put it back together correctly. Since everything seems smooth on it and there sgould be factory lube in it, I think i'm just going to leave it as it.
JTE said:
For it lube, pencil lead works fine. I did buy a tube be of graphite powder about 35 years ago (I have Hipshots on four of my bases) that will probably last my whole life.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip, that's 10 bucks i won't have to spend. :)
Thank you for the replies!
​
 
#6
Jester4108 said:
To try to make a long story short, i happen to be going through some rough times at the moment and i wanted to buy myself a new toy. I notice that Hipshot bass extenders were on Amazon for about 70 bucks so i bought one as a fun little install project to take my mind off a few things. It comes in the mail and the threading that the bushing screws onto has a fair bit of rust on it but i don't notice rust at any other joints.
Whatever.
I grab a toothbrush, small wire brush, and some w-d40 and get to work scrapping most of it off which i manage to do okay at. Installed it and it seemed to be doing what it is supposed to do. (For the most part, i need to get some nut lubricant). I started thinking to myself that there might be rust inside of it where i can't see and i thought i'd ask the fine folks here at TB if there is any way i can really know for sure.

Either way, i've learned my lesson and will be going through hipshot themselves if i ever want to buy another one.
Click to expand...

It's a Hipshot manufacturing problem. And marketing problem IMO.

I've had a hipshot extender on my pBass for a few years. It's great I love it. Last month I wanted to get one for my Breedlove AE, so I ordered GB7 on Amazon, but it came with WET RUST on the threads. I ordered another, it was just as bad. I returned both. I contacted Hipshot via email, and we had multiple exchanges. They are aware and yet totally unconcerned?! They assured me these are genuine Hipshot products (they're listed as the seller.) They explained that previously they cut the threads then plated the chrome. They had problems with that, and now cut threads after plating. I sent pictures showing the rust, that even discolored the cardboard in the display package. The rust was even wet. I asked if they were ALL like that and they said yes. Even from their own store. I suggested they apply some light machine oil going forward and they thought that was a good idea. I was and am dumbfounded. Rust is a breakdown of iron and that can only weaken the threads. And I will not put a piece of rusty crap in my bass. I just don't understand how they can ship garbage and think no one will care.
 
#7
Arie X said:
i'm assuming you picked up the sealed GB7? i'd imagine breaking it all down would be the task.
Click to expand...

They aren't really sealed. The packaging is a plastic clamshell that snaps open or closed. I ordered some, came with wet rust on the threads — see my other comment for more details on Hipshot's manufacturing/marketing problem. When I returned them I added notes about the rust and tucked them into the clamshells. I suspect they will remove my notes and put them back in stock.
 

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