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Is There a Lightweight Musicman Replacement Tuner???

S

sjb64

Aug 2, 2007
260
6
#1
I have a new Musicman Sterling 5 string that I love. The only problem is that it's fairly neck-heavy. The body size (smaller and thinner than a SR5) is the problem; I wish they had gone with a compact type tuner like the Hipshot Ultralite.

Are there any lightweight replacement tuners avaiable for it made of aluminum or even part plastic (similar to some Fender tuners) out there?
 
#2
Good grief, I'm not alone! I just got a Bongo 5 that's just neck-heavy enough for me to consider swapping tuners. I used Hipshot Ultralights on my SR5 for a while, but I much prefer the smooth tuning of the stock tuners to the rigid tuning of the Hipshots. Hopefully there's a nice compromise.
 
#4
sjb64 said:
I have a new Musicman Sterling 5 string that I love. The only problem is that it's fairly neck-heavy. The body size (smaller and thinner than a SR5) is the problem; I wish they had gone with a compact type tuner like the Hipshot Ultralite.

Are there any lightweight replacement tuners avaiable for it made of aluminum or even part plastic (similar to some Fender tuners) out there?
Click to expand...

I replaced the stock tuning machines on my 93 Sterling for the Hipshot Ultralites.
This bass is much more comfortable to play now. Huge upgrade!
I hope MM stop been so stubborn and start using lighter tuning machines on their basses!

3325123324_59ee86b1dd.jpg



3325123196_0385dcb42a.jpg
 
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#7
I know that Hipshot's BT1 (I think) is a replacement tuner for G&L and Musicman. I was told (by Hipshot) that it has an aluminum post and that a set of five will reduce the weight by the weight of one OEM Musicman tuner. I removed the G string tuner to see how much of a difference it would make and it wasn't as dramatic a improvement as I would have hoped for; the bass was still slightly neck heavy.

If this is the only option I may end up doing it. Does anyone know if it's possible to just switch out the string post, assuming that Hipshot will sell just the aluminum string post?
 
#8
sjb64 said:
I'll bet the Hipshot Ultralites didn't work so well on your SR5 with the 11/16" bore on the headstock. Oh well.

TTT.
Click to expand...

Hipshot makes them with a 1/2" shaft that fits 11/16" tuner holes. I have used the smaller 3/8" before on a Fender before the 1/2" type was available, just flip the washer upside down to keep the tuner centered. And since the nut tightens the whole assembly to the headstock, there is no problem as compared to push fit bushings.
 
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#11
I've thought of trying the BML Lites on my Music Man StingRay5. It looks like they don't use are screw holes at all so you don't need to drill no ones; however, it also seems like they wouldn't cover the existing holes so if that bothers you it would be a no-go.

What about Gotoh Res-o-Lite GB640s?
 
#12
sjb64 said:
I have a new Musicman Sterling 5 string that I love. The only problem is that it's fairly neck-heavy. The body size (smaller and thinner than a SR5) is the problem; I wish they had gone with a compact type tuner like the Hipshot Ultralite.

Are there any lightweight replacement tuners avaiable for it made of aluminum or even part plastic (similar to some Fender tuners) out there?
Click to expand...
If you are willing to drill holes there are several. The Hipshot ultra light is one; the Gotoh 640 is another; Gotoh's CBT 01 is a third I know of. If you aren't willing to drill holes, then not so much.
 
#15
selowitch said:
How about Hipshot HB1s or G&L Ultralites? Those look like they might be true direct replacements.
Click to expand...

The Hipshot HB1 is made of steel, not much weight savings there I think.

selowitch said:
Also what about Schaller BML Lites? It looks like those require no holes to be drilled at all, although they will leave some empty screw holes behind if they replace the stock tuners.
Click to expand...

The Schaller BML needs holes drilled. That tuner uses pins behind the worm gear to keep the tuner from twisting.
 
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#19
I've replaced the stock heavyweight EBMM tuners on both of my SR5 Classics and USA SUB5 with HB6C's. HB6 - 1/2

I did have to wrap the new bushings with some copper tape to make a snug fit in the peghead holes. The total weight of the original tuners is 17.05 oz the Hipshot tuners are 9.95 oz. A 7.1 oz difference. I managed to shave another 6 ounces of the Classics with a few other fully reversible mods too.

The Classic 5 in my profile pic now weighs in a couple ounces under 9 lbs.
 
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#20
tkonbass said:
I've replaced the stock heavyweight EBMM tuners on both of my SR5 Classics and USA SUB5 with HB6C's. HB6 - 1/2

I did have to wrap the new bushings with some copper tape to make a snug fit in the peghead holes. The total weight of the original tuners is 17.05 oz the Hipshot tuners are 9.95 oz. A 7.1 oz difference. I managed to shave another 6 ounces of the Classics with a few other fully reversible mods too.

The Classic 5 in my profile pic now weighs in a couple ounces under 9 lbs.
Click to expand...

Do you mind sharing the other mods.
 

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