Hipshot Products
Hipshot Products is a privately held US manufacturer of precision-machined aftermarket hardware for electric guitars and basses, selling bridges, tuning machines, headless systems, and tuning accessories through Shopify DTC and 75+ global dealers to professional musicians, boutique luthiers, and hobbyist players.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersInterlaken, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Hipshot Products does
Hipshot Products is a US-based precision hardware manufacturer specializing in aftermarket and OEM components for electric guitars and basses. Founded in 1982 by Dave Borisoff in California and now headquartered in Interlaken, NY, the company designs and produces bridges, tuning machines, saddles, headless instrument systems, string-bending mechanisms, and D-tuning accessories under proprietary brands including MassKicker™, QuickLoad™, Ultralite®, Grip-Lock™, Xtender™, Solo™, and TransTone. Manufacturing relies on CNC mills and industrial lasers operated by a 43-person team of machinists, inventors, and musicians, with a Korean manufacturing partner supplying certain MassKicker components for final assembly and QC in New York. The Interlaken facility is solar-powered, with nine banks of solar panels generating 200 kilowatts of electricity.
The product portfolio is organized across two main lines — Bass Hardware and Guitar Hardware — each containing bridges, tuning machines, Xtenders, headless systems, saddles, and accessories. Notable proprietary technologies include the patented QuickLoad™ top/rear string loading system for Strat-style tremolos, the MassKicker™ high-mass adjustable bass bridge with .687"–.800" spacing, multi-scale fixed bridges for fanned-fret instruments in 6/7/8 string configurations, and complete headless bass systems spanning 4 to 8 strings. Unit pricing ranges from individual saddles at roughly $6 to complete headless bass systems at up to $792.
Revenue is generated primarily through two channels: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify-powered storefront and wholesale distribution through a global network of over 75 authorized dealers and music equipment retailers spanning North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The company serves three principal customer segments — professional musicians, boutique luthiers and instrument builders, and hobbyist players — with a horizontal segmentation approach. Hipshot is a privately held, founder-led corporation with no disclosed external investment, parent company, or public listing.
Hipshot Products firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hipshot Products
- Legal name
- Hipshot Products
- Website
- https://hipshotproducts.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Hipshot Products is a privately held US manufacturer of precision-machined aftermarket hardware for electric guitars and basses, selling bridges, tuning machines, headless systems, and tuning accessories through Shopify DTC and 75+ global dealers to professional musicians, boutique luthiers, and hobbyist players.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hipshot Products industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Musical Instrument Hardware
- SIC
- Musical Instruments (3931)
- akta.pro primary industry
- DJ & Performance Gear (Controllers, Turntables, CDJs, Mixers) (MPAIAJAC)
Keywords
Where Hipshot Products is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Interlaken
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Hipshot Products business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Direct Product Sales: E-commerce sales of musical instrument hardware directly to consumers through their Shopify-powered website. Products include bass bridges, guitar bridges, tuning machines, Xtenders, headless systems, and accessories.
- Wholesale to Dealers: Wholesale distribution through a global network of authorized dealers and music equipment retailers spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual parts and saddles |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Complete bridge assemblies |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Headless systems |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Tuning machines and Xtenders |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Hipshot Products product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hipshot Products designs and manufactures precision-machined aftermarket hardware for electric guitars and basses, including bridges, tuning machines, Xtenders (D-tuning mechanisms), headless systems, and saddles. Products are produced using CNC mills and industrial lasers at the company's Interlaken, NY facility and sold through its own e-commerce site and a global network of authorized dealers.
Product overview
Hipshot Products is a hardware manufacturer specializing in precision-machined components for electric guitars and basses. The product portfolio centers on core hardware categories—bridges, tuning machines, saddles, and specialized systems—across both bass and guitar lines. Key branded products include the MassKicker™ Bass Bridge (high-mass bridge for bass, available in 4-string, 5-string, and Solo configurations), QuickLoad™ Tremolo (patented top-loading string system for Strat-style guitars), and Multi-Scale Fixed Bridges (for fan-fret instruments). Bass product families encompass A Style, B Style, D Style, Vintage, TransTone, Headless, and Vibrato bridges; tuning machines; Xtenders (D-tuning mechanisms); and saddles. Guitar families include Contour Tremolo, Fixed, Hardtail, Tone-A-Matic, Ibby, BabyGrand, Multi-Scale, and Headless bridges; tuning machine upgrade kits; Xtenders; string bending systems; and saddles. The company also offers an online Strobe Tuner tool and branded merchandise. Products are precision-machined using CNC mills and industrial lasers at the company's factory in Interlaken, NY, with some components manufactured in Korea. The company operates a global dealer network spanning over 60 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MassKicker™ Bass Bridge High-mass bass bridge offering adjustable string spacing from .687" to .800" with pre-notched brass inserts and recessed string ball holes, available in 4-string, 5-string, and Solo configurations for bass guitars.
