Should I install a detuner?

[Swampman Cory]

This is definitely the right model - I confirmed with Lakland (they offer it as a factory option). They even said that the hole may have to be slightly enlarged...guess I should have asked first

If it bothers you the the hole will have to be enlarged, you could just do it and pretend that you got it as a "factory option."

If you did ever want to reinstall the original tuner, you could do so with the addition of something like a bushing ferrule. I don't know what the best option would be, but I have a friend who needed that done during some sort of modification.

 

[kurosawa]

If the bass has zero dead spots in the neck right now, I'd be disinclined to do it if it were my bass.

I'd be worried that the change to the mass of the headstock might introduce one.

It doesn't take much time at all to learn to D-tune and retune manually in the blink of an eye.

 

[Chris Horton]

Yeah , fit the d-tuner , i have been doing the same thing for a while now and would love to hear how it goes, how easy it is to fit etc ...

 

[jaywa]

If the bass has zero dead spots in the neck right now, I'd be disinclined to do it if it were my bass.

I'd be worried that the change to the mass of the headstock might introduce one.

That's a really good point. I'd never thought of that.

 

[danielfnj96]

Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it!

 

[x52dcd]

I took Friskinator's advice, and contacted Hipshot. New drawnut is coming my way! Now I can try it without enlarging the hole.

Thanks!

 

[low2groove]

If you need it use it. But... if it requires a modification you can't live with the choice is obvious. A second bass already tuned and set up for that always works better anyway if you have that option.

 

[MikeBass]

I'm pretty sure Hipshot makes different sizes. Maybe you just need a different model.

I would do it. The hipshot is a invaluable creative tool that you are unlikely to want to remove.

You will never want to reverse it, great mod. Never had one until I got my Fender RB IV, comes factory installed and makes my life a lot easier!

I installed a hipshot on my Fender in 1988, and have put one on every bass I've had since (except my Lakland 5 string). Once you install it and get it set up, you'll find yourself using it all the time. IMO one of the best mods out there, especially when you factor in cost. lpcarter had a good idea with converting all your tuners. BTW, instead if drilling, try using a round or oval wood rasp. you'll be able to remove small amounts of wood at a time and test fit the pieces as you go.

If it bothers you the the hole will have to be enlarged, you could just do it and pretend that you got it as a "factory option."

If you did ever want to reinstall the original tuner, you could do so with the addition of something like a bushing ferrule. I don't know what the best option would be, but I have a friend who needed that done during some sort of modification.

+1,000,000 to all of those.....ALL my 4 strings with the exception of my Hofner have them. And if they made one for my Hofner, it would have one too!

Something also to consider is the HipShot Double Stop lever.
It give you TWO drop positions.
I have mine set for D and B
Yes B with a .105 E string sounds good.
I recently did a gig and used my PRS 4 with it. One of the songs that got recorded (Zoom video camera) I used the drop B.
I'll find it and post it up. (not for performance review, but tone/sound of the HipShot Double Stop dropped WAY down).

Lemme see if I can track it down.....

 

[Waterpilot]

Yeah I would exhaust all possibilities to ensure you can not get a stock fit first. It's hard to anticipate everything but think it would add value if you need to re-sell. Provided it's not a collector's item.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Yeah, just do it. The only thing I don't like about the Skylines is the tuners. I'd say replace them all with US Hipshots. It will increase the value of the instrument for sure.

 

[kurosawa]

Just as with home "improvements," you get only a small fraction out of bass mods compared to what you put into them. Do it only for yourself.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Is it the bushing that is too thick to fit in the hole? Hipshot turned the bushings on a set of their UltraLites to fit one of my basses so I wouldn't have to drill out my bass. I didn't even have to send them the ones I bought, they just turned some ones they had in stock and shipped them to me. They did it at no charge!

 

[x52dcd]

Yeah, they are sending me a new drawnut which they think will fit without modification, at no charge. +1 for awesome service!

 

[Coolhandjjl]

With great products and outstanding service like that, they will be in business for a long, long time.

 

[MrLenny1]

Don't do it!
I hate to mod nice axes.
It's time for a 5 string low B unless your doing
Mike Manring stuff.

 

[JP Morin]

I'll do it, especially if you want to keep the bass for a long time, I love the d-tuner on my 'wick SSII !!
I think if you don't have to drill extra screw holes and for just a 16th inches you would be able to put back the former tuning peg and this would be reversible...

I would test on a blank wood how the swap between the normal peg and the d-tuner would be before drilling the bass... This will tell you the truth on the consequences of doing it !!

 

[georgestrings]

Don't do it!
I hate to mod nice axes.
It's time for a 5 string low B unless your doing
Mike Manring stuff.

Dude, we're talking about an import here, not something rare or expensive...


- georgestrings

 

[georgestrings]

FWIW, I've had nothing but positive experiences with Hipshot products, and their company as a whole...


- georgestrings