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Ernie Ball Basses now have plastic tuners?!

RonnieDobbs

RonnieDobbs

Aug 1, 2010
10
37
#1
I was thrilled to receive my short scale Ernie Ball Musicman bass yesterday, but almost immediately noticed something that alarmed and disappointed me: the tuners have chrome plated plastic cloverleafs. I would understand if this were a cheap imported instrument, but it was a $2000 bass. The rest of the fit and finish seem nice, but this might be a deal breaker. I looked at a lot of photographs and it seems the Stingray Specials also have these plastic tuners. I was surprised that nobody here has mentioned this already. I'm very conflicted, as I had wanted this instrument for years before it was a reality.
 
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#2
If they're the Gotoh Resolites, yes, they have plastic buttons - they are lighter than Hipshot Ultralites, but that's one place I think that a bit of metal (aluminum in the case of the Hipshots) is a good thing, even though they weigh a bit more. I don't think the Gotohs will wear out fast or anything, but if the bass gets dropped on its head (ouch!) I'd worry about breaking one of those things.
 
#3
RonnieDobbs said:
I was thrilled to receive my short scale Ernie Ball Musicman bass yesterday, but almost immediately noticed something that alarmed and disappointed me: the tuners have chrome plated plastic cloverleafs. I would understand if this were a cheap imported instrument, but it was a $2000 bass. The rest of the fit and finish seem nice, but this might be a deal breaker. I looked at a lot of photographs and it seems the Stingray Specials also have these plastic tuners. I was surprised that nobody here has mentioned this already. I'm very conflicted, as I had wanted this instrument for years before it was a reality.
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I suspect this is a direct consequence of our relentless obsession with weight. You can replace them with something but it will be heavier.
 
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#5
RonnieDobbs said:
I was thrilled to receive my short scale Ernie Ball Musicman bass yesterday, but almost immediately noticed something that alarmed and disappointed me: the tuners have chrome plated plastic cloverleafs. I would understand if this were a cheap imported instrument, but it was a $2000 bass. The rest of the fit and finish seem nice, but this might be a deal breaker. I looked at a lot of photographs and it seems the Stingray Specials also have these plastic tuners. I was surprised that nobody here has mentioned this already. I'm very conflicted, as I had wanted this instrument for years before it was a reality.
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Are you sure they're plastic? I understood the StingRay Special to be chrome-plated aluminum.
 
#6
LBS-bass said:
I suspect this is a direct consequence of our relentless obsession with weight. You can replace them with something but it will be heavier.
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The thing
Stevorebob said:
Are you sure they're plastic? I understood the StingRay Special to be chrome-plated aluminum.
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They have a kind of ripple sheen to them. My first thought when I touched them was "this is plastic." I am almost certain they are plastic with some kind of chrome finish. I'd love to be proved wrong. I asked Ernie Ball customer support about it yesterday. Haven't heard anything back.
 
#7
The customer service email has never let me down, they have always answered my questions.

I'm very interested to find out what you learn. I am not completely sold on these chunky tuning keys, and if it turns out to not even be metal it will be an easy decision to change them out.

I thought I left chrome painted plastic behind when I returned my last Ric.
 
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#11
The other concern was the wording in the new logo and omission of any mention of USA or San Luis Obispo. I am less concerned with country of origin than playability, though. Again, this bass feels and looks amazing and rips. Just weird that they just say "California Heritage since 1974" and that's it. I feel like they could make the bass in Uganda and put that on the headstock and be free and clear.
 
#12
RonnieDobbs said:
The other concern was the wording in the new logo and omission of any mention of USA or San Luis Obispo. I am less concerned with country of origin than playability, though. Again, this bass feels and looks amazing and rips. Just weird that they just say "California Heritage since 1974" and that's it. I feel like they could make the bass in Uganda and put that on the headstock and be free and clear.
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Apparently there is an ongoing (or it may be closed...?) legal dispute in California which stipulates that if any one part of a finished product, like a guitar, is not made in the US (like a preamp circuit board), it cannot legally labeled as Made in USA.
 
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#14
eastcoasteddie said:
Apparently there is an ongoing (or it may be closed...?) legal dispute in California which stipulates that if any one part of a finished product, like a guitar, is not made in the US (like a preamp circuit board), it cannot legally labeled as Made in USA.
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That could explain why my 2017 G&L only says Fullerton, California, while my 2014 says Made in Fullerton, California, USA.
 
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#15
eastcoasteddie said:
Apparently there is an ongoing (or it may be closed...?) legal dispute in California which stipulates that if any one part of a finished product, like a guitar, is not made in the US (like a preamp circuit board), it cannot legally labeled as Made in USA.
Click to expand...

That's the old California regulations. The new one says 95% or more made in USA can be called that. It also allows for 90% if any parts are not obtainable from USA manufacturers.

I suspect California will lose in courts, eventually, and will have to go back to federal regulations.
 
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#20
Just a quick question... how many folks here have actually broken a tuning key (not stripped out the gear but actually snapped off the key head)? Sounds like a lot of worry without much substance. In nearly 35 years of playing I never have nor have I ever seen it.

Additionally, if it’s impact damage you’re concerned with, an impact that will break a plastic tuning key will also most likely break or at least bend an aluminum one. Bent aluminum is essentially worthless because it will snap if you attempt to bend it back. I guess people equate “plastic” with “cheap” quality-wise, but I’d be surprised if it really makes any difference at all other than in the weight.
 
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