Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

[LesStrat]

I bought a set for the Ibanez semi hollow axe I got from theodie.

Initial impressions: Okay, but I prefer the Sperzels. The selling point is "no annoying screw caps to turn to lock the string." Um, ok. Yet I found it harder to get the strings to lock with these. Maybe I just need more time with them.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. Initially one of them was slipping (uh, that's why I replaced the OEM). It seems to have finally locked into place.

If you have experience with these, and you have suggestions that would improve the operation of them, please share. There was no literature in the package (just a 1"x2" flyer).

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I should get some of those.

I almost threw one of my Strats into the wall because of those annoying screws on the Sperzels. I wasn't even restringing it.... just the way they taunt me while I'm playing.

So annoying!

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

:haha:

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I have a set of locking Grovers on my 355 and never had the slightest problem with them. You just thread the string, turn the tuner and it locks automatically.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

Eh, give me the screw type. Easy, and I know it's locked. I have them on my Korean strat, and they have given me many years of perfect service.

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

About Sperzels, I can't talk about years of service yet since I've only had them for some months BUT, in those months and after a proper setup they've been able to keep my Strat in tune for, LITERALLY months (two to be exact).
I'll be wanting to replace strings before I'll want to retune.

Less tunings, fewer reasons to be looking at them, NO PROBLEMS!

 

[brentrocks]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

i put a set of locking Grovers on my Heritage Gary Moore and they are great! no problems!!!

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

For those who have used these, do you have any idea why one of them was slipping? I would tune, play for a few minutes, and have to re-tune. Same string each time, and it would slip significantly (much more than a few cents; more like 1 1/2 steps).

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

Could it be the nut?

I had sth like this happen to me too and surely enough, it was the nut...

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I've had them on multiple guitars and never once had a problem. I've found them more slip-proof than worn sperzel types.

Anyway, here's the stringing routine I figured out:

- Rotate the post cap until it clicks lightly into place. That ensures the holes are lined up.
- Turn the tuner knob until the post hole is somewhat in line with the string.
- Thread the string through and pull it hand tight.
- Keep it tight while cranking the knob until it has grabbed the string and pulled it a quarter turn or so. Basically, make sure it's locked on.
- Tune up to pitch, about another quarter/half turn.

This can be extremely quick once you've done it a few times.

It can take a bit for the post to grab the smaller strings, but since it never rotates even a full turn with this method, you can get the feel for it, where you crank the high E knob backwards four times because you know that will return it to the point of grabbing.

Also, I take it you never snip your string leftovers, or we'd know for sure if it was slipping.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I'll try your technique. That is what was not clear in the packaging. It said something about turning the postcap, but it was NOT clearly stated. BTW, it was the high E string. I used the old strings (and broke TWO E strings). I'll be putting new strings on next week in prep for a gig. I didn't want to waste a new set without knowing whether to leave the tuners on.

I DESPISE string leftovers. I'll never understand the practice of leaving 4 inches of string hanging loose. A young guy at church replaced a broken string recently, and the leftover was hanging OVER the fretboard.:doh:

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I DESPISE string leftovers. I'll never understand the practice of leaving 4 inches of string hanging loose. A young guy at church replaced a broken string recently, and the leftover was hanging OVER the fretboard.:doh:

:friday: You and me both. Although, I suppose if you were lucky, you could put the lead singer's eye out. Not really, but there have been times when I thought 'worship leader' should be pronounced like 'he-who-forges-ahead-in-4/4-ignoring-the-band-making-every-song-sound-the-same'. Although, that would be quite a mouthful.

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

After having used the Sperzels, Grovers, and now having two axes with Schallers auto-locking tuners, I can say that the Sperzels are the best and easiest to work with. I'm going to be replacing the tuners on my two hardtail axes (standard Grover and Schaller locking) with them in the near future!

