RestorationAD Posted June 22, 2012 Report Share Posted June 22, 2012 I am working on a 5 string bass design. What is a reasonable spacing for an inline 5 String bass headstock tuning keys? I am looking at using Hipshot Ultralights or Schaller Mini Bass Tuners... I want them tight together but still able to turn. I can just buy a set and figure it out but if someone already knows I would be appreciative of the help. I want a straight string pull... 47mm wide at the nut with a 40mm string spacing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwcarl Posted June 22, 2012 Report Share Posted June 22, 2012 (edited) In case you weren't thinking about it, the size of the knobs for bass tuners is usually your limiting factor. I'm not sure how close together is acceptable, but for your purposes I'd pick smaller knobs. The Hipshot ultralights have different options, the dimensions page shows the sizes of the knobs. With the smaller ones, it looks like you could do spacing of about 1.4"-1.5". EDIT: Link to the ultralights dimensions document. Edited June 22, 2012 by mwcarl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RestorationAD Posted June 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2012 In case you weren't thinking about it, the size of the knobs for bass tuners is usually your limiting factor. I'm not sure how close together is acceptable, but for your purposes I'd pick smaller knobs. The Hipshot ultralights have different options, the dimensions page shows the sizes of the knobs. With the smaller ones, it looks like you could do spacing of about 1.4"-1.5". EDIT: Link to the ultralights dimensions document. I deduced most of this and have already looked at the dimensions. With guitar tuners depending on how you mount the tuners dictates how close together they can be and still be comfortable. I was hoping someone who builds/plays basses all the time could give me some concrete answers and some tips/tricks or any gotchas... so I could avoid a lot of testing and prototyping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 I calculate in string thickness along with post radius to ensure straight running. Other than that, 3mm between tuner buttons is not uncomfortably close to me. Depends if you use a string winder but that shouldn't dictate design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Workingman Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 I have two so I checked. With Gotoh tuners center to center is 1.4". With open "elephant ear" style they are 1.8". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RestorationAD Posted June 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 Thanks Pro! Thanks mwcarl! I will order the tuners tomorrow... Anyone have a preference in string posts like the 1/2" or 3/8" string posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.