Charvel1975
New member
Hello, I have a stock 2021 PRS SE Custom 24 and was wondering if the SE locking tuners are worth it or not? I'm on a budget and I don't use the trem and on 1 of the songs on our set list, I tune the low E to D.
PRS SE Locking Tuners Opinions
- Thread starter Charvel1975
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Masta' C
Well-known member
Are you asking if locking tuners in general are worth it or the SE ones specifically?
Personally, I like locking tuners, but there are plenty of reasons why someone might not want/need them.
As for the SE locking tuners specifically, they are just "ok". Definitely overpriced for what you get (basically just stock SE tuners drilled for a thumb screw). Perfectly functional, but the only cool factor comes from the fact that they say "PRS" on the back and sort of look like the USA locking tuners.
If you don't have brand loyalty to PRS, I recommend a good set of Gotoh or Hipshot tuners.
However, if you're truly on a budget, I'd recommend the Allparts 3x3 locking set, which is actually what I put on my own SE CU24:
ttps://reverb.com/item/25578377-loc...on-back-chrome
Oh, and if the idea here is to improve tuning stability, you should definitely start with a new nut before you bother with tuners. The USA "Core" series nut is a drop-in installation (aside from minor sanding to get the action you want) and disturbingly inexpensive for a pair of them:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/333682075035
:beerchug:
Personally, I like locking tuners, but there are plenty of reasons why someone might not want/need them.
As for the SE locking tuners specifically, they are just "ok". Definitely overpriced for what you get (basically just stock SE tuners drilled for a thumb screw). Perfectly functional, but the only cool factor comes from the fact that they say "PRS" on the back and sort of look like the USA locking tuners.
If you don't have brand loyalty to PRS, I recommend a good set of Gotoh or Hipshot tuners.
However, if you're truly on a budget, I'd recommend the Allparts 3x3 locking set, which is actually what I put on my own SE CU24:
ttps://reverb.com/item/25578377-loc...on-back-chrome
Oh, and if the idea here is to improve tuning stability, you should definitely start with a new nut before you bother with tuners. The USA "Core" series nut is a drop-in installation (aside from minor sanding to get the action you want) and disturbingly inexpensive for a pair of them:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/333682075035
:beerchug:
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Nightburst
New member
I had them in a Custom 22 SE and they were a huge improvement. Aesthetically, functionality and ease of use when restringing. Win win bro.
It definitely got me inspired bc the guitar looks the part more. But I'm weird like that, I spend money on the right PRS pickup rings too, that completes the look.
If you have a Zach Myers then get Gotoh, they are the best vintage style out there.
It definitely got me inspired bc the guitar looks the part more. But I'm weird like that, I spend money on the right PRS pickup rings too, that completes the look.
If you have a Zach Myers then get Gotoh, they are the best vintage style out there.
misterwhizzy
Well-known member
I bought a PRS SE with their locking tuners and really disliked them. I replaced them with regular Schallers and are much happier. The PRS ones didn’t lock well and were way, way more difficult than just turning the tuner a few more times. It was probably operator error, but I’m much happier with the ones I put in.
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NegativeEase
New member
Well, considering PRS's own marketing material says the PRS SE Locking Tuners are a "Must Have" upgrade for your PRS SE. maybe suggests the standard tuners are just ok.
. but no idea, except I'm sure they are serviceable -PRS doesn't exactly foist junk into the market do they?PRS doesn't make tuners really -at last check they were made by Hanchang who also make some Fender and Grover stuff -and all kinds of other brands -so it's really just a specification based on the quality level/pricepoint of the guitar -I'd imagine an 800.00 guitar has good tuners.
Wanna see something strange? in the PRS marketing material for SE -they may ZERO mention of the machine heads/tuner in the sizzle description -only listed in the hardware list as "PRS designed" That is super strange to me
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...custom-24-electric-guitar-black-gold-sunburst
Me personally -Grover is my favorite 3/3 configuration tuner....
But keeping the lockers PRS brand avoiding any footprint issues and keeping reselling value seems like a wise choice.
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
Have you tried the stock tuners on PRS SE's? Or their plastic nuts? Or their stock pickups? Yeah, pretty junk, LOL.
