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Graph Tech Introduces Bass Ratio Machine Heads for Ultimate Tuning Control

TalkBass

News Poster
Mar 12, 2004
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DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Bass players are already known to be cool, calm and collected, and with new Bass Ratio machine heads from Graph Tech Guitar Labs, they’ll be in full control for tuning on the fly. Among the latest additions to the Ratio brand, the innovative Bass Ratio machine heads are each calibrated to a gear ratio, so each string feels and reacts the same to any tuning adjustment. This synchronized system makes tuning and re-tuning the bass faster and more intuitive.

“I didn’t know tuning my bass could be a recognizably better experience. I love Ratios, and they’re so smooth!” said Nicole Row, bassist for Panic! At the Disco.

Just like the Ratio systems for electric and acoustic guitar, Bass Ratio machine heads are designed with balanced-gear tuning technology. They’re the world’s first bass machine heads to use a double envelope gear design with a hardened steel gear to ensure smooth consistency on the higher ratios. For example, from low B to C on a 6-string, small-diameter post, the gear ratios are 48:1, 36:1, 30:1, 20:1, 18:1 and 16:1. One full rotation of any Bass Ratio key results in approximately one full tone pitch change. Each machine head is amazingly smooth and super strong, and provides an unparalleled tuning experience.

The Bass Ratio product line is comprised of seven sets of machine heads, allowing for customization based on number of strings (4-, 5-, or 6-string bass) and tactile preference, including both Y-style and classic clover leaf chrome buttons.

Players can find Graph Tech’s Bass Ratio machine heads on newly released models from popular bass manufacturers. They can also pick up a set at local retailers or shop online to retrofit their favorite bass. MSRP ranges from $99.99 to $199.95 per set.

To learn more, visit www.graphtech.com or visit our booth #3520 in Hall D during the NAMM Show.

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About Graph Tech Guitar Labs

Graph Tech invents, designs and manufactures cool, new and useful guitar products. Founded more than 35 years ago, the company is behind some of the world's most recognized products and brands in the music industry, and has over 50 patents and trademarks around the world. Graph Tech’s list of industry firsts include the world's first self-lubricating nut in 1983; String Saver Saddles, the first saddle to drastically reduce string breakage; TUSQ man-made ivory; and Ratio machine heads. Learn more at www.graphtech.com.
 
I was initially excited to see Graph Tech making tuners, thinking they might be carbon fiber, and insanely light. Alas, it doesn't look like they're anything but standard heavy tuners with different gears in them.
Agreed

If these were in the same weight range or lighter than Hipshot Ultralights I would be interested. As-is it's just a solution looking for a problem. I'm sure they're nice tuners but without a major weight savings, relatively speaking of course, I'll be sticking with my Hipshots.
 
An advanced solution to a non-problem. I feel the same way about multi scale / fanned fret basses & guitars to some degree. There may be more merit to multi scale instruments rather than unnatural feeling string gauges, but a very large number of people have become very accustomed to single scale instruments with the current string gauges available. A very large number of people have also become accustomed to tuners with the same gear ratio and a different amount of torque required to turn each one.

Maybe these tuners are ideal for multi scale instruments......
 
When tuning I expect to turn a high string proportionally less than a low string.

Maybe this makes sense if you use machine heads for "divebomb" effects.
I could be interested in an entire set of 48:1's.
Only
IF Its as light as Hipshot UL and Gotoh 350.
 

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