Learning to live with a D-tuner

I've used a Hipshot D tuner from almost the day they came out on the market. It helps to have only two or three wraps of string around the tuning post. It's also a good idea to make sure the assembly works smoothly, and to lubricate it every month or so. Of course, the string has to be completely stretched out on it. This means a couple good hard yanks on it.

Over the years, I've learned to play with the D A D G and C A D G tuning and get around comfortably with it. This took a lot of shedding.

The hipshot involves a compromise because the D or C note isn't properly intonated for D or C. It works well live, but I never was comfortable with it in the studio.

A five string bass has the advantage of easier patterns and more natural articulation. That said, I like the sound of a detuned E to D better than a D on a B string.

 

Hi!

I agree with the other two. I have them on all my 4 string basses. Many tunes I cover play off a tuned down e string to d. It really can't be played on a 5 string. Make sure you put vaseline on the tab of the hipshot every few months. When you drop to d, it won't always be in tune perfectly but I've found I can get it pretty close with a little finesse! I use it sometimes for a whole song or maybe for a passage or an ending to a tune. I wouldn't dare go on stage w/o one!

Rob

 

If I have my Yiddish correct, a "schmeckel" is not a measure - it's a body part

 

Great advice given here. I always installed D=tuners on my fours. Once you get the hang of setting 'em up, they work beautifully: I could flip between D and E multiple times within the same song.

 

I've used one for 10 years or so and I've found that what works best for me is this:

1) Start by tuning the E, not the D (i.e. with the lever closed)
2) Tune up from a flat note (i.e. tune up, not down)
3) (And this is key) From a flat note, gradually tighten the tuner (sharpen the note) and between each turn flip the lever. This sounds strange, but it really makes a difference. Essentially, you're moving the tuning key slightly and then flipping the lever up & down each time until your E is in tune. Be careful not to overshoot the E. If you do, you should detune and start over.
4) Once the E is in tune, move on to the D (or whatever the de-tuned note is).

Also, you can try rubbing some graphite (from the tip of a pencil) into the nut slot for that string. This was an old Billy Sheehan trick that works pretty well. It keeps the string from binding/sticking in the nut slot.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck. D-tuners really are a god-send!

 

I've got them on all my 4's also & they work fine.