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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Hipshot Bass Xtender". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.
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Description
Transform your bass playing experience with the Hipshot Bass Xtender, the ultimate accessory for musicians seeking seamless and swift tuning transitions. Designed to cater to the dynamic needs of G&L and Music Man electric basses, this ingenious device allows you to effortlessly switch from E to D tuning with the flick of a mini lever. Whether you're in the middle of a live gig or a recording session, the Hipshot Bass Xtender ensures you stay in control, providing precision and stability every time.
Meticulously engineered, this right-handed version is crafted to replace Schaller BM tuners, making it a perfect fit for your bass side. With a mounting diameter of 17.5 mm (0.69") and a robust gear ratio of 27:1, it promises a smooth and reliable performance. Crafted in the USA with attention to detail, it includes all the necessary mounting hardware and straightforward instructions to get you set up with ease.
Elevate your bass's versatility and add a new dimension to your sound palette. Compatible with popular bass models and built for ease of use, the Hipshot Bass Xtender becomes an indispensable part of your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Suitable for G&L and Music Man electric basses
- Effortless tuning transition from E to D with a mini lever
- Right-handed version for bass side
- Replaces Schaller BM tuners
- Mounting diameter: 17.5 mm (0.69")
- Gear ratio: 27:1
- Includes mounting hardware and instructions
- Made in USA
Product specs
| Available since | August 2022 |
| Colour | Black |
FAQs
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How does the Hipshot Bass Xtender work?
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The Hipshot Bass Xtender allows you to quickly change the tuning of your bass's low string with a simple flip of a lever, enabling instant drop tuning and returning to standard tuning effortlessly.
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Is the Hipshot Bass Xtender easy to install?
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Yes, the Hipshot Bass Xtender is precision-engineered for easy installation, allowing you to upgrade your bass's tuning capabilities without complex modifications.
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Can the Hipshot Bass Xtender be used on any bass guitar?
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The Hipshot Bass Xtender is designed to fit most bass guitars, but it's essential to check compatibility with your specific bass model for optimal performance.
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Does the Hipshot Bass Xtender affect the tuning stability of the bass?
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The Hipshot Bass Xtender is designed to maintain tuning stability, providing reliable performance for quick tuning changes during live performances or practice sessions.
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What color options are available for the Hipshot Bass Xtender?
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The Hipshot Bass Xtender is available in black, providing a sleek and professional appearance that complements most bass guitars.
Videos
Adam Steel
Drop D on a lever? Hipshot Bass Xtender
Drop D on a lever? Hipshot Bass Xtender
Adam Steel
Michael Anthony Talks About the Hipshot Bass Xtender
Hipshot Products, Inc.
Will Lee Talks About the Hipshot Bass Xtender
Hipshot Products, Inc.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hipshot Bass Xtender.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Owners frequently use the Xtender for switching between standard and drop D tuning during live performances, enhancing versatility on stage.
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A user utilizes the Xtender on a 5-string bass to drop to A between riffs, highlighting its adaptability for complex arrangements.
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The Hipshot Xtender is particularly beneficial for cover bands needing quick transitions to drop D without manual tuning, enhancing speed and ease during performances.
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On 5-string basses, the Xtender is less commonly used on the B string but can facilitate drop A tuning, though many users prefer it on the E string for drop D.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Some users mention using red electrical tape on the lever as a reminder to switch back to standard tuning, preventing embarrassing on-stage mistakes.
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A user encountered tuning inconsistency when switching between tunings, even after lubricating the nut, indicating potential setup challenges.
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Tuning requires setting slightly below the target pitch, then switching between tunings to ensure accuracy, a process that becomes routine with practice.
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Users must set the E string 20-30 cents flat, then switch the lever and reset for precise tuning, adding an extra step to the tuning process.
Source
User experience
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Owners of multiple basses with Xtenders appreciate the convenience of not needing a 5-string bass for songs requiring low D notes.
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A user has had the same Hipshot Xtender on their bass for 30 years, indicating exceptional long-term durability.
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Leland Sklar's endorsement of a prototype still in use after many years adds credibility to the Xtender's reliability and performance.
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Owners report that once the Xtender is dialed in, adjustments are rarely needed unless the bass goes out of tune, ensuring stability in live settings.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings
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Artist usage
Add artist
In this November 29, 2013 Facebook post, Malmsteen can be seen in an article for Bass Player Magazine, this article reads:
"Swede'N Low As a bassist, Yngwie Malmsteen likes to take it up a notch"
"There may never be a six-string shredder to rival Eighties guitar icon Yngwie Malmsteen. It may not be a surprise to learn, therefore that Malmsteen has also played bass guitar-thank you very much-on most of the albums he's made over the past two decades, including his latest, Unleash the Fury (Universal)."
"I've yet to hear a bassist approach the instrument the way I hear it in my head, so it's easier for me to play the parts on my albums," says Malmsteen. "In classical music the contrabasses and cello parts are integral within the structures of the melodies and counterpoint, and that's how I like to approach my bass parts."
"Malmsteen generally deplores the current state of rock bass, "It's fallen by the wayside," he complains, "It has such a secondary role in rock music, whereas in the Seventies there was a lot more bass playing going on."
"Much as Malmsteen and his neoclassical chops changed people's notions of what is possible on the electric guitar in the Eighties, the Swedish virtuoso has raised the bar on playing bass with his blindingly fast runs and cello-like vibrato. But Yngwie Malmsteen maintains that he never resorts to flash for it's own sake."
"I play very fast on the bass only when a song calls for it," he says. "I don't always play a million notes a bar. I let the guitar do that." --Joe Lalaina
"BOOMBOX:"
"Basses:" "Early-Fifties Fender Precision with a maple neck and early-Sixties Fender Jazz bass with a rosewood neck, both equipped with DiMarzio pickups and Hipshot detuners
"Strings: " "Dean Markley Blue Steel, .40, .60, .80, and .100"
"Head:" "Ampeg SVT Classic"
"Cabinet:" "Ampeg SVT 8x10"
"Picks:" "Dunlop [Delrin 500] 1.5mm"
"Effects:" "MXR Dyna-comp Compresser and a SansAmp direct box and EQ"
At 35:30 of this Rig Rundown, Brian Diaz, Pete's tech, mentions that he swapped the E string tuning machine with a Hipshot Xtender for Pete's bass guitars, and it has been seen on multiple basses in the video.
LoMenzo's gear page reads:
"Hipshot products are the best! I use them to upgrade all my instruments. The tuners are smooth and precise and I don't know what I'd do without the Bass Xtender. Tuned to low D and dropped down discriminately, it's a great way to go somewhere else at the flick of a switch!"
Album Usage
The Hipshot Bass Xtender has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hipshot Bass Xtender, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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