do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

[ACE 4080]

if not, i can just get the cheapest things that look right

 

[Jessie's ghost]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

I think they matter. I use Sperzel locking tuners on most of my Floyd guitars, because they make for fast string changes and solid tuning while I'm getting the strings stretched and settled in before I lock the nut on a new set. Also, sometimes I like to leave the string locks completely off my Jackson SL3, because I think it sounds better with them off, and those locking tuners certainly help with that.

 

[Aceman]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

Yes they do - but not as much. To get the string to pitch in the first place, they are critical. Crappy tuners can have problems there. Just makes that much more you'll need to do with the fine tuners - which may pr may not be up to the task...

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

Provided that they can get you close to in tune pretty quickly, I wouldn't worry about them too much myself . . . once the nut's locked down it's not going to make any difference at all.

 

[ACE 4080]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

so it doesnt matter how long they hold the pitch, as long as they get you there?

 

[Jessie's ghost]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

so it doesnt matter how long they hold the pitch, as long as they get you there?

How much of a difference in money are we talking about? I don't really like having junk parts on my guitars, but some decent Grover or Gotoh should get the job done. Not junk, not fancy or expensive, well suited to the tast.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

Once you lock a Floyd nut, the tuners have only one effect....either light and resonant, letting the headstock vibrate easier, or high mass, making the headstock vibration choked off.

With no Floyd nut, Sperzels are worthwhile. In that situation, your nut being cut perfectly is crucial.

 

[MattPete]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

No, they don't matter. Just get some half-way decent tuners, and definitely don't waste your money on locking tuners.

 

[SabbathFan0220]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

. . . once the nut's locked down it's not going to make any difference at all.

This. String changes are easier with locking tuners, but that's the only time it's going to matter.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

if not, i can just get the cheapest things that look right

No, they don't matter much. I use Schaller locking tuners because they are really nice and the locking makes for faster string changes.

I have a Soloist with a string that broke between the locking nut and the tuner about three weeks ago...it is still in tune.

 

[Aceman]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

I'm still sticking with they need to get it on the right note and hold it until you can lock it down. Floyd's are pain enough without additional hassles. They must be basically functional. After that though - no, you really don't need them.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: do tuning machines matter if i have a floyd rose??

I think they matter. I use Sperzel locking tuners on most of my Floyd guitars, because they make for fast string changes and solid tuning while I'm getting the strings stretched and settled in before I lock the nut on a new set. Also, sometimes I like to leave the string locks completely off my Jackson SL3, because I think it sounds better with them off, and those locking tuners certainly help with that.

I totally agree with the locking tuners. It's hard enough to change strings on a Floyd, so making it even a little easier is a plus. There is also the factor that the string is less twisted with a locking machine, than a standard wrap kind. I break in the strings with the lock off, but I don't like the tone... kinda "hollow" with some weird overtones.