Stevie is this the grille you used? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292422094116 10MM Diameter Holes PERFORATED Sheet - 4 Materials - Popular Pre Cut Sizes? It has round holes but I thought I saw a picture of yours with hexagonal perforations. I have a quote £19 for this one.
As someone that suffers from neck and shoulder pain I half agree about the balance but my solution is Gotoh Res-O-Lite machine heads. With typical machine heads weighing well over 1lb or 500+ Grams, hanging on the end of a long lever, the balance issue is mainly with there. Of course the Hipshot Ultralites weigh a similar amount as the Gotoh Res-O -Lites.
Another ways to improve the balance is 2L 2R headstocks and move the rear strap button closer to the top of the body.
In my opinion it is the density of the wood that matters not the species and as there is more neck covered by the string, than body, the neck has more effect on the sound than the body.
I think the main point is that currently the only way that I can see to support the site is to sell. Offering a subscription with free selling is a more positive message.
I have to be honest the selling fee does put me off selling on here. The marginal cost of selling is too high compared to other online market places.
Maybe we should incorporate the “supporting member” concept which would allow those members to sell for free. It may seem like semantics but It reads better than a selling fee.
It might also get over the issue of people unsubscribing if they have nothing to sell.
I have yet to fit my 640s as I need to make the holes bigger but I am impressed that you can adjust the torque. I am also impressed at the lack of play in the posts as opposed to any other machine heads I have seen. Add the weight saving and it is a winner.
Not sure about the R version but give Touchstone Tonewoods a ring as they ordered me a set recently. Lead time was 2 months. Philadelphia Lutyhiers sell some Gotohs individually https://www.philadelphialuthiertools.com/bass-tuning-machines/
It is a hobby horse of mine but as Bill says Jacks were not designed for speakers.
Speakons were and although not perfect, they will do very well until something better comes along. A well known amplifier manufacturer once told me that jack plugs caused most of their amplifier failures on Solid State amps. With two exposed and very close contacts short circuits are not only likely but also inevitable.
Ok I have checked and the GB640s will fit, if the holes in the headstock are drilled out to 17mm Current holes are 15mm. The real problem is how I can expand the holes without damaging the black paint on the headstock.
The good thing is that the GB640s have a bigger footprint and will cover the holes from the existing machineheads.
Could not resist it so took off one of my machine heads and they are too big.
I have two options, drill out the bass, if the strings travel is still OK or buy the right fecking ones. GB528 would have fitted in with minimal fuss.
I will decide after I change my username to numpty.
OK I have recently played a 5 string and, despite bad experiences when I had one 20 years ago, it felt good. So with a budget of about £300, what do bass-chatters suggest. Ibanez, Sire anything else?
Zombie tread but as an update I finally ordered the GB 640s via Touchstone and they arrived today. I cannot fit them yet though as I have a gig tonight and I don't want to risk a problem. I will keep you updated.