Need advice on Fender Schaller v. Ping machine heads

F

Farkus

New member
Hey all,

I'm in the process of modding up my beater Strat and my next mod will be locking tuning machines.

I have some experience with the Schallers and I like them. My only issue at this point is that they've discontinued the polished chrome Schallers and have replaced these with Ping locking tuners. I can still get the Schallers in brushed chrome, but personally I think they look cheap.

So, my question is, does anyone that has experience with both feel that they are very different in build quality/tone? Ultimately I care more about the tuners longevity and quality. Do those that have tried both feel there is much difference?
 
Re: Need advice on Fender Schaller v. Ping machine heads

Of course you would want the Schallers, but the Ping will work just fine.
 
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Re: Need advice on Fender Schaller v. Ping machine heads

im using the schallers. no complaints. at all.

get the installation right! you dont want to strip those nuts.
 
Re: Need advice on Fender Schaller v. Ping machine heads

The Fender-branded Ping locking machineheads are noticably cheaper than the Schaller M6-based type. Even brand new, I can feel gear lash in them.

If you are altering a low budget Stratocaster, consider Wilkinson EZ-Lok meachineheads. The string posts in these are drilled two ways so that the strings can be tied in firmly. The only other thng to watch for with these is the sharp edges left around the lips of the string holes. I always smooth them with a round file before installation.
 
Re: Need advice on Fender Schaller v. Ping machine heads

Thanks for the advice guys. This is a 'beater' in that the body has had a lot of play time on it, as has the neck, but it is MIA Standard so I was hoping to avoid any major drilling, etc. Otherwise I'd just get a different make of the Schallers. If the Ping's tuning action is not smooth, even though I really dislike the brushed chrome look, I think I'm gonna get the Schallers.
 
Re: Need advice on Fender Schaller v. Ping machine heads

Funkfingers said:
The Fender-branded Ping locking machineheads are noticably cheaper than the Schaller M6-based type. Even brand new, I can feel gear lash in them.

If you are altering a low budget Stratocaster, consider Wilkinson EZ-Lok meachineheads. The string posts in these are drilled two ways so that the strings can be tied in firmly. The only other thng to watch for with these is the sharp edges left around the lips of the string holes. I always smooth them with a round file before installation.
Click to expand...

Ix-Nay on the Wilkies!
Go Schaller. Pings are not that good.
 
Re: Need advice on Fender Schaller v. Ping machine heads

Uh. I think that what Fender mounts there with the "S" are Schaller-designed Chinese made tuners. They are not made in Germany.

I have a set of tuners from a 2008 American Strat. Not bad, not impressive, too heavy.
 
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