Ibanez Velve Tune B ii replacement from Hipshot

[jimbilly]

I had a failed tuner on my '83 Roadstar II, and the other 3 are a bit rough, I fear they may be getting close to the end too.
After much digging around, I ordered a set of the Hipshot 20655SK Ultralite 1-2 Short Y Key tuning machines, they have 'blems' available on ebay for about $100 for the set, no blemishes that I can see. The bushing part that goes into the headstock is exactly the same as the stock one as best I can tell. The set screw is not quite exactly lined up with one of the existing set screw holes, but close enough that the set screw goes in just fine, and the tuner body covers/hides the 2nd stock screw hole. This seems to be a very good replacement, and the only option I have found that doesn't require any modifications to the bass.

 

[sissy kathy]

Enjoy. You found a good deal. The fourth tuner, that you don't really need, as you already have one installed, is essentially free. Sell it and reduce your cost even more.

 

[jimbilly]

I changed them all, that was just a photo for comparison, new to old. The broken one as a worn ring gear (brass it appears) and a broken shaft, - the ring gear screw was holding the shaft together somehow, so it's 'scrap'. The others are a bit 'rough', I think the ring gears are wearing, so I replaced them all. I'm a Gotoh fan, but I think these Velve's are their worst product, I've read about quite a few failures, and about other people having trouble finding replacements. I'm not going to sell the extras, I think they're too worn, I wouldn't feel good about selling them. The Hipshot's have a steel ring gear, I would guess they certainly have a steel worm gear too, so they should last 'forever'.
My intent was to post this as a PSA for other Ibanez owners who might be searching for the same solution.

 

[Zohran]

I changed them all, that was just a photo for comparison, new to old. The broken one as a worn ring gear (brass it appears) and a broken shaft, - the ring gear screw was holding the shaft together somehow, so it's 'scrap'. The others are a bit 'rough', I think the ring gears are wearing, so I replaced them all. I'm a Gotoh fan, but I think these Velve's are their worst product, I've read about quite a few failures, and about other people having trouble finding replacements. I'm not going to sell the extras, I think they're too worn, I wouldn't feel good about selling them. The Hipshot's have a steel ring gear, I would guess they certainly have a steel worm gear too, so they should last 'forever'.
My intent was to post this as a PSA for other Ibanez owners who might be searching for the same solution.

Thank you so much for info... I am in the same situation, can't find any replacement

 

[8letoine]

Hello ! I have same problem, the hipshot 20655sk tuner is 17.5 or 18mm ? I have an ibanez rb850 with ibanez velve tune b2 tuner

 

[poochiecheeks]

Thats good to know thank you

 

[Dirk Diggler]

I'd suggest contacting Hipshot, they are very helpful and really know what fits what.

 

[8letoine]

Thank you jimbilly ! You save my bass ! (Many original tuner broken) The hipshot are perfect and its very light !

 

[bigtone23]

Great to know! Thank you for the tip.