I recently picked up an Alembic P Bass pickup set on Reverb for $135 (couldn't resist).  As a result, I'm building my first bass and am researching tuning machines.   I'm looking for that ever elusive balance between quality and cost.  The Hipshot Ultralites look interesting (their open-gear locking guitar tuners are my current favorites).  Anyone have experience with them?  Other suggestions?  Things I should consider?


Thanks,  Bill, tgo

Pretty sure I have Hipshot Ultralites on my Turner Renaissance five-string. It has been 20 years since I bought the bass and the tuners are not branded in any way but I am 99.9% sure that is what they are. I like them and have never had any issues tuning the bass or with it staying in tune. The Shaller M4 tuners are supposed to be really good, too. I have no idea about the relative cost of any of the tuners, though.

I have hipshot ultra lites on one of my basses and like them.  They are light weight, hold position well,  and I believe have a higher ratio which helps with fine tuning.  I would use hipshots if I had to replace tuners on my other basses, I like them better than schallers.  I was going to put hipshots on my Starfire, but the shaft diameter was apparently wider than the existing hole, which is something you might want to check. 

I have hipshot ultralites on all my basses except my EB-3. I love them. Even my Starfire. Especially my Starfire! A cello reamer opened up the holes perfectly. Just go slow.

I've got the import Ultralites on a couple of basses and love them.

I thought about them for my Custom Fretless, but ultimately went with Schaller M4 'Lites', which at the time were reputed to be a couple grams lighter. When they finally came in, we'd gotten the new re-designed version, which look nothing like old Schaller M-4's... I'll admit it took a day or so for the wavy design to grow on me, but I like 'em. Maybe for the uniqueness, since (afaik) they've yet to be seen on another Alembic. 

Never heard any serious complaints about the Hipshot Ultralights though... Looking forward to seeing your Fender-lembic P,  Bill.

Closer look... this was taken during installation. Mica wasn't too sure about them either. 

Did the weight of the re-designed Shallers change?

Quote from: StephenR on October 10, 2017, 01:25:37 PM
Did the weight of the re-designed Shallers change?

They claim to be 41g, but I can't vouch for the weight, never having held one of them in my hand. In fact, I've yet to see an advertisement for the ones we ended up with. I know Mica had a heck of a time getting them... almost as if there was a production problem.

Whatever the case, they are nice tuners, and for someone with my brand of matching OCD-ness, for some reason I don't seem to mind all three of my Alembics having different keys.   

I've had Hipshot Ultralites on my Fenderbird for 10 years now. No issues. Plus their customer service is top notch.

I've tried a few of them....

15 strings?  Looks like one of Mica's April 1st COTM!

Bill, tgo

Wow, Garth, some basses really need light tuners!