Introduction
Locking tuners are a special type of guitar tuning machine that incorporate a mechanism to lock the string in place. Unlike standard tuners where the string is wrapped around the post multiple times, locking tuners use a clamp, cam, or lever to grip the string tightly. This allows guitarists to achieve better tuning stability and also makes changing strings a much quicker process.
The key benefit of locking tuners is that they prevent the strings from slipping, even under heavy use. Bending, tremolo use, and vibrato can cause standard tuners to lose their grip on the strings over time, requiring more frequent tuning adjustments. Locking tuners maintain consistent tuning by ensuring the strings stay locked at the proper tension.
Another major advantage is that restringing a guitar with locking tuners is significantly faster. There is no need to wind the string around the post several times to hold tension. Simply locking the string in the tuner provides enough grip and tension for proper tuning. This makes changing strings a breeze.
Overall, locking tuners provide guitarists with rock-solid tuning stability, quick and easy string changes, and often a sleeker, more modern look. This guide will explore all the benefits in detail, recommend top brands, and teach you how to install and use locking tuners on your own guitar.
What Are Locking Tuners?
Locking tuners are a special type of guitar tuning machine that use a mechanism to lock the string in place rather than relying on wraps around the tuning post. This locking mechanism grips the string tightly, preventing it from slipping out of tune even with heavy use.
The key difference from standard tuners is that the string does not need to be wrapped around the post multiple times to hold tension. With locking tuners, the string is locked in place by the tuner’s mechanism, keeping it held firmly at the proper tension and pitch.
This allows for incredibly precise tuning adjustments. Since the string is locked tightly in place, the tuners can make very fine turns to perfectly dial in the pitch. The strings will not go sharp or flat as tuning knobs are turned, as can happen with traditional tuners if the post slips.
The locking mechanism varies by the brand and model of the tuner. Most commonly, an industrial-strength cam wedge is used inside the post to squeeze and secure the string when locked. Some use double locking rollers, while others have a vice-like clamping system. But they all serve the same function – to completely lock down the string for maximum tuning stability.
Compared to standard tuners, the lack of string wrapping gives locking tuners a smoother, more precise feel when making tuning adjustments. The tuning knobs turn very evenly without the slight sticking that can occur as wrap builds up on traditional posts over time. This makes it easier to achieve perfect tuning.
So in summary, locking tuners hold the string firmly in place without wraps, allowing for unmatched tuning precision, stability and ease of use. The locking mechanism is the key innovation that sets them apart from traditional tuners.
Benefits of Locking Tuners
Locking tuners offer several key benefits that make them a popular upgrade for many guitarists. Here are some of the main advantages locking tuners provide:
Improved Tuning Stability
The number one benefit of locking tuners is that they dramatically improve tuning stability. The locking mechanism prevents the strings from slipping and going out of tune, even with heavy use of the tremolo or whammy bar.
With standard tuners, the string can gradually unwind as it stretches and loses tension. This requires constant small tuning adjustments. Locking tuners eliminate this issue by securing the string tightly in place once tuned to the proper pitch. The tuning stability is unmatched.
Many guitarists add locking tuners specifically to hold tuning better when using the tremolo extensively. The rock-solid tuning allows dive bombs, flutter effects, and big chord bends without the strings going sharp. You can take full advantage of the tremolo without any tuning limitations.
Faster and Easier String Changes
Another huge benefit of locking tuners is that they make restringing your guitar much quicker and easier compared to standard tuners.
To restring with standard tuners, you need to wind the string around the post multiple times to secure it before bringing it up to pitch. With locking tuners, you simply insert the string, lock it in place with the tuner’s mechanism, and tune up. No winding required.
This allows very fast string changes. You can restring an entire guitar in just a few minutes with locking tuners. No more sore fingers from winding strings endlessly around the posts.
Cleaner Look
Many guitarists also choose locking tuners based on aesthetics. Locking tuners generally have a sleek, modern look with minimal string wrapping around the posts.
This gives your guitar’s headstock a tidy and streamlined appearance, especially if you have exposed tuning machines. The clean look matches nicely with many guitar styles.
So in summary, locking tuners provide rock-solid tuning stability, fast and easy string changes, and a clean modern look. No wonder they are one of the most popular upgrades for guitarists wanting to improve performance and appearance.
Top Locking Tuner Brands
Locking tuners come from a variety of top brands known for guitar hardware innovation and quality. Here are some of the most popular locking tuner options:
Schaller
Schaller is widely considered the original inventor of the modern locking tuner design in the 1970s. Their locking tuners are known for precision engineering, quality, and durability. Schaller tuners have a smooth and reliable locking mechanism that grips strings tightly for excellent tuning stability. They are a popular OEM choice, used as stock tuners on many high-end guitar models.
