Question on locking tuners

[doctadre]

Hey i just read on a website that locking tuners are useless on a les paul due to its tilted back headstock, just as i was looking at my les paul and the box of new sperzel tuners ready to be installed on it. Anyone have info on this? Can i still install them and have them work properly?
thanks
andre

 

[aleclee]

Re: Question on locking tuners

They'll work just fine.

I assume you're adding locking tuners to help keep things in tune. Though the strings are more likely to get caught in the nut on a tilt-back headstock, that doesn't mean that the tuners won't help. You do need to ensure that your nut is well-cut and you use something to help the strings glide (I prefer Big Bends Nut Sauce though Chap Stick will do).

I know of some folks who prefer locking tuners simply because they make string changes faster and easier.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Question on locking tuners

"Useless" is far from the truth. They´re not even useless on a guitar with a locking trem, as even then they´ll still speed up string changes

As Alec said, the effect may be more noticeable on a Strat or other "straight headstock" guitar, but the added tuning stability should still be there

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: Question on locking tuners

Locking tuners should be standard on every guitar imo.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Question on locking tuners

Locking tuners should be standard on every guitar imo.

On those with double locking trems, we can live without. But for all others I agree :friday:

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Question on locking tuners

I don't seriously understand the fuss of locking tuners. I string my guitars the same way as I'd lock them, and cut the excess wire away my self. Where's the difference? Not in speed or tuning stability, I presume. To make things clear, I have NOT tried them, but all the positive sides of them talked about seem... already there?

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Question on locking tuners

I don't seriously understand the fuss of locking tuners. I string my guitars the same way as I'd lock them, and cut the excess wire away my self. Where's the difference? Not in speed or tuning stability, I presume. To make things clear, I have NOT tried them, but all the positive sides of them talked about seem... already there?

You may be thinking of the Cut-Lok tuners made by Planet Waves where the excess is trimmed off by the tuning keys during the tuning process. Never tried them , and dont plan on it.

Locking tuner have gears that eliminate string tension from slowly spinning the tuning machines in the direction of applied tension. While I have rarley experienced any slippage on 13-degree headstocks, I still like assurance that I will never have to experience that onstage. As far as tremolo equpped guitars, locking tuners would be my first upgrade. Espcially on strats! If you have a locking nut, it might not be necessary, but the string changes should be quicker with the faster gear ratios!