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Hipshot detuner

Hello,
I recently purchased a hipshot Detuner for my 83' fender p bass. My question is weather you tune the E string down to D or if you just flip the detuner, should the other 3 strings stay in tune? The problem I am having is when I flip the Detuner my A,D & G are all out just a little but out indeed. Am I doing something wrong or should this be expected because of the less tension on the neck.
Sincerely, Brian
 
hey brian-

dmonroe is right. there must be something else going on. i don't have any basses with a hipshot, but i've never seen that happen on my buddies' instruments so-equipped. it even seems strange to me that your bridge would be affected by it; however, maybe there is some issue with tension and relief on your neck that is being exacerbated by the changing string tension when you activate the hipshot. it almost sounds as if the hipshot tension change is somehow affecting the relief on the neck...? let us know what you find out!
 
I have to disagree. Changing the tension of one string can affect the others. Each strings individual tension contributes to the overall tension exerted on the neck.

Reducing the tension of one string (drop tuning) will allow the neck to pull the remaining strings (ever so slightly) sharp.

An extreme example is when you break a string. You'll notice your remaining strings will go sharp.

This tendency is minimized by a stiffer neck and exacerbated by a less rigid neck.
 
I have to disagree. Changing the tension of one string can affect the others. Each strings individual tension contributes to the overall tension exerted on the neck.

Reducing the tension of one string (drop tuning) will allow the neck to pull the remaining strings (ever so slightly) sharp.

An extreme example is when you break a string. You'll notice your remaining strings will go sharp.

This tendency is minimized by a stiffer neck and exacerbated by a less rigid neck.

bitterdale, that's what i was thinking in my reply, as well when i was referring to the hipshot's change in tension influencing neck relief and subsequently, the tuning.

bfonbass, i'm curious as to what types of adjustments would have eliminated your problem? do you know what your buddy did to fix?
 
I've used hipshots for 20 years never had a problem with the other strings losing tune, rock solid performance always.

But I could see where a really weak neck could maybe (no weak necks here I guess).

hip63 :p