Hipshot xtender - thoughts?

[AndWhy]

Hi Team BassChat! 
 

I’m looking for some insight on how worthwhile a Hipshot xtender (or other drop d tuning head) would be… 

 

Current band includes 25-30 songs, and a couple (literally 2!) require drop-d tuning. 
 

I currently quickly tune down before and then up after each song (x2). 
 

Questions:

 

Am I going to prematurely wear out my machineheads/cogs if I keep doing what I’m doing? 
 

Will an xtender really just automatically stay in tune and not require “fine tuning” once dropped or reinstated back to E? 
 

Is it a mod a n00b could do, or best to have it done by a pro at same time as a set up? (Assume I know a fair bit about theory, but have zero practical practice with any modifications… I can change strings and use a screwdriver, but that’s about it) 
 

Any good/bad/indifferent experiences or recommendations?
 

I play a 2015 fender P-bass special, p-bass body with jazz neck, and Pj pups if that makes a difference… 

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

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Am I going to prematurely wear out my machineheads/cogs if I keep doing what I’m doing? 

 

Nope - it'll be fine
 

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Will an xtender really just automatically stay in tune and not require “fine tuning” once dropped or reinstated back to E? 

 

Once they're set up, and if the nut is slidey enough, the xtender should work as you hope it would. a sticky nut can cause it to not behave and you need to ensure the little adjustment screw on the xtender is set correctly
 

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Is it a mod a n00b could do, or best to have it done by a pro at same time as a set up? (Assume I know a fair bit about theory, but have zero practical practice with any modifications… I can change strings and use a screwdriver, but that’s about it) 

Its dead easy to fit if you buy the correct type that corresponds to the bass's existing tuners. just take the string off the E tuner, unscrew and remove the tuner, fit the xtender using the screws that come with the xtender.

 

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Any good/bad/indifferent experiences or recommendations?

A little dab of vaseline on the xtender goes a long way and keeps it working smoothly. Also if you don'r have a graphtec nut, some pencil graphite in the nut slot helps keep the string moving smoothly in the slot.

[Lozz196]

I’d go for the Xtender, they’re easy to fit and just work, much easier than tuning down/up.

[itu]

To keep the string in tune at both ends, it is wise to re-string the bass as shown here: 

 

https://scottsbasslessons.com/blog/how-to-string-a-bass-guitar 

 

The only thing I think in a different way is in step 6. I push the string to the bottom of the peg hole, and then bend it. Scott makes only a small bend to the string. 

[prowla]

I have them on several basses; they work.

When tuning you do have to operate a couple of times back and forth to cover off string slackening/tightening variations.

The dropped position has a small thumb-screw adjuster.

There are like-for-like models for most common bass tuners (they discontinued the Ric ones, though).

They are drop-in replacements for the stock tuners, but you do have to use their countersunk screws rather than the original raised-dome ones (they need to be flush-fitting for the clearance of the moving part over the base plate).

When choosing, they do gold/nickel/chrome/black finishes.

BTN & Allparts sell them in the UK.