Cons of Hipshot Xtender machines?

[gnonymous]

I’ve been working on finishing a Fender-Style PJ bass from a cheap kit from Fretwire and have been considering using a Hipshot Xtender Machine for the extra drop tuning flair and versatility. I’ve never used them in a build before and have always wondered if the shift in string tension could throw off the whole neck and pull the other strings slightly out of tune as well.

Anyone have any insight? Thanks!

 

[FlatThumb]

I've got one on my thumb and yes it slightly effects the tuning of the other strings, it also wears out the string quicker.

 

[BLDavis]

I've got one on my thumb and yes it slightly effects the tuning of the other strings, it also wears out the string quicker.

I've been using D-Tuners since they came out in the mid '80s. Never experienced the other strings going out of tune or premature wear on the E string. Or the nut slot. Or any other problems. And I use mine a lot during a gig. I have not tried the double stop tuner yet so I don't know if dropping the E down further than D will cause any tuning issues. I think JimmyM uses one and maybe he'll chime in and comment on that. But just dropping to D does not cause any problems on any of my basses.
B.

 

[FlatThumb]

I've been using D-Tuners since they came out in the mid '80s. Never experienced the other strings going out of tune or premature wear on the E string. Or the nut slot. Or any other problems. And I use mine a lot during a gig. I have not tried the double stop tuner yet so I don't know if dropping the E down further than D will cause any tuning issues. I think JimmyM uses one and maybe he'll chime in and comment on that. But just dropping to D does not cause any problems on any of my basses.
B.

Maybe the fact that I'm using low gauges doesn't help the tuning although other people I've talked have found the same. Changing the string tension over and over is going to wear the string out sooner or later, it's just a question of if you keep the strings that long.

 

[Goatrope]

I had them in several basses over the years and hadn’t encountered any issues as you’ve described. HipShot makes quality parts and they have great service.

Ultimately I took all of them off because I found I could get to my drop-D just as fast and accurately by twisting the tuner. (Between songs)

 

[gnonymous]

Maybe the fact that I'm using low gauges doesn't help the tuning although other people I've talked have found the same. Changing the string tension over and over is going to wear the string out sooner or later, it's just a question of if you keep the strings that long.

That makes sense. I usually use medium D’adario round wounds, which seem to be fairly popular. Looking at other threads on Hipshot detuners, I haven’t seen much complaint about tension issues, so I would guess that most people don’t have a problem with it. Still didn’t hurt to ask.

 

[gnonymous]

I had them in several basses over the years and hadn’t encountered any issues as you’ve described. HipShot makes quality parts and they have great service.

Ultimately I took all of them off because I found I could get to my drop-D just as fast and accurately by twisting the tuner. (Between songs)

Would you recommend saving money and just practicing detuning then?

 

[Goatrope]

Would you recommend saving money and just practicing detuning then?

That’s how it’s worked out for me, but I’ve been at it a very long time. I’d say “save your money” if you’re able to quickly get to a drop-tuning when a song is called, and you’re not slowing down the action.

 

[toddsterbassist]

I’ve used them for a couple decades and can’t live without them. There are no negatives that I’m aware of.

 

[osv]

I’ve had them on a couple basses and they work great. I ended up removing them to balance the bass better. The added weight was noticeable to me.

 

[wraub]

ime the weight is the only real negative---I have a couple and they work great for me.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Now this man has them on all his strings.
And on his bridge.
If there was an issue with other strings staying in tune,He would know.

 

[Got2SadowskyNYC]

I ordered my first one on a Sadowsky 5 string. (Yes. I have a low A). I liked it so much, within weeks I called Roger and bought one for my other Sadowsky 5 string. I love em and if you're at a venue with a great sub that can carry 27 hz with power it's FANTASTIC. Just don't overuse it.

 

[Got2SadowskyNYC]

Forgot to mention that there is a slight learning curve to tuning that string, but it's not difficult. It's a little different to make both notes in tune. I tend to over adjust the stop screw.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I've had one on my Lull P4 for about 15 years, and my jazz for about 34. In all that time, I've never had a tuning, string, or other issue. Moving one string a whole or half step is no different than fine tuning a string. I use it even during songs if I want/need that low D. It's a great tool.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

The only real downside is the cost. They are not cheap. I have them on most of my basses though as I feel the benefits outweigh the costs.

 

[Inara]

Regarding the weight complaints: the ultralight version of the extender weighed close to the same as the factory tuning key on the EBMM Caprice that I used to own. So basically if you're using standard EBMM / Fender-ish factory tuning keys and replace your E with an ultralight extender, you probably won't affect the balance.

 

[Warpeg]

Personally, I’ve never understood their appeal. They are expensive, add weight, can make a bass hang incorrectly on a wall hanger, and it’s just another moving part that has the potential to fail. Besides, I can tune up or down in about the same amount of time it takes to flip the lever. Why bother?

 

[lokikallas]

I like mine. I have the ultralight version and they are not heavy at all. They save a few seconds and that can be useful.

 

[JimmyM]

Would you recommend saving money and just practicing detuning then?

I did that for years, but 2 years ago I took the plunge on one bass, and now I have them on three. I absolutely love them and I don't ever want to caveman tuning down again.

Personally, I’ve never understood their appeal. They are expensive, add weight, can make a bass hang incorrectly on a wall hanger, and it’s just another moving part that has the potential to fail. Besides, I can tune up or down in about the same amount of time it takes to flip the lever. Why bother?

They're not THAT expensive, they don't add THAT much weight, I have hanging stands and never had a problem with them, and have had zero failures so far. And I would like to see you tune down quicker than half a second