Gotoh tuners? Y-shaped heads? Res-o-lite?

[edr]

Hey, this is part question, part brainstorm.

I've got two Korean-made Spectors here, both with no-name tuners that look like they could be replaced by Gotoh GB7's with the Y-shaped key (am I using the terms right?), and I think I've seen actual Gotohs on the higher-end models. They basically look like this:

The tuning machines here don't feel that great to use (feels grindy / sticks in some spots), but they do hold tuning acceptably. Both suffer from neck dive as well. One (my 6-string, surprisingly) is mild enough to ignore, the other is more severe since it has a semi-hollow body.
I was thinking res-o-lites would be the answer despite the cost, but they look like this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Are there res-o-lites with the other shape? Or a good alternative? Should I just get used to this look instead?

 

[sissy kathy]

Check out the Hipshot Ultralites, they are open gear tuners but are available with the Y key you want.

USA Ultralite® Bass Tuning Machine 1/2

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hey, this is part question, part brainstorm.

I've got two Korean-made Spectors here, both with no-name tuners that look like they could be replaced by Gotoh GB7's with the Y-shaped key (am I using the terms right?), and I think I've seen actual Gotohs on the higher-end models. They basically look like this:

The tuning machines here don't feel that great to use (feels grindy / sticks in some spots), but they do hold tuning acceptably. Both suffer from neck dive as well. One (my 6-string, surprisingly) is mild enough to ignore, the other is more severe since it has a semi-hollow body.
I was thinking res-o-lites would be the answer despite the cost, but they look like this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Are there res-o-lites with the other shape? Or a good alternative? Should I just get used to this look instead?

I've only seen the scalloped buttons on the Res-o-lites but I think they look pretty sharp. Stick with the US Hipshots if you prefer the conventional "Y" platforms. Here are both side-by-side:





Riis

 

[micguy]

The Resolites and the USA Hipshots (3/8 Y key) are the same weight. The specs on the web sites say the Resolites are lighter, but when you actually weight them (I have) they are the same weight. The Resolites are named that because the button on them is plastic (RESin = RESolites). If you look at how that button interfaces with the rest of the tuner, I have REServations about their longevity, so the set that I bought sits in my parts bin, and I use the Hipshots. I don't know for certain that that would be a problem, but the Hipshots are more confidence inspiring, so I go with them.

The Hipshots are great tuners. They come in 5 different key shapes - Y's, short Y's, lollipops, big clovers, and small clovers, in 4 colors - chrome nickle, gold and black, and 2 sizes of posts - the Big 1/2 inch Fenderish ones, and the 3/8 inch ones that fit the holes that you probably have. The Resolites don't come in all those varieties. The Hipshots (the USA ones) can be swapped left for right - if you need to move one from the bass to the treble side of a headstock, they're easy to change.

 

[micguy]

The tuning machines here don't feel that great to use (feels grindy / sticks in some spots), but they do hold tuning acceptably.

Worm gear tuners (what everything we're talking about here is) don't ever slip - the design is very robust. If you have tuning stability problems, you need to look elsewhere for why that is happening - it isn't a worm gear tuner slipping.

 

[edr]

Worm gear tuners (what everything we're talking about here is) don't ever slip - the design is very robust. If you have tuning stability problems, you need to look elsewhere for why that is happening - it isn't a worm gear tuner slipping.

They don’t slip, they just stick a bit here and there.

 

[micguy]

They don’t slip, they just stick a bit here and there.

There are considerations besides basic functionality (I use Hipshot Ultralites on all my basses), but I find it odd that people justify new tuners based on their perception that "cheaper ones go out of tune".

 

[Razman]

On my 7 string basses that I put thicker strings on - for low F# - I used Gotoh's and they feel great. New tuners from either company will fix that. I have an 8 string that I might put the Resolite's on because of headstock weight. On a five string I wouldn't think the weight savings would amount to much.

 

[Zooberwerx]

They don’t slip, they just stick a bit here and there.

Both under load (string tension) and unloaded?

Riis

 

[sissy kathy]

On my 7 string basses that I put thicker strings on - for low F# - I used Gotoh's and they feel great. New tuners from either company will fix that. I have an 8 string that I might put the Resolite's on because of headstock weight. On a five string I wouldn't think the weight savings would amount to much.

On a 5 string you can expect ~30% weight savings.

 

[poochiecheeks]

Schaller M4, just installed them on a spector euro. Make sure the outside bushing diameter is the right size before you buy but they look and feel miles better than the two you have pictured

 

[micguy]

On my 7 string basses that I put thicker strings on - for low F# - I used Gotoh's and they feel great. New tuners from either company will fix that. I have an 8 string that I might put the Resolite's on because of headstock weight. On a five string I wouldn't think the weight savings would amount to much.

On a 5 string you can expect ~30% weight savings.

It depends on what’s on there. If you have the old clunky Fender tuners, it’s half a pound on a 4; more with more strings. The Gotoh I’ve weighed. (Small bodies but brass or zinc) were 65 to 70 grams each, the Hipshots are 40. It adds up, even on a 4. More strings kinda demands light tuners, or you’re gonna have neck dive.

 

[edr]

I still haven't picked anything, I'm going to pull out the tuners when I change the strings on my 6 to get a better picture for whether the gotohs are going to just drop into place perfectly, which will make my decision a lot easier.
Thanks for all the advice!

 

[bootstrap]

I find Hipshot gear ugly, do not dig the appeal at all. Ubiquitous so it must function fine but Gotoh by comparison is elegant and refined; robust and precise in construction.