• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Hipshot Ultralight VS. Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners

bongomania

bongomania

Commercial User
Oct 17, 2005
35,688
3,919
PDX, OR
www.ovnilab.com
Disclosures
owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
#1
I like Hipshot products a lot, but somebody in another thread today said they preferred the Gotoh Resolites. Rather than hijack that thread, I'm asking here: for those of you that have direct hands-on experience with both brands of ultralight tuner, how do they compare? Does one feel more solid/reliable? Does one have better-looking or more durable finish?

Thx!
 
#2
I have used both. They are both high quality. Hipshot may be a little better, but they are both fine.

I got the Gotoh Res-o-lite vintage-type cloverleafs when I wanted to replace the tuners on my '57 AVRI P, and they are dead-on in appearance (nickel finish, long stems), but waaay lighter than the factory tuners (about 50% if I remember correctly).

When I don't need to replicate vintage style tuners, I get Hipshots. They are super high-quality and easier to find.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HowieD72, Matt R, comatosedragon and 1 other person
#10
Just bumping this thread to see if anyone else wants to share their experiences/preferences on this subject. I am looking to swap out some tuners on a Fender RW. Have a few basses with the Ultralites but never played one with Resolites....not sure if would be worth the premium.
 
#12
Sparkdog said:
I've used both. I have a Lakland right now with the Hipshots and a Fender Jazz with the Res-O-Lites...that's the 4th bass I've installed them on.

To me there's no contest, the Gotoh's are lighter and far more precise than the Hipshots. Expensive, yes, but they never fail to impress me.
Click to expand...

Thanks Sparkdog. The Gotoh are available in reverse and are direct replacements too, correct?
 
#14
ErikP.Bass said:
Thanks Sparkdog. The Gotoh are available in reverse and are direct replacements too, correct?
Click to expand...

The model 640 (Kluson-style long stem) is available in two flavors:
GB640 standard-gearing
GBR640 reverse-gearing (a.k.a. correct vintage reverse winding)

Since first trying the 640s a year back, I've now installed them on my other basses. You can get them for $110 from Mojo, which is expensive compared to other tuner options, but they're very well made, and have some nice features that the stock GB8s/9s don't have.

Well worth it if you've got the budget.
 
#18
Erik P - I think the GBR640 will fit your Road Worn, I put them on a Fender 50's Precision and they were a direct replacement and fit perfectly.

That price from Mojo is fantastic! I bought mine from Allparts and they were a lot more...not sure it's cool to post prices here but trust me, that's a real deal on the best tuners I've ever used.

Also, Allparts carries only the reverse version, I wasn't even aware they made a standard (non-reverse) version.
 
#19
ErikP.Bass said:
Anyone know if the GBR640's would fit my Fender Road Worn? Or how to figure out if they would? I needed the 1/2" in the Ultralites.
Click to expand...

Yes. I have a set on a 50's MIM neck (non-reverse because I ordered the wrong ones) and a reverse set on a '62 AV RI neck.

They are very light. Mine are actually too easy to turn and I have not been able to adjust the tension. They do not slip but a little bump (I am a klutz) will move them quite easily.
 
#20
9mmMike said:
They are very light. Mine are actually too easy to turn and I have not been able to adjust the tension. They do not slip but a little bump (I am a klutz) will move them quite easily.
Click to expand...

This is an interesting point. Is there generally a way to adjust the tension on a tuner?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back