NegativeEase
New member
Ha. no -thats disappointing, but damn, after reading their sales lit on SEs -I guess I believe it -I mean it sounds like they are trying to make you not remember to seek any tuner questions before buying.
Personally, Ive never owned a PRS -I know they can make some quality stuff -I have too many 90s douche rock and nu metal associations with their guitar I cannot escape memories of -if there was a terrible band back in the day -they always played PRS
I know this is a me problem,... Im working on it.
Both locking tuners and regular tuners work well in tuning the E string down to D. Is there something wrong with the current tuners? I'd go locking for the fast string changes more than anything, and if you do that, the Hipshots do a great job (and not too expensive).
i have an old prs se and it still has stock tuners, they work fine. i dont usually replace things unless they arent working or i need something they arent giving me. these will stay until they start failing in some way. i do like locking tuners but dont see any reason to get the prs se locking tuners when there are better choices for less money
NegativeEase
New member
I would add, that some or much of the time it's not the tuners when people are dubious of tuners -it's as often the setup (Pickup height, nut slots, saddle slots etc) or sometimes with beginners, the tuning technique (not tuning up only to prevent slack in the gearing)
So always good to check through those factors first -unless you know the tuners are the culprit.
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
I've had four PRS SE's, and in all of them, replacing the tuners made a massive improvement in tuning stability. The nut also helps, but IME, the cheap tuners they use are bad. Maybe I've had bad luck, but in all four cases, replacing the tuners helped.
I recommend Gotoh. They're cheap, and they're great.
Grovers are great too. And don't require any modifications.
I recommend Gotoh. They're cheap, and they're great.
Grovers are great too. And don't require any modifications.
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d1dsj
Cornographer
Bought a Pauls SE and a Zack SE last year and whilst the guitars are perfectly acceptable (Pauls guitar is actually generally very good, the Zack pick ups and pots are just OK - both set up well and nuts are good), the weak point on both are the crap tuners. They feel cheap, they look cheap (black button version on both) and ratio feels wrong somehow. Haven’t changed anything as yet as I don’t use them that often, both bought for my grandchildren, but the tuners will be replaced at some point.
NegativeEase
New member
It's strange to hear that 600-800.00 guitars come with unacceptable tuners to me.
I mean, even Fender Squires and Gretsch Electromatics have perfectly suitable tuners at a $300 price point.
What is PRS thinking if this is the case?
d1dsj
Cornographer
Honestly I have no idea but they are crap. They feel flimsy and when tuning ( I always tune flat and bring back up to pitch) the ratio is odd to me at least. I have guitars at all price points, and would say these fall into the mid price bracket albeit the lower end of said bracket, and I can’t believe they use these tuners. The rest of the hardware is good, particularly the bridges…. Makes no sense to me.
I am still upset that almost all guitars (including very expensive ones) come with 30 cent strap buttons.
Masta' C
Well-known member
The stock SE tuners (and the locking "upgrade" versions) are perfectly serviceable mid-range quality tuners. They may not have the tightest tolerances, but they certainly are not junk and their OEM equivalents on found on lots of midrange instruments. The SE lockers use the same tuner bodies as the non-lockers, but the shafts are modified for the thumb screw.
I think you can get finer tuning and/or a better feel from a different set of tuners, but it's more likely that the nut is the issue when it comes to tuning instability. Even though newer SE models use a graphite nut, my experience is that they are cut poorly and roughly finished on close inspection. An upgrade to the USA nut makes a huge difference.
I think you can get finer tuning and/or a better feel from a different set of tuners, but it's more likely that the nut is the issue when it comes to tuning instability. Even though newer SE models use a graphite nut, my experience is that they are cut poorly and roughly finished on close inspection. An upgrade to the USA nut makes a huge difference.
Explorer84
Active member
I installed a set of Grover 406C locking tuners and have been completely satisfied with them. I personally think that the Grover’s are a better tuner. The buttons feel a bit odd because they’re much smaller in size. I had read that the buttons from the stock tuners will fit on the Grover’s if they feel too small/odd. I haven’t tried it so I don’t know if it’s true or not. In my opinion, they’re worth the cost.
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