How to Drop Tune a Bass | Hipshot XTender | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 37 | Thomann
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- A lot of you guys asked for this, so here you go: the mighty drop tuner machine head for basses.
How to install it, use it and will it fit all basses? Find it all out in the video.
Enjoy Guitar Tech Tips!
Gear used: tho.mn/hkaub
We use Triad-Orbit stands for our cameras, lights and mics: tho.mn/triad
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/xuad
Monitors optimised through Sonarworks: tho.mn/sonar
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:47 Will it fit on all basses?
1:12 The installation is simple
2:47 How to tune with this machine head?
3:02 Time for a test ride
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Видеоклипы
Got one of these it really is the most useful upgrade ever.
how? You have to swipe the lever and micro tune anyway
@@redress5 nope don't have to microtune if setup properly as evidenced by my Korg tuner. Just flicking the lever does it. Once my strings bedded in I've not had to tune the Fender bass often at all even with the XTender.
I install these on every bass I own. I see some comments saying they’re expensive, but in reality they are the most valuable upgrade for the professional gigging musician.
You can’t keep the audiences attention if your constantly going from standard to drop D tuning during a live performance.
Uh huh. Tell that to Mike Manring 😂
@@swordsinging1709
lol
Can you put multiple drop tuners on a bass, for example, the E and A string?
@@TonyBiancoTonyBianco
Yes. And I believe that they still even make one that controls the E and A tuner with one lever.
@@KeithCamplin Dang. Doesn't show on the website. Do you know where I could get a double extender
All my 4 string basses have had these installed - such an amazingly useful piece of kit...
I have them on all of my basses. You should always tune the drop tuning when in E position - Not in drop tuning position and adjust accordingly. It also helps to put graphite dust (or something similar) in your nut and a dab of petroleum jelly where the lever hits the screw plate.
I have one of these on one of my basses, but about to put it on another. One tip I found online: lube up that nylon circle piece with some Vaseline. That way it doesn’t squeak.
Great video, Kris! ✌🏼
There's only really one problem I always had working with these d tuners which is worth mentioning. Whenever you drop tune the other 3 strings will go slightly sharp as the strings put over all less tension on the neck and it bows backwards. If you do it the other way around and set up the bass to your already dropped string and put the lever back in after that, your other strings will go flat. It's worth considering before installing these tuners. However technically you'd run into the same problem detuning by hand if your only adjusting the one string. The Xtenders are a great addition to any bass they fit on, just keep in mind it's not the perfect problem solver. I hardly doubt it's that noticeable when gigging, however I would not recommend it for recording. If you have a d tuner, try it out, because I only realized it recently after playing with one for over a year I believe 😅😵
Cheers! 🤘🏼😎
Hey buddy, nice to see you here! :) Yeah, all "fast detuning solutions" are mostly recommended for live shows. Recording is pretty mean, you'll find yourself tuning more than playing some days. Haha! Thanks for the input!
Cheers //Kris
Thank you for the vid. Phil K. Factor bass low note extensions needn't alter playing positions on the 4th string and hope one-day, a device would be produced similar to it
I didn't know it was that easy, im always tuning to drop d and back, imma get one of these bad boys
I have to say i really ejoy wstchinh your videos. Seems content doesnt matter. Just makes my moment more relaxed snd positive. Learning new things along..Thank you!
Thank you man, excellent playing and a wonderful explanation
Wow, that was an actual compliment on my bass playing. I cherish your words a lot! :)
//cheers buddy, Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses yes, really awesome indeed ^^
(flattering you into becoming a main bass player xP)
I installed my drop tuner at the top of the headstock considering the fact I play a jazz bass in backwards turning. i actually broke it then reengineered it by adding a nut to the back of the bolt and routed a hole for a snug fit against the headstock making it stronger to handle more tension.
Thank you for this one. Finally I got a perfect (and short) example to show my dad "what those little levers do?".
It would be great if you somehow managed to do video about Multibender.
I may or may not be looking for closeups so I can try to replicate this device :v
That riff is the best thing I've heard all day. Excellent usage of a product that some may deem gimmick-y.
Okay, changing the tuning mid-run was super smooth...
Dude I'm a six string player but this bass upgrade is absolutely amazing to me
Great stuff!
Is there any trick to save hands from low end bridge sharp things? Especially when you are forced to level strings up high on bridge.
Is there something like that for guitar as well? Would be awesome to quickly change between major and minor tuning on my resonator!
I need this in my life
Besides your very helpful knowledge, you have a very uplifting attitude! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses So I just purchased a Schaller HB style Xtender on the strength of this video- it’s to be installed in a 1985 Gibson Explorer bass which is currently at the shop being refinished- will let you know how it goes when all is completed
I've had one of my bass for like 10 years and never even used it once. Your demo is definitely a help. Gonna "Drop out" now! lol btw- the fb bass group I'm in go a kick outa my lack of dropping!
