5 string tuners

[Kevin McKee]

Does anybody know what year the tuners were switched from a 3/2 configuration to a 2/3 on the 5 strings? I understand that the B string is allowed a little more length with the newer style.

Just curious.....

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Kevin McKee

Does anybody know what year the tuners were switched from a 3/2 configuration to a 2/3 on the 5 strings? I understand that the B string is allowed a little more length with the newer style.

Just curious.....

I have seen older German Basses made by Rubner and Pollmann from the 50s with this configuration. Alfred Meyer did the reverse tuners on his 4-strings in the 1920's-'30's. The French did it since the mid-late 19th century on their 4s as well.

I think it's more the individual maker and style rather then a switch like what tuning is now used for the 4-string Bass.

OH>>> Wrong BASS>> oops..

You mean on the Smith Basses? Gee, what was I thinking.

I think we started doing some in 2003 or 2004 and mainly for our Dist. in Japan. It might have become standard in 2005 with the 3/2 still being an option. last week I took an order for a Bass and the customer wanted the older 3/2 so that's what he will get.