Hipshot was founded in 1982 by Dave Borisoff and started out from Dave inventing hardware for his bandmates. His first invention was the Hipshot String Bending System to give you the same claim to twang without any alterations to your guitar whatsoever. Not long after that he created a D-tuning mechanism for his band’s bass player.
Hipshot has grown into a 43 person team of machinists, inventors and, musicians. Fueled by the idea that well designed, innovative hardware can spur infinite creativity for builders and players alike. They stand behind our products and reach to find new ways to push the envelope of what’s possible with a guitar.
What many of us know and love Hipshot for. Their USA made and Licensed Ultralite Tuners are highly sought after and are now being used by some of the worlds largest guitar manufacturers. For Guitarist, it’s the Hipshot Locking Tuners that grab our attention. Known for their reliability & for staying in tune. They are a must for any Guitar Mods.
The Kickass Bridge has become an icon for High Mass Bass Bridges. Over the years it has had significant improvements under the hood. That put this bridge in a class of its own. Their A Style Bass Bridge has now become the standard for high end instruments and boutique bass luthiers. With it’s sleek modern looks and no-buzz tone transference it’s regarded to as one of the best in it’s field.
All orders are sent from our shop in Auckland, NZ on a track and trace courier. Typically within New Zealand your order will arrive over night once dispatched. For delivery into Australia typically our standard service is 5-7 days once dispatched.
Once your order is ready to send out to you, you will receive an e-mail notification with the track and trace details of your courier that has been booked. So if needed you can check on the progress of your delivery.
Tone Merchants are very proud to be the Distributor for Hipshot hardware in New Zealand & Australia.
Morgan Edwards16 May 2024Brad’s advice was instrumental in helping me to choose the gear that was right for my needs. What’s more, Brad’s customer service was second to none. I am pleased to have been able to purchase my epic Genzler rig (Magellan 800 + NuClassic 2x12) through Tone Merchants, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend them to anybody looking for equipment (pickups, amps, hardware and more) for their bass or guitar.
David “Denial” Mortenson1 May 2024I can't tell you enough about how Brad helped me out of a jam, I was on tour recently in NZ/AUST with LIVE - (Bass Tech) and I had a tuning peg get damaged in transport and Tone Merchants were the only dealers on that side of the world with the peg I needed. Brad was so fast with an email response and express shipping of the peg I was back up and running with in a couple days. Thank you Brad, I will always recommend and hopefully stop in and see you next time I'm in town!!
Brenten Blury29 April 2024Brad sorted some amazing fralin pickups at a great price and included some extra covers due to a stock discrepancy. Very helpful and good service. Thanks!
Matthew Berg28 April 2024After doing plenty of hunting for a replacement bridge for my Rickenbacker bass i stumbled across Tone Merchants. The communication back and forth while i waited for the import to arrive was great.... Prompt shipping to me in Australia at a very reasonable cost! The tone, playability and most of all functionality of this upgrade is second to none. 10/10. It's just like a cup of Dilmah - "Do Try It".
Marty Forrer8 April 2024I purchased TI Jazz Flats and prewired Jazz control plate from Tone Merchants. Excellent products and excellent service.
Olivier Holland19 March 2024Fantastic shop stocking some top notch gear, most notably Genzler amps! Massive 'thumbs up' and recommendations!
Matt Harvey14 March 2024Legendary. Great advice from Brad regarding modding options aswell as a wicked service in the explanation as to what each can do for your tone. The concentric knob control plate was simple to install, looks amazing on the US Fender and with the series/parallel switches my tone control is spot on. A slick and stylish vintage look and an even better sounding jazz bass.
Seamus Jolly14 March 2024Fantastic service, and what a bass! Highly recommend these guys. Thanks again Brad
Julian Pettitt11 March 2024Can't speak highly enough of Brad, great to deal with, knowledgeable and professional. Bought the Genzler Magellan 800 amp and Bass Array 4x10 cabinet and have never sounded better! The whole band is stoked on the tone and clarity of my rig, thanks Tone Merchants!
