Hipshot Bass Xtender...do you use one?

[micguy]

I have a hard enough time playing a bass tuned in D standard or B standard - I never was good at drop tunings; always worked best with things tuned in 4ths. So, I don't have Hipshot detuners, I have basses in different tunings.

 

[akrachanko]

I seem to need to go to drop D quite often and these look handy. What is your experience with them? I watched the video from Hipshot showing how to install and tune. I think it said to tune the E with the tuner and the D with the thumbscrew? Do they stay in tune or do you have to adjust all the time after flipping the lever. Thanks

I used to have a bass a few years back that I put one of these on to have some flexibility. Tuning was very stable, and once it was dialed it, you almost forget it's there. I only used it maybe 5-6 times throughout a 50 minutes set, but in that time, no tuning problems at all. Never had to readjust the thumbscrew either.

 

[rickdog]

I've had one for years. I'd hate to have to do without it. Everyone I play with, there's one or two songs that really need a low D.

It's on a Fender Jazz, I didn't notice any difference in the balance when I installed it. That might not be an accurate result for everyone, that bass weighs 10 lbs., it has a Gibson mudbucker up at the end of the neck.

 

[rockdoc11]

A big YES! I've been using one since the 1990s.

I actually used to use a drop C on it (for Boston's Foreplay/Long Time), but now I find the drop D works for most of my needs. Mine works remarkably well, with no perceivable impact on weight or anything else.

I do have to do a quick mental "recalibration" of patterns that I want to play on tunes that involve the E-string-that-is-now-a D-string,, but even that gets easier and easier.

P.S. I just noticed in the pic that you can actually see wear on that one tuner from me using that X-Tender tuner so much. I guess it gets used more than I thought!

 

[Geri O]

Reviving this old thread. Thinking of installing one of these. Does it add any noticeable weight to the headstock? Make neck dive worst? Thanks!

Never noticed any change from the Hipshot in wearing the basses. An 8-lb Mike Lull and a 9-lb Stingray.

Both of mine are 5-strings. So I can do low A. I get pretty solid low As, too, as long as o don't hit the string too hard.

 

[Lennys]

I put it on a 4 string Fender precision (American special) and so great that I also put one on my new Fender Player fretless. I have a 5 string but this gives me '4 1/2 string' pretty cool.

 

[spufman]

I have one on my 8.5 pound Lakland, which is the best balanced of all my basses - added weight is a non-issue. I totally love the thing, very simple, clever design, beautifully executed. I'd like to get one for my #2 G&L, which is quite body heavy anyway. I'm comfortable in 5ths tuning because of mandolin, so pretty seamless.

 

[lokikallas]

It's nice to save time, and avoid the pause between songs.

 

[Lennys]

Oh yeah, I forgot you have to remember your a cello not db if drop lever.