I have this “Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass V Roasted Pine Natural” 5 string..... are all the hipshot tuners the same ? And does it work for a 5 string bass, if so can you help me get the right one ☝🏻
Would be crazy useful to have a list of supporter bass guitars, I have a Yamaha one and no product seems to fit… at the end I will can Thomann and ask around I guess.
I bought a hipshot D tuner for my Getty Lee jazz bass. I always have had a tuning issue with it. I can get it to tune to standard pitch from the main tuner, but once I adjust the other tuner to D, it throws off the standard tuner. I have watched several of these set up tutorials, and I am doing it all correctly. Any ideas?
Thanks because i was unsure that i needed to change the bushing but thank god i dont need to do that :) when they fit the bushing that are already the original on the player series
Yeah, if you find a Hipshot model that fits your bass, it's that easy to swap the original machine head. And in your case that's as easy as seen in the video. :) Cheers //Kris
I'm late to this conversation but could use some tips if anyone can help.
I understand from Hipshot that if I tune to E, switch the lever and tune to D, I then need to return to E and check tuning. Apparently it should be sharp and I then need to retune (perhaps adding graphite) and from now on the D will remain constant to the E.
My problem is that when I return to E, I find it flat rather than sharp and I'm struggling to keep the D tuning constant.
Any thoughts? (Hope I've explained that clearly!)
Come to the bass side...we have cookies! 😊👍🍪🍪🍪
Like Jen Jen ? 🦜 cookie!
@@PooNinja No my cat would snack on that, he leaves the Oreos and chocolate chip ones alone though.
The bass side? But wait... are you my father? Obi-Wan told me something else. What should I do now? The force is strong with the 6 strings, they're calling my name...
lol
//Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses There is another...I shall bring Guil to the Gretsch side then...MUWAHAHAHAHAHA
..and really "strong" tea 😉🤣
I never used mine until I was playing at church; all the songs seem to be in D. I use it all the time now.
Does this fit on a Fender Mexico jazz bass?
Would this work on a Dingwall NG3 6 string?
I have a question can I put them on all four tuning Machines
Are any of these tuners compatible with a Jackson bass?
Can you install this tuner on all strings?? Like, it is possible??
Is tension of E string after droptune with Hipshot as low as when manually downtuning from E to D? Or, advantegous, a bit higher in comparison to manual drop tune?
There can't be a tension difference, otherwise the note would not be the same.
May I ask a question : what about the nut ? I guess you need a proper nut to let the sting move smoothly right ?
Yes. Hipshot specifies this and specifically says not to use with a brass nut, iirc
I thought of uprading tuners for hipshots in my classic vibe 50s p bass. Do these match the sizes? :)
Hi, please check the hipshot website for compatibility. That's the best place to find out if it works without modding your bass. Cheers //Kris
Awesome! Really... I now want this (:>)
I see that you installed it on a fender player jazz bass, what model xtender did you use??
the links are in the description box under the video. Check it out and let me know if you can't find anything you want. :) Cheers! //Kris
I have one and installed it but it drops to a low C#.
More bass mods!
Ok. Question that has plagued me for years. What is better? Drop D or five string bass. I’m a four stringer but trying my luck with a five string.
I'm a 4 stringer too. All my instruments are tuned in drop (D or C). Never had the feeling that I'm missing the 5th (I play stoner/psych rock). The only thing which the 5 stringed bass would help, is that I wouldn't have to have a 2nd one tuned in standard (or drop D). To be honest I never needed the 2nd one on a live gig.
On the other hand, it's a personal choice, according the needs and the taste.
This "gadget" is of no use for me, as I don't change during the song. Whenever is needed I can go really fast from drop to standard, in between songs. All you need is a really good tuner (I bought from Thomann the Boss TU-3W Waza craft and it's amazing, especially at the low ends...). But... for the bassists that change during the song, this is a great tool. I tried it on a friend's bass and it kicks a**!
Long story short, if you do this (change while playing) it's a must. Otherwise, it's just another "gadget".
Thanks for the tip. I’ve got a a drop D tuner on my Steinberger ( that probably kinda dates me haha) and I do find it useful at times. I just can’t get used to the fifth string. I think I’ll go with the tuner on one of my basses. But you did raise a good point. You can tune the bass in a flash with a good tuner. I think I might just go that route. Thanks
I have a 5 string that when playing Killing In The Name Of, I ended up simply droping the E to D, because it was less painfull on my hand, compared to playing it on the D of the B string third fret.
I admit I was a bit out of shape, but that's an exemple why 5 string doesn't magicaly solve all issues.
@thomann‘s: does this work for drop b to drop a tuning as well?
I don't see why wouldn't it work for that. As long as the tuner fits your bass of course. Cheers //Kris
Yes it does! My 5 string bass has had a Hipshot on the B string since I bought the bass and it works fine.
I think it's very expensive for what it is as a piece of mechanical hardware.