Sperzel
Sperzel locking tuners feature their patented Trim-Lock design that automatically trims excess string ends after winding and locking. This gives them an extremely smooth and seamless tuning action. Sperzel tuners provide unmatched tuning stability along with effortless string changes. They are the tuner of choice for many boutique guitar brands like Ernie Ball Music Man.
Fender
As you’d expect, Fender produces their own line of branded locking tuners. Fender locking tuners feature staggered post heights that are optimized for proper string tension on their guitars. They have a durable and smooth locking design. Fender locking tuners are available as upgrades for most modern Fender six-string guitar models.
PRS
Many PRS SE series guitars come stock with PRS’s own locking tuners. They are designed specifically for PRS guitars and have the same attention to detail the brand is known for. PRS locking tuners offer great tuning stability, reliability, and ease of restringing.
Grover
Grover is an iconic American tuner company, best known for their vintage Rotomatic tuners. Grover took their classic Rotomatic design and added a smooth locking mechanism. This gives guitarists a vintage aesthetic with modern locking tuner functionality. Grover locking tuners provide great tuning stability and a smooth, quality feel.
How to Install Locking Tuners
Removing old tuners
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First, you’ll need to remove the existing tuning machines on your guitar. Use a philips head screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screws that secure each tuner. Be careful when removing the screws, you don’t want to strip the heads or damage the finish around the mounting holes.
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Remove the tuners one at a time, making sure not to lose any small washers or bushings that are part of the mounting hardware. It’s a good idea to take a photo of the mounting layout before removing anything so you can replicate it later.
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Once all the tuners are removed, inspect the mounting holes for any debris or rough edges. Use a small file or sandpaper to smooth out the holes if needed so the new tuners fit properly.
Installing new locking tuners
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Orient your new locking tuners correctly based on the design and layout of your guitar’s headstock. Refer to any instructions that came with the tuners.
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Place each tuner into its mounting hole, adding any necessary washers or bushing rings. Make sure the tuners sit flush.
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Using your screwdriver, tighten down the mounting screws evenly and alternating between tuners. Don’t overtighten initially.
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Once all the tuners are loosely in place, go back and tighten the screws methodically to lock everything into position. The tuners should sit straight and firmly mounted.
Restringing the guitar
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Thread your strings through the appropriate holes in the tuning posts of the new locking tuners. Refer to the string gauge recommendations from the tuner manufacturer.
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Engage each tuner’s locking mechanism once the string is threaded through to secure it in place. Tune the strings up to pitch and check for any slack.
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Once tuned up, use wire cutters to trim off any excess string that sticks out from the locking tuner. Make sure the string ends are flush with the posts.
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Re-check tuning and make any minor adjustments now that the strings have been trimmed and are at tension. Your guitar is now ready to play with the new locking tuners!
How to Use Locking Tuners
Inserting Strings
When inserting new strings on a guitar with locking tuners, first thread the string through the hole in the tuning post. Make sure the string goes through the hole properly and sits in the tuning post groove. Pull the string taut before locking it in place.
Some locking tuners require inserting the string in a specific direction, so consult your tuner’s instructions. Also pay attention to any guides or rollers that need to be positioned a certain way to avoid binding.
Locking the Strings
Once the string is threaded through the tuning post hole, engage the locking mechanism. The exact method varies by brand – some use a screw, others a lever or cam. The key is to ensure the string is held tightly and securely before locking.
Slowly tune up the string to pitch while applying tension. When at the desired pitch, lock the string by tightening the mechanism. This prevents slippage and keeps the string locked at the proper tension.
Follow the locking sequence specified by the tuner manufacturer, if applicable. Some tuners require locking strings from outside to inside.
Tuning to Pitch
After locking the string, use the tuning machine knob to fine tune to the precise pitch. Locking tuners allow very accurate tuning adjustments since the string’s tension is firmly set by the locking mechanism.
Tune up to the desired pitch based on your tuning preference. Locking tuners hold their settings extremely well, so you can tune confidently knowing the strings will stay stable.
Trimming Excess String
Once tuned up, trim off any excess string extending past the tuning post. Snip it flush with the post using regular wire cutters.
Some locking tuners have a built-in string trimmer for quickly snipping the extra. Others feature recessed posts that automatically trim the string when locked.
Trimmed string ends enhance the clean look that locking tuners provide. Just take care not to cut the string too short to grip in the locking mechanism.
