LIghtweight machine heads for MM Sterling 5 String

[monkeyfinger]

I have a MM Sterling fretless 5 string. (Not to be confused with Sterling by MusicMan.) I love this bass but it is neck heavy. I took off the machine head for the G string to see it that helped. It got it much closer to feeling balanced. Just a little more weight reduction would be near perfect. Are there replacement machine heads that will reduce the weight be a little more than one stock one? BTW, these are the stock Schaller heads, stamped MusicaMan.

 

[testing1two]

For reasons I cannot explain no one makes a direct replacement light tuner for the Schaller BML. You can retrofit Hipshot ultralite or Grover 143 or Schaller BM Light or Gotoh Resolite 528 but all will require new mounting holes and there's a good chance you'll see some or all of the existing mounting holes. The Hipshots will probably give you the greatest weight reduction.

 

[monkeyfinger]

When you say the hipshot ultralites, are you referring to the 'HB6 - 1/2'' Ultralite Tuner'? Also, when you say it will require new mounting holes, do you mean I will need to drill a hole to accommodate the small mounting screws?

 

[testing1two]

Yes on both counts. You may also need to wrap a little tape around the tuner bushing so it fits snugly in the hole.

I do recall that G&L tuners are the same as the MM but use aluminum posts so they are lighter than normal. Not sure if that will give you the kind of weight savings you're hoping for but if you don't want to see all those mounting holes it may be your only option.

Is There a Lightweight Musicman Replacement Tuner???