Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

[unleashthejay]

Hi everyone. I bought a replica Prince Cloud Guitar and I need to replace the cheap tuners (it doesn't stay in tune).

What would you recommend between these two?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/406G--grover-406g-mini-locking-rotomatic-tuners-33-gold

http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Solid_Peghead_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/Schaller_M-6_3and3_Guitar_Machines.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2018-05-gp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7rXBRD9ARIsABfBl80GsEQ930P21ciMBJJHgLAc2PZriJmZb98o3wm4l0lLEdGqutchYRsaAl3fEALw_wcB


I would have purchased the Schaller M6 Mini's if they were locking tuners so that's why I'm considering the Grovers since they lock. I replaced my American Strats tuners a few years ago with Fender locking tuners and I believe it stays in tune longer even when I use the whammy bar. Thanks for your thoughts :beerchug:

 

[dystrust]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

First of all unless you know something is wrong with the stock tuners, the problem is more likely incorrectly cut nut slots or binding somewhere else. If you do actually need to replace the tuners, Schallers are far better-made than current Grovers though Stew Mac wants too much for those M6s IMO. Ff you don't mind ordering from Warmoth, you can get a set of Gotoh SG-38s in gold for ~$50. They're as good or slightly better than the Schallers, and a far better tuner than current production Grovers.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

Gotohs MIJ, Schallers (Germany)or Hipshot ( USA) are now a lot better than Grovers. Grovers aren't bad, but thats the deal.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

Gotohs MIJ, Schallers (Germany)or Hipshot ( USA) are now a lot better than Grovers. Grovers aren't bad, but thats the deal.

Quality control on the new Grovers is really hit and miss. Good ones are pretty decent, but still not as good as Gotoh, Schaller, or Hipshot. Bad ones are junk.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

Be sure to check out Sperzel, too. The others are also good.

Bill

 

[unleashthejay]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

First of all unless you know something is wrong with the stock tuners, the problem is more likely incorrectly cut nut slots or binding somewhere else. If you do actually need to replace the tuners, Schallers are far better-made than current Grovers though Stew Mac wants too much for those M6s IMO. Ff you don't mind ordering from Warmoth, you can get a set of Gotoh SG-38s in gold for ~$50. They're as good or slightly better than the Schallers, and a far better tuner than current production Grovers.

That's great advice I'll take another look at the nut. Thanks, I appreciate the pointers.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

The Gotoh sd38 I have are top locking with a 16:1 ratio
My Grovers on the other hand, are 18:1
And can be ordered top locking or wheel on back like the Fenders

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

What's with all this hate towards Grovers all of a sudden? They hold tune, don't break your strings, have a good gear ratio, and have smooth turning. What more can you want from one? Is it because they come stock on Gibson's, and have too become part of the new love to hate group?

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

What's with all this hate towards Grovers all of a sudden? They hold tune, don't break your strings, have a good gear ratio, and have smooth turning. What more can you want from one? Is it because they come stock on Gibson's, and have too become part of the new love to hate group?

I agree with the others who have had issues. Most of my guitars have Grovers and most of them are perfectly fine. They just don't seem to be as consistently good as they were years back. I have two sloppy ass samples on a 2013 Les Paul that need to be replaced and it has nothing to do with Gibson. In addition, the last set I ordered to replace some generic tuners on a budget guitar got sent back for the same reasons (sloppy). Different strokes for different folks. Personally, I'm done buying them unless I want/need exact drop-in's and only Grovers will drop right in.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

I agree with the others who have had issues. Most of my guitars have Grovers and most of them are perfectly fine. They just don't seem to be as consistently good as they were years back. I have two sloppy ass samples on a 2013 Les Paul that need to be replaced and it has nothing to do with Gibson. In addition, the last set I ordered to replace some generic tuners on a budget guitar got sent back for the same reasons (sloppy). Different strokes for different folks. Personally, I'm done buying them unless I want/need exact drop-in's and only Grovers will drop right in.

+1

Grovers used to be great tuners, but either production was moved or the brand name was purchased and they're no longer what they used to be. I'm not exactly sure when this happened, but it was at least 10 years ago, probably longer.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

Grovers are better than ultra cheap tuners, but they are simply not what they used to be. They are mediocre and heavy. Schallers are better quality. So are Hipshots, Gotohs, and Sperzels (the best choice if you want lightweight locking tuners). Gotohs are my go-tos for vintage style tuners (regular, locking, and/or with height-adjustable posts). Hipshots are my go-tos when I don't need the old Kluson look. I like Sperzels too, though they have to have the small buttons (optional via custom order) or they look like ass IMO.

Additionally, no tuner will fix a poorly crafted nut. The first thing one should do to any new guitar is to have the nut inspected by a pro guitar tech, and spiffed up or replaced if it is not up to snuff. Not many guitars come out of the factory with a truly perfect nut, yet it's one of the most important parts of a stringed instrument to get perfect.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Tuners: Grover VS Schallers?

Both make great tuners.

Try flossing and then oiling the nut plus check for any string binding at the bridge...cheap tuners are a pain but most tuning problems can be fixed with a good setup and cleaning.