- MassKicker™ Solo Bass Bridge Versatile single-string bass bridge for custom spacing, multiscale angles, scale lengths, and string counts, offering adjustable saddle inserts in brass or stainless steel for tone customization.
- QuickLoad™ Tremolo Patented top- or rear-loading string system for Strat-style tremolo bridges that eliminates the need to fish strings through small holes in the back of the guitar, designed for use with Hipshot tremolos and Grip-Lock™ tuning machines.
- Multi-Scale Fixed Bridges Fixed bridges for multi-scale / fan-fret guitars available in 6, 7, and 8 string configurations, accommodating instruments with varying string lengths across the fretboard.
- Bass Bridges Comprehensive line of bass guitar bridges including A Style, B Style, D Style, Vintage, TransTone, Headless, Vibrato/Tremolo, and single-string bridges (Solo, Triple Lock Down) for various bass guitar builds.
- Guitar Bridges Full range of guitar bridges including US Contour Tremolo with QuickLoad, Fixed, Hardtail, Tone-A-Matic, Ibby HM, Ibby FP, BabyGrand, Multi-Scale, Headless, Solo, and Telecaster Retrofit bridges, in 6 to 9 string configurations.
- Bass Tuning Machines Bass tuning machines featuring HB Series, USA Ultralite, and Licensed Ultralite versions, with lightweight designs to reduce neck dive, 20:1 gear ratios, and multiple key styles for bass guitars.
- Guitar Tuning Machines Guitar tuning machine upgrade kits and individual machines including Grip-Lock (open and closed), Classic (open and enclosed), and Vintage Style variants, available for 6 Inline and 3+3 headstock configurations.
- Bass Xtenders D-tuning mechanisms and accessories for bass guitars including BT Series, USA Ultralite Xtenders, FreeRange, Fender Lite Weight, DoubleStop Lever AddOn, and GB Series for Gibson-style applications.
- Guitar Xtenders D-tuning and pitch-shifting accessories for guitars including GT1 Grover, Enclosed Guitar Xtender, and DoubleStop Lever AddOn for rapid pitch modulation.
- Bass Headless Systems Headless bass guitar systems including bridges and headpieces for 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 string configurations, featuring lightweight aluminum bridge construction and compatibility with single or double ball strings.
- Guitar Headless Systems Headless guitar systems available in fixed and tremolo configurations for 6, 7, and 8 string guitars, including the Headless Solo single-string bridge and dedicated headpieces.
- String Bending Systems Lever-actuated string bending devices including the original Hipshot String Bending System (hip-activated bender), DoubleShot Multiple Tuning System for instant tuning changes, and Parsons/Green String Bending System with routing templates.
- Guitar Saddles Replacement saddles for guitars including Modern and Vintage stainless steel designs, Headless offset-square saddles, and Telecaster Replacement Compensated Saddle Sets.
- Bass Saddle Sets Replacement and upgrade bass saddles including MassKicker Saddle Sets and Insert Sets, A Style and B Style individual saddles for precise intonation adjustment.
Quantifiable outcome
- String spacing adjustment range of 0.190 inches (4.8mm) on MassKicker Solo saddles
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Hipshot Products
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Hipshot Products technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Hipshot Products partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- MadintercoreAuthorized dealer based in Cerceda, Madrid, Spain. Distributes Hipshot products to Spanish market.
- Fred's Guitar PartscoreAuthorized dealer located in ST-ORENS DE GAMEVILLE, Midi-Pyrenees, France.
- Wilder S.R.L.coreAuthorized dealer based in Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
- VALLIS MUSICcoreAuthorized dealer based in Valongo, Porto, Portugal.
