Hipshot/Gotoh D-Tuner question for Mr. Manring

[drumvsbass]

Hello Micheal Manring, hope this thread finds you well. Straight to the point, I have a Zon Legacy Elite equipped with 4 D-Tuner keys. When I had ordered the bass from Zon I was expecting Hipshot branded D-tuners. It came with Gotoh D-tuners. I have found out recently that they are apparently the same thing as I had to replace the Gotohs I got from Zon. I ordered Hipshots straight from Hipshot and received... Gotohs. This isn't necessarily a problem, but I was wondering how often do you have to replace your D-Tuner keys? Mine lasted just about 8 years before falling apart/feeling very sloppy. Do you have actual Hipshot branded D-Tuners or Gotohs? I have Hipshot branded D-Tuners on several of my other basses (although the larger BT2 Fender style) and one of them is about 25 years old and still smooth as the day I got it on the bass. Thanks for the all the inspiration and hopefully a reply.

martythebassplayer.com

 

[Michael Manring]

Hi drumvsbass. As you point out, Hipshot offers several brands of tuning machines which they have fitted with re-tuning capabilities. This makes it easier to simply swap the keys on standard basses for Hipshot versions. On my Hyperbass I have the Gotoh style, on my main fretless I have Hipshot's own design they call "Ultralights." In the 25 or so years I've had my Hyperbass I've had to replace tuning keys a few times, but the Ultralights have held up a little better. Because of this and a few other issues I prefer the Ultralights, but if I recall correctly, Joe Zon prefers the Gotohs. Either way, it's a wonderful tool!

 

[drumvsbass]

Have you tried this yet? I have. My low E does D and C.

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