Timber Bass short scale and new tuners?

[jgeary]

I'm having fun with short scale basses (I have small hands + a left-hand injury so the short scale is saving me!) - The Magic Fluke Timber Bass is fun to play but I don't like the tuners! I've contacted MF and they say it's not possible to change the tuners.... They are peg heads (or something similar). Do any of you know of a Timber bass that has changed out the tuners? Or can you tell if the tuners CAN be replaced? I much prefer lightweight hipshot tuners.
Thanks!

 

[jeff62]

Sorry, my friend. What you’ve got is what you’re going to have. Play and enjoy.

 

[jgeary]

Sorry, my friend. What you’ve got is what you’re going to have. Play and enjoy.

Bummer....thanks!

 

[abarson]

Maybe a set of banjo tuners?
Grover Sta-Tite Banjo Pegs (Set of 4)

 

[jgeary]

Maybe a set of banjo tuners?
Grover Sta-Tite Banjo Pegs (Set of 4)

I'll look into it - there is a set for ukuleles too - might fit better? I sure wish I could just go with the hipshot!

 

[cavemanbass]

I imagine a competent luthier could modify the headstock and mount some regular tuners. Might cost more than the bass is worth.

 

[Reedt2000]

Standard tuning machines on a slot-head bass are nothing new

The thickness of the headstock will determine if you can just drop in standard tuners (the holes may need widening too). Check out measurement on tuners you like and take a ruler (or measuring device of your choosing ) to that headstock.

Here's an example of the hipshot ultralites

 

[InternetAlias]

If you make the headstock rim thinner, you can put some ultralites there no problem. Also, don't worry about strength, wood is actually quite resilient.

 

[jgeary]

I imagine a competent luthier could modify the headstock and mount some regular tuners. Might cost more than the bass is worth.

I've considered that....I like the tone of the bass, the short scale helps my hand injury, and I like the feel of the neck - so it might be worth it. But there's always a risk that they will make a mistake....

 

[jgeary]

Standard tuning machines on a slot-head bass are nothing new
View attachment 3559557 View attachment 3559558
The thickness of the headstock will determine if you can just drop in standard tuners (the holes may need widening too). Check out measurement on tuners you like and take a ruler (or measuring device of your choosing ) to that headstock.
View attachment 3559560
Here's an example of the hipshot ultralites

This is FANTASTIC! I don't know why I didn't think of this - but wondering if the headstock is just too small? I'll look into this!

 

[Jim Hanks]

Hey, did you ever find a solution? I also have a new Timber and put the flatwounds on it. Love the feel but the 4:1 tuners are super sensitive with the steel core flats. Would love something with a higher ratio.

 

[jgeary]

Well, it's been 3 years since I've looked at this post (which I started) - I sent my Timber Bass back to Magic Fluke as soon as they started using other tuners, and they changed out the tuners to guitar style 20:1 ratio tuners by Graphtech, plus flat wound strings. MUCH better (I didn't like the Pegheds at all!). Here is a (stock) pic of the tuners now.

 

[Jim Hanks]

yes, I've also since gotten a new Timber with the new tuners and new flats. I agree they are way better. My favorite bass now