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Thread: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

  1. #1
    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
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    Default New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Howdy all,

    As part of some general set up work I asked Jamie Swannell of Cambridge, England to install the Rubners on my Vessel F5 and swap the Grovers on my Mix F5.

    My Vessel and my Mix had the same Grover tuners (nickel plates, black worm posts, pearly knobs). During the time I used a gig bag for the Mix, I damaged an A string tuner, the long one naturally. I recently had a chance to get it fixed, and so ordered some Rubners.

    As part of some general set up work I asked Jamie to install the Rubners on the Vessel and swap the Grovers on the Mix.

    The Rubners are really nice. Very smooth. Just a hint of grab before they start to turn. The bushings that came with the Rubners have a thicker external diameter than the Grover bushings, but the internal diameter is the same. So we elected not to replace those.

    In the same week I finally picked up a Blue Chip CT55. Also very nice. It imparts a slightly smoother tone than my usual Wegen TF140s (white or black depending on the exact tone and speed I need on a given day). Though the difference is only just noticeable. If it wears less quickly than a white Wegen TF140, I'll be a convert!

    I tell you what: I'm making rather religious use of the key fob pick pouch I got as a birthday present a long time ago!

    Daniel

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Congrats on the new gear! And, yes, the Bluechips go into the strings of the instrument or into the key fob...no storing loose in case or jean pockets, no leaving on the coffee table, etc...
    Chuck

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    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Daniel, The Rubner's sound like a smart upgrade. I keep hearing great things here in the Cafe. And the CT55-- I just started playing one about month ago and I was so impressed with the way it sticks to your thumb and finger as well as the warm, resonant tone it produces. It also allows for a soft--loud spectrum of volume with the player's increased attack, don't you think? Dan
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Hi Dan,

    I do like the Blue Chip material, yes. Though most heavy/very stiff picks should allow the player to impart both a quiet/soft tone and a loud/bright tone. It's all in the way you hold the pick.


    Daniel

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    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Just thought I would add...
    Changes in the weather here in East Anglia have me tweaking bridge height. The Rubners run so smooth that I don't mind that my mandolin string winder went missing.

    Oh, and I like the hex screws on the buttons. They're prettier than slot or phillips head screws.

    D

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    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Glad you made those additions! I am getting more and more interested in those Rubners.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Click image for larger version. 

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    OK some closeups of the Rubners on my Vessel F5 (the only one in the UK)

    I wasn't sure I would like the ebony buttons, but the effect is to focus the viewer's attention on the headtocks rathre than the tuning machine buttons, and I like that.

    Hope this is helpful...
    Daniel

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    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Am very satisfied with the Rubners on my Eastman octave. Much nicer than the bottom of the line that were on originally.

    Have moved away from Blue Chips only because I prefer more of a point on my picks and I've moved to very thin picks. Still admire the way BC stick to my fingers. Just going for something different I guess.

  13. #9
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    I had Bruce weber change out the Grovers on my Yellowstone for a set of Brushed Brass Rubners. I will be having them put on any future builds, high quality.

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    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Any idea as to when the new and improved Rubners will be available? Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

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    Registered User MissingString's Avatar
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    Default Re: New gear: Rubners and Blue Chip

    Quote Originally Posted by Daniel Nestlerode View Post
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    I wasn't sure I would like the ebony buttons...
    Daniel
    I believe the ebony buttons look awesome on that head stock! Nice move!
    “Without music, life would be a mistake” Neitzsche

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