Questions....machine heads for a Strat

[greco]

I have the chance to buy some used Schaller locking machine heads for my MIM standard series Fender Strat.

The only reason I'm considering getting them is because the stock machine heads don't seem very impressive at all. The guitar holds it tune, but the tuning action oftenn "slips" or feels "sloppy".

I have searched this forum "locking tuners" and read up on them. Lots of discussion and opinions.

My questions are:

1) Does $80.00 US (shipped) seem a bit expensive for these...they are used.

2) What other brands of machine heads are recommended? The tuners don't have to be locking....just good quality. I'd also prefer not to have to do any additional drilling or enlarging of the holes for the tuners. The Schallers apparently drop in as they were made for Fenders.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Questions....machine heads for a Strat

1) Does $80.00 US (shipped) seem a bit expensive for these...they are used.

Dave,

That is a bit much for used ones. I think there are a few vendors on here that could get you new ones for that, or maybe even less to Canada.

That being said, the tuners are almost never the problem when it comes to tuning problems. Do you have vintage style tuners now, or the Ping sealed tuners that come on most Fenders?

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Questions....machine heads for a Strat

I manage to get a new set from Ebay at that sort of price. (£40)

 

[greco]

Re: Questions....machine heads for a Strat

Dave,

That is a bit much for used ones. I think there are a few vendors on here that could get you new ones for that, or maybe even less to Canada.

That being said, the tuners are almost never the problem when it comes to tuning problems. Do you have vintage style tuners now, or the Ping sealed tuners that come on most Fenders?

I have the sealed tuners.

Also, I don't really have problems with guitar actually staying in tune.

As I said originally, I'm just not enthusiastic about the quality of the stock tuners and wonder if they will just get worse (i.e., develop even more of a "sloppy" feeling when you are tuning up )

Thanks

Dave

 

[Tor]

Re: Questions....machine heads for a Strat

Locking tuners are a blessing.. But you should wait and see if someone has first hand experience with locking tuners to MIM Strats... I bought one for my Korean Strat, and the holes didn't match up. Had to hassle with filling them with Epoxy, drilling new ones with a unit bought from stewmac.. It was worth it, but it's much better to know which tuners that will fit..

 

[greco]

Re: Questions....machine heads for a Strat

Locking tuners are a blessing.. But you should wait and see if someone has first hand experience with locking tuners to MIM Strats... I bought one for my Korean Strat, and the holes didn't match up. Had to hassle with filling them with Epoxy, drilling new ones with a unit bought from stewmac.. It was worth it, but it's much better to know which tuners that will fit..

The seller has stated that he had them in a recent production MIM strat and did not have to do any adjustments/drilling/filing/etc. These tuners were apparently made by Schaller specifically for Fender strats.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Questions....machine heads for a Strat

The Fender branded Schallers should drop right in a MIM strat, but unless you just want locking tuners, then the Ping sealed are just fine, and will last you.