- Bass Direct LimitedcoreAuthorized UK dealer located in Warwick, United Kingdom.
- Allparts UKcoreAuthorized UK dealer based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK.
- Best Bass Gear, LLCcoreAuthorized US dealer based in Kennebunk, Maine.
- ProSpec StringscoreAuthorized Canadian dealer based in Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
- YuanguitarcoreAuthorized dealer based in Beijing, China.
- Guitar World City ArcadecoreAuthorized Australian dealer based in Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.
- Glued to MusiccoreAuthorized UK dealer based in New Milton, Hampshire, UK.
- The Music AlliancecoreAuthorized dealer based in Hedel, Netherlands.
- SolTec MusiccoreAuthorized dealer based in Northwold, Gauteng, South Africa.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Hipshot Products competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Fender: Major US guitar manufacturer that also produces and sells bridges, tuners, and related hardware. Overlaps with Hipshot in tuning machines and bridge categories but operates as a full-line guitar maker, not a niche aftermarket hardware specialist.
Others
- Allparts: US distributor of guitar and bass parts, hardware, and accessories including aftermarket components. Comparable ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor — they distribute third-party hardware including products from makers like Hipshot to builders and repair shops.
Direct peers
- Babicz: US manufacturer of patented bass and guitar bridges including full hardware systems. Comparable niche player with proprietary bridge technology serving boutique luthiers and pro players, similar in scale and premium positioning to Hipshot.
- Kluson: US manufacturer of vintage-style and modern tuning machines for guitars and basses. Overlaps with Hipshot in the tuning machine aftermarket segment, particularly for vintage reissue and pro upgrade customers.
- Grover Guitar Products: US manufacturer historically known for guitar tuning machines and related hardware. Directly comparable to Hipshot in tuning machine and bridge categories, with a long heritage in the pro musician market.
- TonePros: US manufacturer of locking bridge and tailpiece systems plus tuning machines for guitars and basses. Directly competes with Hipshot in the locking hardware and upgrade kit segment, serving similar luthier and pro player customers.
- Wilkinson: Manufacturer of guitar bridges, tremolos, and tuning machines widely used as OEM hardware and aftermarket upgrades. Comparable to Hipshot in bridge and tremolo categories, with significant presence in the value and mid-tier segments of the same customer base.
- Sperzel: US manufacturer of locking tuning machines for guitars and basses. Direct competitor in the tuning machine category alongside Hipshot's Ultralite line, serving the same pro player and boutique upgrade market.
- Gotoh: Japanese manufacturer of premium guitar and bass hardware including tuning machines, bridges, and tailpieces. Closest direct competitor to Hipshot in the aftermarket bass/guitar components space, with overlapping product categories and similar premium boutique positioning.
- Schaller: German manufacturer of high-end guitar and bass hardware including locking tuners, bridges, and strap locks. Directly competes with Hipshot in premium aftermarket hardware, especially in the European market where both brands share dealer relationships.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hipshot Products social profiles
Digital presenceHipshot Products financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hipshot Products leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Hipshot Products funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hipshot Products M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hipshot Products
What does Hipshot Products do?
Hipshot Products designs and manufactures precision-machined aftermarket hardware for electric guitars and basses, including bridges, tuning machines, Xtenders (D-tuning mechanisms), headless systems, and saddles. Products are produced using CNC mills and industrial lasers at the company's Interlaken, NY facility and sold through its own e-commerce site and a global network of authorized dealers.
Is Hipshot Products a public or private company?
Hipshot Products is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Hipshot Products founded?
Hipshot Products was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Hipshot Products based?
Hipshot Products is headquartered in Interlaken, United States, in the North America region.
How does Hipshot Products make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Direct Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale to Dealers.
Who are Hipshot Products's main competitors?
Fender is listed as a broad incumbent. Allparts is listed as an others. Direct peers are Babicz, Kluson, Grover Guitar Products, TonePros, Wilkinson, Sperzel, Gotoh and Schaller.
Does Hipshot Products have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hipshot Products.
What industry is Hipshot Products in?
Hipshot Products's product category is Musical Instrument Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAC, DJ & Performance Gear (Controllers, Turntables, CDJs, Mixers). Its SIC code is 3931.