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Gotoh Res-o-lites on Gibson SG?

Reynoldbot

Reynoldbot

Dec 20, 2009
530
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Minneapolis, MN
www.reynoldbot.com
#1
I've done a search on TB and gotten a bit of information on this topic, but not a straightforward answer to this question, so I'll pose it here:

I've got quite a bit of neck dive on my SG Standard bass, and am looking to replace the admittedly excellent but heavy Grover tuners. Will the Gotoh Res-o-lites simply drop in, or will holes need to be drilled? If it won't drop in, are there any other manufacturers (hipshot, etc) that make lightweight drop-in replacement tuners for Gibson products?
 
#2
I've only ever seen the Gotoh's in the vintage open gear style. So I suspect the holes may not match up but should cover the original holes. Also, what is the post hole diameter? You may have to deal with that also. IMO it would still be worth it though, I believe it shaves about a half pound off the headstock!
 
#3
Reynoldbot said:
I've done a search on TB and gotten a bit of information on this topic, but not a straightforward answer to this question, so I'll pose it here:

I've got quite a bit of neck dive on my SG Standard bass, and am looking to replace the admittedly excellent but heavy Grover tuners. Will the Gotoh Res-o-lites simply drop in, or will holes need to be drilled? If it won't drop in, are there any other manufacturers (hipshot, etc) that make lightweight drop-in replacement tuners for Gibson products?
Click to expand...

I know this is an old post, but I am contemplating replacing the machines in my Gibson SG as well. So, I am curious as to what, if anything, you came up with. I am looking at both the Hipshot and GOTOH lightweight machines.

Thanks.
Derrick
 
#4
I don't think it'll work too well. The only ones that would fit without overlapping each other are the 528s, but they're secured with a bushing and two screws instead of the four screws of the Grovers. Here are the dimensions:

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The bushing bore for the Grovers is over 18mm, but the Gotoh bushing is only 16mm.
 
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#6
Just about any aftermarket tuner you use will need holes drilled. For that reason, I suggest Hipshot Ultralites. Ultralites have one small hole at the center base of the pickup, which if you ever sell the bass will easily be covered up when you re-install the stock tuners. You will save about two ounces per tuner, or about a half-pound total, and that should cure neck dive.
 
#7
iiipopes said:
Just about any aftermarket tuner you use will need holes drilled. For that reason, I suggest Hipshot Ultralites. Ultralites have one small hole at the center base of the pickup, which if you ever sell the bass will easily be covered up when you re-install the stock tuners. You will save about two ounces per tuner, or about a half-pound total, and that should cure neck dive.
Click to expand...

Sounds like good advice to me.

I have a recent SG bass, and while it's a little neck-heavy it's not enough to be problematic. Even just a little weight taken off the headstock would probably balance it perfectly.
 
#9
I know this is an incredibly old post, but I’d really love to hear from anybody who has actually found lightweight tuners that they fit into their SG? I find lots of discussion, but I have a hard time finding anyone who has actually done it.
 
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#10
I've done it. The 3/8" hipshots work. Leave the Gibson bushings in and the hip shot sleeve slides right in perfectly.
IMG_20241231_085154.jpgIMG_20250129_055936.jpg
 
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