Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

[Ball&Chain]

Im looking to upgrade the Jackson tuning machines on my Jackson DK2. There arent a ton of options out there it seems for a direct replacement machine, but i've come up with 3 possibilities with models made by either Gotoh, Schaller or Planet Waves. Im also looking for locking machines

Schaller M6 2000
http://guitar-machine-heads.com/hp135055/Artikel-Liste.htm


Planet Waves Auto Trim
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-Auto-Trim-Tuning-Machines-6-InLine?sku=361450


Gotoh mini Locking
http://www.allparts.com/Gotoh-Mini-Locking-Tuners-Left-handed-Chrome-p/TK-0767-L10.htm




Right now im leaning towards the Schaller tuners. Id prefer the thumb wheel kind over the auto locking mechanism the gotohs have, so the Planet waves would be a second choice at the moment.

Ive measured the peg hole dimenstions of the DK2 and they come out to 13/32.

The warmoth site is saying that the schallers fit 11/32 peg holes, so its not a snug fit if thats correct. So far, Warmoth is the only place ive found that sells them. Some of the online searching ive done has lead me to believe that the schallers are direct replacements for the Jackson tuners, so im not sure what to think here. How much of a difference will 1/16 of play make?

Also warmoth is selling these spearately, so Im assuming they will all have the same peghead dimensions. Im not sure if graduated tuners are an option to get a little steeper angle off the nut. The stock Jackson tuners appear to be non-graduated.

http://www.warmoth.com/Schaller-Mini-Locking-Tuner-Left-Side-Black-P985C726.aspx


Any thoughts or experiences?

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

You can't beat Schaller for quality. I'm fond of Sperzels myself, but if you don't have to mod your peg holes for the Schallers go that route.

People think locking machine are redundant with the Floyd/locking nut, but they don't realize how much easier it is to change strings. No more winding... that's worth the investment right there.

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

My Jackson is a TOM string through body model. I was thinking mainly about the conveiniece factor for string changes as my main motivation to upgrade. I also liked the idea of not needing to wind the string around the peghead quite as much. Id think it would add a bit more tuning stability.

Ive got a tonepros locking bridge on order as well, so along with the new tuners, that should just about do it.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

I put Schallers on mine and love it.

 

[wolf5150]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

My Anderson has the Gotoh and as lovely as they feel, I think they're a bit too fussy.

I love the Hipshot open back locking tuners at the moment, have them on my Warmoth and I'm very very impressed with everything
about them.

I've also got the Schaller and the Planet Waves on other guitars... the Schaller are nice, but not staggered ( at least mine aren't ) and are very heavy nor are the Planet Waves staggered and I'm also very wary of the durability of the cutting edge on the Waves ones.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

I've had both Schallers and Grover locking tuners, but not the Gotoh. After the Schallers, I came to prefer the operation and cleaner, more vintage look of the non-thumb wheel style locking tuners. The operation is smooth and the locking is tight. Just my opinion though....

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

My Jackson is a TOM string through body model. I was thinking mainly about the conveiniece factor for string changes as my main motivation to upgrade. I also liked the idea of not needing to wind the string around the peghead quite as much. Id think it would add a bit more tuning stability.

Ive got a tonepros locking bridge on order as well, so along with the new tuners, that should just about do it.

Ahhh, well. I guess I have a pre-conceived notion of Jacksons all having Floyds. Haha! I've never tried auto-locking tuners myself. I like the idea of having a thumb-screw, but I have overtightened and broke strings as a result, so you have to be careful about that.

 

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

I'd go with the Schallers.

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

I put the order in for the Schallers at Warmoth. 10 bucks each isnt to shabby. I did find another online place that sells them but they were something like 120 bucks for the 6.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

Im looking to upgrade the Jackson tuning machines on my Jackson DK2. There arent a ton of options out there it seems for a direct replacement machine, but i've come up with 3 possibilities with models made by either Gotoh, Schaller or Planet Waves. Im also looking for locking machines

Schaller M6 2000
http://guitar-machine-heads.com/hp135055/Artikel-Liste.htm


Planet Waves Auto Trim
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-Auto-Trim-Tuning-Machines-6-InLine?sku=361450


Gotoh mini Locking
http://www.allparts.com/Gotoh-Mini-Locking-Tuners-Left-handed-Chrome-p/TK-0767-L10.htm




Right now im leaning towards the Schaller tuners. Id prefer the thumb wheel kind over the auto locking mechanism the gotohs have, so the Planet waves would be a second choice at the moment.

Ive measured the peg hole dimenstions of the DK2 and they come out to 13/32.

The warmoth site is saying that the schallers fit 11/32 peg holes, so its not a snug fit if thats correct. So far, Warmoth is the only place ive found that sells them. Some of the online searching ive done has lead me to believe that the schallers are direct replacements for the Jackson tuners, so im not sure what to think here. How much of a difference will 1/16 of play make?

Also warmoth is selling these spearately, so Im assuming they will all have the same peghead dimensions. Im not sure if graduated tuners are an option to get a little steeper angle off the nut. The stock Jackson tuners appear to be non-graduated.

http://www.warmoth.com/Schaller-Mini-Locking-Tuner-Left-Side-Black-P985C726.aspx


Any thoughts or experiences?

If they wont fit, get a reamer off ebay. NEVER use a drill bit, you'll tear the S*** out of it! Its not foolproof but real close if you take it easy, and not a forbidden thing to try to do either like some techs say and then try to charge you a stupid fee for doing it. I've done it now many times and I'm a Klutz. Go slow and easy and just widen the holes till the tuner fits in snug. Ream from both ends a bit at a time. Blow out the holes in between reams.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

My Anderson has the Gotoh and as lovely as they feel, I think they're a bit too fussy.

I love the Hipshot open back locking tuners at the moment, have them on my Warmoth and I'm very very impressed with everything
about them.

I've also got the Schaller and the Planet Waves on other guitars... the Schaller are nice, but not staggered ( at least mine aren't ) and are very heavy nor are the Planet Waves staggered and I'm also very wary of the durability of the cutting edge on the Waves ones.

i like the look of those Hipshot's!!!

 

[wolf5150]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

They really are beautifully made. You buy them singly, either normal or lower height. I got 3 of each to get the best angle. The thumb wheel ends in a flat instead of pointed string clamp so if you tend to over tighten, they don't snip the string like schallers do. They're also beautifully smooth in use. James Tyler now uses them exclusively which was a good enough recommendation for me .

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

I have a couple sets fo Hipshots. They ARE good tuners, and on the lighter side, but Schallers are better .

 

[Jessie's ghost]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

People think locking machine are redundant with the Floyd/locking nut, but they don't realize how much easier it is to change strings. No more winding... that's worth the investment right there.

I agree. It's also nice because, with fewer winds, it doesn't take as long for the strings to settle in so you can lock down the nut.

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: Jackson DK2 Tuning Machine Upgrade

The Tonepros Nashville locking bridge came in last night. I ordered from a seller on ebay last thursday and had delivery on monday. Pretty outstanding imo. The bridge fit perfectly so im happy there. It might be my wishfull thinking, but sustain does seem to be improved even after a rough set up. I still need to fine tune the action and set intonatioin.

I got ship notification from warmoth on the Schaller tuners. They shipped yesterday with a scheduled delivery for next monday. . Wow, over a week to transport a set of 6 tuners. Hopefully thats not accurate, but with UPS I guess I shouldnt hold my breath. Heh.