Hipshot UltraLites. Licensed vs USA

[hardtop]

I had a chance to compare the 1/2" versions side by side today. I used calipers to measure and disassembled them too.
Wow.
They weigh about the same, at least within a 10th of an ounce (the licensed came in heavier but they are clovers, vs lollipops on the USA models, so there is some variation). The quality is noticeable. The nut-sleeve is much more stout on the us models, the mechanism, the housing, everything is noticeably better built and beefier on the US tuner. I also think they are more accurate and hold tune better; this based on the experience of replacing the licensed models on my Lakland Skyline with the US versions.
I do not, by any means, think the licensed models are junk, but I would say this: If you don't have the extra $60 bucks for the USA models, you may want to consider waiting to change tuners.

Just my 2 cents for those of you wondering.

 

[joel the bass player]

Did you have enlarge the holes in the headstock for the US tuners to fit? I thought they didn't come in exactly the same size or something. Skyline 55-02 owner who would love to get some better feeling tuners. Mine just seem sticky at times and I also really don't like the satin finish on them.

 

[Gaolee]

I had to enlarge the holes on a 1991 Thunderbird to install 3/8 shaft Hipshots, but that's probably not an issue for most people. Nothing like drilling holes in a Gibson to liberate yourself.

 

[hardtop]

Did you have enlarge the holes in the headstock for the US tuners to fit? I thought they didn't come in exactly the same size or something. Skyline 55-02 owner who would love to get some better feeling tuners. Mine just seem sticky at times and I also really don't like the satin finish on them.

I did not have to enlarge the holes in the Lakland as I recall. You are correct that the nut-sleeve is thicker on the US models but both 1/2" tuners are intended to be used with an 11/16" hole despite the US model being .05" larger in diameter. Essentially, the import tuners will have a little "tolerance" (slop) around the nut-sleeve while the US models will fit snugly in that size hole. I suspect the 3/8" tuners are the same; both made for a 9/16" hole where the 3/8" shaft fits loose on the licensed models and tight on the US ones.
Last night, I did replace import tuners with a US set on a different bass, and those holes were drilled for the smaller nut-sleeve. This required me to clearance the holes a bit with a hand file. Wasn't too bad with a round file, didn't take a whole lot of little time, and the screw locations lined up perfectly.

 

[joel the bass player]

What year/model is your Lakland? And you installed 1/2" tuners on it?

Thanks

 

[hardtop]

What year/model is your Lakland? And you installed 1/2" tuners on it?

Thanks

It's a 55-64 and, honestly, I don't recall the year. I have had it for about 4 years, and it was probably a few years old when I bought it, so maybe a 2011? I also installed the tuners about 3 years ago so I can't recall if they were 1/2" or 3/8". I do know remember that I initially ordered the wrong ones, and had to send them back because I guessed and didn't measure. Im almost positive they are the 3/8" models (based on my reverb purchase history The bass is packed up in the closet and the calipers are in the garage but just measure your tuning shaft at the very outside face (i'd recommend using calipers if you have them, though an 1/8" should be pretty clear) If you buy them in sets, you can usually find them on reverb or ebay for under $110 bucks. Dont worry about bass and treble side though, US tuners are reversible.