It's easy enough to tune silently now so I just do that.
Also I would need a drop C sometime and that's not covered I guess.
Hi Mirak,
I use a D tuner on my Aria Pro 2 with no issues - and it's a lot quicker than retuning. We find it helps in segues, where I can shift tuning and link songs whilst the guitarists retune as I play.
For drop C get a double drop which has two settings - usually for D and C.
👍👍👍
Good video many thanks. Do you know which detuner fits a Fender Japanese 75 reissue Jazz bass? 👍
Does this tuner also work with stingrays??
There is a version for Music Man basses too, so yes. :)
//cheers, Kris
Which model did you use?...BT1-2-7-8?....
It's a Mexican Fender so I used the BT7. 👍 Cheers //Kris
Can it work for a 5 string bass ?
If you can fit it in there. I’d still have it on the E string though; open D is useful at times and low A is too low
Yes it does! My 5 string bass has had a Hipshot on the B string since I bought the bass and it works fine.
Can I install this on my 5 string?
Yes! I put one on my 5-string the day I bought it 30 years ago and it works fine. When you drop the B down to an A, it frightens the guitarist, which is always good for a laugh.
You play a lot of bass you say? Welcome, brother.
Ohh dude, believe me, I'd love to try myself out in a band as a bass player. All I have to do now is clone myself to have enough time for that. Haha!
//cheers, Kris
I would really love to have one on my bass but they're just so expensive
Costs as much as a pack of strings…
@@brentbreault7606 It costs as much as my bass
@@samir_bassman9330
Your bass costs as much as a pack of strings?😱
@@brentbreault7606 … strings are ~ 30€ a drop D tuner 130€…. Some people are cancer with no clue and a big mouth.
You can replace ALL your tuners and have more tunings to choose from.
Could you do a video on ibanez edge floating trem setups too?
Hey, thanks for the comment! We made a video about floating tremolos: ruclips.net/video/2BD6q5Ou96E/видео.html
Even though I'm showing a Floyd Rose trem in the video, everything works the same way on an Edge trem too. Check it out. I hope it's gonna be useful for you.
//cheers, Kris
Lefties Available ?
If Hipshot makes a leftie model and you can't see it in the Thomann store, just write the guitar department an email. They can order the leftie version for you as a custom order. Just make sure first, that Hipshot has a leftie version of the model you need for your bass. Cheers //Kris
Which be was it? BT7?
Exactly. The BT7 was the right one for this bass. Cheers //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses
Did the screw’s holes line up? Or did you prep to drill holes before the demo?
I personally would rather just use a 5 string bass myself, but I don't see how some people find this a gimmick. Being able to hot switch to drop D is incredibly useful
An open D sounds better than a fretted one. I find this hardware useful more than ever and I have a fiver as well
My 5 string bass has a Hipshot on the B string!
Whoa whoa
How low can ya go
I’m just two steps below
rockin double stopped slaps to the flow
Whoa whoa
So far drop G on a 135 B string on a Spector and still kept it growly and crisp ...
Well you know what people say... lower is always... well. Lower. :D
//cheers, Kris
but they cost like $150 a piece
Bist du auch ein bassist Kris??
Wuunderbaar!
Haha! Nicht wirklich, aber ich liebe bass spielen. Ich müsste noch sehr viel üben um mich auf ne Bühne zu trauen. :)
//Kris
Holy shit that was so fast putting the string back on
so what you save about what 3 seconds in tuning time over just doing it normally? I mean you just tune down to D in like as much time as it take to flip the lever and micro tune anyway.
Forget this. Just use a good octaver pedal. I do however recommend tuning the whole bass a half step down. Just seems to sound better than standard tuning.
Why are they so expensive lmao
HACKS
121 EURO WHAT?! 🙃
Tbh this is smarter then a 5 string
looks nice, but it's very expensiv
This is bs. If Victor Wooten doesn’t need this tool, then you should believe you don’t either. Try tuning and drop-tuning your bass by ear. It’s a useful skill to learn. Vic does it on stage. And you don’t have to be 100% perfectly in tune all the time, just make sure it’s not noticeably out of tune.
Yeah, of course one of the best bassists alive doesn't need it. How is that an argument?
@@MasonLalley tuning your bass by ear doesn't take 10k hours of practice. It is a useful skill and it saves you $100. And you are not dependent on a tool or gadget.
These are incredibly expensive !
My (great) Harley Benton PB20 SBK is cheaper than this single little piece of metal, sad joke really.
More like HYPEshot ...
To be fair, the Hipshot BT10 is only 121 euros. That's like a couple of pedals or a new set of pickups
@@rayk9598 My bass is 111€ ...
I'd feel bad spending more on such accessory 😅
@@asfodhell I feel you, my bass is like 100-200 euros. I feel like upgrading to a fretless Squier Jazz
I heard your breathing and gave me a thought that you're a smoker. If so, then I'd like to say smoking and guitars is a bad combination