Installing Sperzal Locking Tuners on an EPI Les Paul

[guitarded]

I am posting this so others here to know what to expect should they decide to install Sperzel locking tuners. This installation is not for everyone and I think if I had attempted this on a Gibson, I would have become physically ill after the first set-back

Victim: Epiphone Les Paul Plain Top

Had to enlarge torgue screw hole for the larger torgue peg of the Sperzels. Used the drill bit specified in the instructions. Once I did this, I noticed the collar or sleeve that secures the tuner, was just a hair to large in diameter to fit through the front of the peg hole. It could slip though from behind the head stock easily, so I knew I to remove a very small amount of wood from the front of the holes.

Used a dremel tool and the cutting bit (similar to a rotozip) Removed just enogh material for the collar to pass through the hole without using force. This was easier than it sounds. Once I did the first one, the rest went real fast.

Once I had installed the first three, for the low-e, a and d, when I noticed that the tuners had to be turned opposite directions to increase or decrease tension. Electing not to drill new holes, I installed the other three tuners for the remaining strings. I guess I will get used to tuning backwards The tuning seems solid, so I don't think the backwards installation is causing any issues at this time.

At this point I believe it was worth the trouble as tuning seems to be liquid smooth now. This particular gutiar had a defect in the Grover tuner for the D string, and had some slop in it. I actually went and ordered a second set for my EPI Standard Les Paul. If anything is different with that install I will post a followup.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Installing Sperzal Locking Tuners on an EPI Les Paul

At this point I believe it was worth the trouble as tuning seems to be liquid smooth now. This particular gutiar had a defect in the Grover tuner for the D string, and had some slop in it. I actually went and ordered a second set for my EPI Standard Les Paul. If anything is different with that install I will post a followup.

Did you try tightening the little screw on the end of the Grover tuner that holds the button (the part you turn) on? That screw adjusts the tightness in the way the tuner feels...

 

[guitarded]

Re: Installing Sperzal Locking Tuners on an EPI Les Paul

Did you try tightening the little screw on the end of the Grover tuner that holds the button (the part you turn) on? That screw adjusts the tightness in the way the tuner feels...

Yep... It was tight. The problem was really a dead spot in the gear mechanism. I would turn it with no response on the peg and then all of a sudden it would jump. This would happen going in both directions. The guitar is new enough where I could have invoked the warranty, but I have locking tuners on all my Fenders, and the main reason is quick string changes. The Sperzels have a much better feel to them. I always liked Grovers, but I am really loving the Sperzel set.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Installing Sperzal Locking Tuners on an EPI Les Paul

Yep... It was tight. The problem was really a dead spot in the gear mechanism. I would turn it with no response on the peg and then all of a sudden it would jump. This would happen going in both directions. The guitar is new enough where I could have invoked the warranty, but I have locking tuners on all my Fenders, and the main reason is quick string changes. The Sperzels have a much better feel to them. I always liked Grovers, but I am really loving the Sperzel set.

Whoa - that is jacked. I don't blame you for switching to Sperzels.

You know, Sperzels come all apart very easily if you unthread the button screw. The whole mechanism slides out. You might be able to leave your installation alone and switch all the left & right side mechanisms and fix the backwards-tuning issue.

 

[guitarded]

Re: Installing Sperzal Locking Tuners on an EPI Les Paul

Whoa - that is jacked. I don't blame you for switching to Sperzels.

You know, Sperzels come all apart very easily if you unthread the button screw. The whole mechanism slides out. You might be able to leave your installation alone and switch all the left & right side mechanisms and fix the backwards-tuning issue.

Thanks for the tip! Next string change I will see if that is doable... or even better yet... when the second set I ordered fro my other epi paul come I will see if I could do it at installation time.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Installing Sperzal Locking Tuners on an EPI Les Paul

I have a spare set of 3x3 Sperzels i've been think of installing on a smashed up Epi LP... neck repaired and needs frets now... anyways i'll use a Reamer tool to widen the tuner holes.. saver then a drill... Metric drill bits are whats need for sperzels anyways.. i have a 10mm i think for them... but i'll stick to a reamer tool and after a drill press with a dull bit sent my strat neck across the room and damaged the tuner hole baddly

 

[guitarded]

Re: Installing Sperzal Locking Tuners on an EPI Les Paul

I have a spare set of 3x3 Sperzels i've been think of installing on a smashed up Epi LP... neck repaired and needs frets now... anyways i'll use a Reamer tool to widen the tuner holes.. saver then a drill... Metric drill bits are whats need for sperzels anyways.. i have a 10mm i think for them... but i'll stick to a reamer tool and after a drill press with a dull bit sent my strat neck across the room and damaged the tuner hole baddly

It was a really small amount of material that needed to be removed out of the pegholes. Wow..... A neck repair on an EPI? Hopefully that didn't run more than the prices of a new Epi.