Reverse Headstock Xtender Lever Problem

[Wallofbasses]

Hey Everyone

I picked up an ESP LTD Phoenix-204 (Thunderbird) Bass. I am using it for BEAD tuning and need to drop the B to an A for a song. I bought a treble side Hipshot Xtender, but as you can see in the photos, the E string tuner is getting in the way of the B string lever, so the detuner is not operational in its present form.

I got in touch with Hipshot, but unfortunately right now they are not doing any custom work, or technical support for customers who need to modify hardware.

It’s clear that this Xtender needs some sort of modified lever. Has anybody out there done anything like this before, or have any ideas? Thanks!

 

[VerryBerry]

This is a quick off-the-cuff couple of thoughts --
1- Have you tried flipping the lever over so it points the other way? Could be simple to try. Just unscrew the hex screw pivot and see if the lever even fits (or works) properly if it is flipped. It may not, but it's a thought I had in looking at the photos.
2- Could you spin the tuning key 180 degrees? May not look great with 3 tuners on one side and the top tuner on the other side, but it might get you by. Unfortunately, more holes too.

Without a lever redesign, that's all I've got.

 

[Wallofbasses]

Thanks Verry. I think a regular bass side Xtender would work very well for your idea #2. But I’ll try idea #1 first when I remount the Xtender. I replaced it with a regular tuner to do some gigs.

 

[96tbird]

Seems to me that a lever from a bass side xtender would be the answer. It’s exact mirror of yours. Swap it in for the one you have there. It would stick up above the head in playing position.

If I were you I’d send those pics to Hipshot and ask if a bass side lever would work. I think they’d reach the same conclusion and send you a lever. They usually don’t charge people to send out parts that help make their products work for the customer. Hipshot truly is a “no questions asked” outfit.