Parts, Repair & Upgrades:  Tuning Machines

Hipshot Ultralite Tuning Machines for NXT and WAV4 Electric Upright Bass

Manufactured by: Hipshot

Hipshot Ultralite Tuning Machines
For your NS Design WAV4 or NXT Electric Upright Bass

We've fielded a number of requests for a more robust, accurate tuning machine set for the NXT and WAV4 basses. The basses come with reasonably capable lower-cost tuning machines, but there are those who want to upgrade to a sturdier machine that they know they can trust over the long haul (or to confidently use with particularly tension-heavy strings).

When I first got my WAV4 a couple years ago now, I immediately wanted to change the strings to something a little more "organic" sounding, to counter the somewhat electric "vibe" of the bass' solid body. When detuning, I noticed a distinct difference in the feel of the machines when compared to those on my electric basses - and since many of my other basses have Hipshot Ultralights on them, I decided that swapping out to a set of those would be a nice upgrade to my WAV4.

Here (to the left) is the result - on my own personal WAV4. I re-used the original machines' existing mounting holes, which altered the way the tuners stand off the pegbox. I rather like the more modern look of the tuners on a downward-facing angle; it even makes tuning a little easier, in my opinion. However, if you prefer the straight alignment of the stock tuners, the simple addition of a small pilot screw hole is all you need.

The Hipshots were an easy replacement, and make tuning a lot more accurate and easy - no slippage. And they are much more confidence-inspiring; they have a more solid feel that never makes you feel like the tuner might break or fail, even with the low E string. (Hipshot's Ultralight Bass Tuning Machines are made of durable, precision machined aircraft-quality aluminum!) The openings on the posts (to insert the ends of the string into) are a bit more accommodating than stock, and the tuners are really lightweight to boot.

We also have a set for the 5-string NXT basses - see the bass owned by Simon Lahaye, one of our customers, to the right - it's also sporting brand new Hipshots. They look great - and work even better, I'm sure.

We've been telling folks about the Hipshots for a while now, and finally decided, "Hey - why not just make them available at Gollihur Music?" So here they are! We are selling these keys as sets (of 4 and 5) only, and only in the black finish, as replacements for the stock tuners on the NXT 4, NXT 5, and WAV4 Electric Upright Basses.

Note that the Hipshots are "ambidextrous" - meaning that any of the tuners can be easily switched from left to right side orientation. We will try to provide them set up as 2 left/2 right if we can, based on availability. But if you get one that faces the wrong direction, it's an easy 1 minute operation with an allen wrench to remove the pin screw, pull out the key, swap it around, and tighten it up again. Very smart design!

Hipshot is one of the last remaining companies that not only designs, but manufactures guitar hardware in the USA.

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