Double Bass Sourcing Baker style machines/tuners

[pmad_bass]

Anyone have a source for high quality Baker style machines/tuners?

I really only need one for my E tuner per an issue I'm having...which I'll go into further....but assume I'd need to buy all 4.


I have found these thus far. I've reached out to mjbl as those are the exact tuners that I have ...but no response.

I've also reached out to gallerystrings.com as those might be suitable in a pinch.

Baker Model Double bass tuning machine heads

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Less fond of these.
https://www.thomannmusic.com/rubner_bass_machines_140_129_6_l.htm

 

[LouisF]

I'm not sure, from their website, if they still have the Bakers: Irving Sloane Bass Tuning Machines | Upton Bass

 

[Mark_T]

I think Zachary Martin and Jed Kriegel were both working on something that could be described as "Baker" style, but I think they weren't properly Baker machines.

When I was having my bass made, I spent a lot of time pouring over a PDF of various options from Rubner. They have way more than what's shown on the Thomann website (or their own, unfortunately). I think they may also have some ability to do custom work. It might be worth reaching out to Rubner directly.

 

[Mark_T]

Click where it says "Precision Machines":

Workshop | Zachary S. Martin

 

[pmad_bass]

Click where it says "Precision Machines":

Workshop | Zachary S. Martin

These look great!

I *assume Jed Kriegel doesn't have a webpage? (havent found)

 

[Mark_T]

These look great!

I *assume Jed Kriegel doesn't have a webpage? (havent found)

He used to, but I'm getting 404s now. When I lived in Boston he took amazing care of my Arvi bass, so I hope/assume he's just reworking his website or keeping a lower profile.

 

[pmad_bass]

I reached out to Jed (shot and email and left a VM), so hopefully will hear back soon. Attached are some pics highlighting my dilemma/issue. I have had this bass about a year and a half and have noticed two things:

1.) The (I'll call it washer) washer through which the screw threads into the peg on the D/G side of the pegbox cheek sits at an angle, which I *suppose is normal as the E/A cheek are not perpendicular to the D/G cheek. Which would mean the only one side of the washer makes contact with the plate. That sometimes buzzes and rattles if the screw is loose. I tightened it previously but only enough to eliminate the ratteling of the washer.

2.) When I have changed strings (2x now) that the E tuner has always felt super tight regardless as to if I'm just bringing the string to pitch via tuning or when de-tuning to remove the string and/or bringing a newly installed string up to pitch. Perhaps there is a balance of having the screw just tight enough for the washer not to rattle when playing yet loose enough to allow smooth operation when tuning...or it is something that would need to be tightened and loosened when tuning/de-tuning/installing new strings.

Not having loosened the screw from the tension at which I had it whereby the washer didn't rattle when playing, I de-tuned the string so that I could do a string change. It was super tight. In hindsight, I likely should have loosened the screw. Anyway, kept de-tuning till the strings was almost off and: "POP!" off came the gear, separating from the peg. Luckily I was able to piece it back together and was able to bring the new string up to pitch, however, the tightness persists and I can see that the gear has been somewhat stressed from the peg. It is enough to hold for now....but I have concerns.

 

[pmad_bass]

So more fun today. Switching strings out and ow both the E and the A string gear/cog just spins around the peg after a certain point of tension (well short of that needed to bring string to pitch). Urgh/expletive!