 

[Arkitkt]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I have Grovers on my Strat and PlanetWaves on my Variax.
I like the PlanetWaves better. They're both an upgrade from standard tuners, but IMHO, the PWs are easier to use.

 

[Brow]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I've had them on multiple guitars and never once had a problem. I've found them more slip-proof than worn sperzel types.

Anyway, here's the stringing routine I figured out:

- Rotate the post cap until it clicks lightly into place. That ensures the holes are lined up.
- Turn the tuner knob until the post hole is somewhat in line with the string.
- Thread the string through and pull it hand tight.
- Keep it tight while cranking the knob until it has grabbed the string and pulled it a quarter turn or so. Basically, make sure it's locked on.
- Tune up to pitch, about another quarter/half turn.

This can be extremely quick once you've done it a few times.

It can take a bit for the post to grab the smaller strings, but since it never rotates even a full turn with this method, you can get the feel for it, where you crank the high E knob backwards four times because you know that will return it to the point of grabbing.

Also, I take it you never snip your string leftovers, or we'd know for sure if it was slipping.

Thanks for that

I've recently bought a guitar with these tuners on and (I hate to admit it) but I couldn't actually work out how to use them :banghead:

 

[octavedoctor]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

I've had them on multiple guitars and never once had a problem. I've found them more slip-proof than worn sperzel types.

Anyway, here's the stringing routine I figured out:

- Rotate the post cap until it clicks lightly into place. That ensures the holes are lined up.
- Turn the tuner knob until the post hole is somewhat in line with the string.
- Thread the string through and pull it hand tight.
- Keep it tight while cranking the knob until it has grabbed the string and pulled it a quarter turn or so. Basically, make sure it's locked on.
- Tune up to pitch, about another quarter/half turn.

This can be extremely quick once you've done it a few times.

It can take a bit for the post to grab the smaller strings, but since it never rotates even a full turn with this method, you can get the feel for it, where you crank the high E knob backwards four times because you know that will return it to the point of grabbing.

Also, I take it you never snip your string leftovers, or we'd know for sure if it was slipping.

You beat me to it PM. I was about to come up with the exact same spiel.

These tuners, and the similar Gotoh Magnum Lock are the only good locking tuners on the market, now that PRS aren't using their original designs with the self locking cam action. I've still seen too many jam and break for me to have confidence in them though.

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

You beat me to it PM. I was about to come up with the exact same spiel.

These tuners, and the similar Gotoh Magnum Lock are the only good locking tuners on the market, now that PRS aren't using their original designs with the self locking cam action. I've still seen too many jam and break for me to have confidence in them though.

Hey, it's the good doctor! How goeth the guitar work?

It's interesting you reference the Gotoh locking tuners. I've been looking at them for a lighter, more vintage looking option but haven't met anyone who has used them. Any comments?

 

[octavedoctor]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

Hey, it's the good doctor! How goeth the guitar work?

Seriously considering getting out of the business at the moment; it's really just a question of what else to do after nearly thirty years of just fixing guitars...

It's interesting you reference the Gotoh locking tuners. I've been looking at them for a lighter, more vintage looking option but haven't met anyone who has used them. Any comments?

PRS are using them, or something very similar, on their higher end guitars in place of the old chunky ones i loved so much.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

Seriously considering getting out of the business at the moment; it's really just a question of what else to do after nearly thirty years of just fixing guitars...

Man I can relate to that...I am also wondering what I can do instead someday....I am sick of it really...but as one of my buddies and boss says....we still have our good moods, so will not go down just yet!

Give me a set of old Schaller M6 or Gotoh Minituners....the locking stuff can take a hike.

 

[DLT]

Re: Grover Automatic Locking Tuners

For those who have used these, do you have any idea why one of them was slipping? I would tune, play for a few minutes, and have to re-tune. Same string each time, and it would slip significantly (much more than a few cents; more like 1 1/2 steps).

Stephen,
I am surprised you can't figure out why one is slipping. You bought them from Odie. Wipe the chowder off of it!