Tips for Getting the Most from Locking Tuners
Locking tuners provide excellent tuning stability and fast string changes right out of the box. However, there are a few tips to ensure you maximize their performance and get the most out of your upgrade.
Use an appropriate string gauge – Heavier gauge strings place more tension on the tuning machines. Locking tuners are designed to handle this, but excessively heavy strings can still cause issues. Try to use the factory recommended string gauges. Going up or down a gauge is usually fine.
Lubricate the tuners – Over time, tuners can get gunked up reducing their smoothness. Periodically apply lubricant to the moving parts. A light machine oil or spray lubricant works well. This will prevent corrosion and keep the tuning action smooth.
Use proper tuning technique – When tuning, tighten strings to get close to pitch before locking the string. Do not rely on the locking mechanism to bring strings up to pitch from complete looseness. Also, tune up to pitch rather than down to it, to avoid slipping.
Ideal Guitars for Locking Tuners
Locking tuners can provide great benefits for nearly any guitar, but certain types of guitars are especially ideal candidates for upgrading to locking tuners.
Guitars with Tremolo Systems
Guitars equipped with tremolo systems like Floyd Rose bridges can be notoriously difficult to keep in tune during heavy use. The tremolo tension puts extra stress on the strings, causing them to go out of tune more easily. Locking tuners can help remedy this by keeping the strings locked tightly in tune, even under the strain of intense tremolo use. So if you have a guitar with a tremolo system that won’t stay in tune, locking tuners may be the perfect upgrade.
Guitars with Exposed Tuners
Many guitars have their tuning machines prominently displayed on the headstock, rather than hidden behind a headstock faceplate. Examples include Fender Stratocasters, Telecasters, and Jazzmasters. On these guitars, locking tuners can provide a cleaner, more streamlined look since there is less string wrapped around the posts. Locking tuners really showcase themselves aesthetically on guitars with exposed tuners.
Frequent String Changers
For guitarists who swap out their strings often, either to experiment with different gauges/brands or simply out of string breakage, locking tuners can make the restringing process exponentially faster and easier. There’s no need to wind strings around posts multiple times before locking them in place with just a flick of the tuner mechanism. Locking tuners are a perfect quality-of-life upgrade for any guitarist who changes strings frequently.
Locking Tuners vs Standard Tuners
Locking tuners and standard tuners each have their own pros and cons when it comes to tuning stability, restringing, and precision. Here’s how they compare:
Stability
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Locking tuners provide unmatched stability thanks to their locking mechanism that prevents string slippage. This allows them to stay in tune even with heavy tremolo use.
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Standard tuners rely on wrapping the string around the post multiple times to hold tuning. This method is prone to issues like string loosening over time.
Restringing
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Locking tuners allow extremely fast string changes since you just insert the string and lock it. No need for winding strings around posts.
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With standard tuners, you have to wrap each string 4-5 times around the post when restringing. This takes significantly longer.
Precision
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The locking mechanism of locking tuners lets you make very precise tuning adjustments without the string going sharp.
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It can be tricky to make fine tuner tweaks with standard tuners since the string tension is not locked.
Pros of Locking Tuners
- Unparalleled tuning stability
- Much faster restringing
- Easier and more precise tuning adjustments
- Modern, sleek aesthetic
Pros of Standard Tuners
- More affordable option
- Wider variety of styles and designs
- Easier to repair or replace just one
- Familiar feel for some players
Both locking tuners and standard tuners have their place, depending on a guitarist’s needs and preferences. But for those wanting maximum stability and ease of use, locking tuners are hard to beat. Their innovative design makes them a worthwhile upgrade for many guitarists.
Conclusion
Locking tuners offer clear benefits for any guitarist looking to improve their instrument’s functionality and performance. The locking mechanism provides unparalleled tuning stability by preventing string slippage, even during heavy tremolo use or wild string bending. This allows for fewer mid-song retunes and more time focusing on playing.
The speed and ease of restringing is vastly improved as well. Simply thread the string through the post hole, lock it in place, and tune up. No tedious wrapping of strings around posts over and over. This makes string changes faster, easier, and much less frustrating.
Many locking tuners also provide a sleeker, more modern look by minimizing string wraps on the tuning posts. This cleaner aesthetic is perfect for guitars with exposed headstocks.
Overall, locking tuners are a fantastic upgrade for any guitar. Their precision tuning performance can help take your playing to the next level. Consider installing a set on your favorite guitar to experience the benefits firsthand. Most models are easy to install at home following included instructions.
Popular brands like Schaller, Sperzel, Grover, and Fender all offer quality locking tuner options. Check your local guitar shop or browse online retailers to find the perfect set for your instrument. Your ears and fingers will thank you!