Locking tuners (also known as locking machine heads) are one of the more recent developments in the long spanning history of guitars. They have become a must-have upgrade for guitarists. Whether you’re a gigging musician or simply looking to improve tuning stability, locking tuners provide a range of benefits over traditional tuning pegs. But what exactly are they, and why should you consider adding this upgrade to your guitar?

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of locking tuners, compare them to standard tuners, and explain why they are a great choice for your next upgrade.

Locking tuners function similarly to regular tuning machine heads but with one key difference: they feature a built-in locking mechanism that clamps the string in place. Instead of wrapping the string multiple times around the post, the string is secured by tightening a locking screw or mechanism on the back of the tuner. This results in:

• Improved tuning stability
• Quicker string changes
• Reduced string slippage

Locking tuners are widely used by professional guitarists and are especially popular among those who use tremolo systems or frequently bend notes.

While standard tuners do the job well and are still a great option for many players, locking tuners offer several advantages:

• Tuning Stability: Standard tuners can experience minor slippage, especially with heavy tremolo use. Locking tuners provide stronger tuning stability by keeping the string firmly in place.
• String Changes: With standard tuners, you need to wrap the string multiple times around the post, which takes time. Locking tuners make the process quick and easy – simply insert, lock, and tune.
• Best For: Standard tuners work well for general playing and vintage aesthetics. Locking tuners are ideal for gigging musicians, tremolo users, and those who want fast and secure string changes.

As with any upgrade, there are potential disadvantages to take into account: 

• Added Weight: Locking tuners tend to be slightly heavier than standard tuners due to their internal locking mechanism. This can make a slight difference on lightweight guitars, potentially shifting the balance of the instrument.
• Increased Cost: Locking tuners generally cost more than standard tuners. While the investment pays off in terms of convenience and tuning stability, budget-conscious players may prefer traditional tuners.

At Guitar Anatomy, we offer both standard and locking tuners, so whether you prefer the traditional style or want the benefits of a locking machine head, we’ve got you covered.

One important factor to consider when choosing tuners is the gear ratio. This refers to how many turns of the machine head are required to make a full rotation of the tuning post.

• A 15:1 gear ratio allows for quick and easy tuning, making it great for players who prefer fast adjustments.
• A 18:1 gear ratio strikes a balance between precision and speed, offering versatility for various playing styles.
• A 19:1 gear ratio provides finer tuning control, ideal for musicians who require greater accuracy.
• A 20:1 gear ratio delivers ultra-precise tuning stability, perfect for those who demand the highest level of control.

Choosing the right gear ratio ensures you achieve the ideal combination of tuning accuracy and ease of adjustment for your playing needs.

Before purchasing locking tuners, it’s important to ensure they will fit your guitar’s headstock. Here’s what to check:

• Hole Diameter: Most modern guitars use a 10mm (3/8 inch) hole, but some vintage-style guitars use smaller 8mm (5/16 inch) holes. Measure the diameter of your existing tuner holes before ordering.
• Tuner Post Type: Some tuners are designed for a press-fit bushing (often vintage style), while others use a threaded nut to secure them in place. Make sure you choose the correct type for your guitar.
• Screw Hole Alignment: Locking tuners may have different mounting screw placements compared to standard tuners. Check whether your new tuners will require additional drilling or modifications.
• Inline vs. 3-a-Side: Ensure you select the correct configuration—6-in-line tuners are common on Fender-style guitars, while 3-a-side tuners are found on Gibson-style guitars.
• Conversion Bushings: If your guitar has smaller 8mm holes but you want to use modern 10mm tuners, conversion bushings allow for a seamless fit. These small adapters fit inside the existing holes, expanding them to accommodate larger tuners without permanent modifications.

At Guitar Anatomy, we offer high-quality conversion bushings to make upgrading your tuners easy and hassle-free. You can find our Conversion Bushings here.

Taking these measurements beforehand will help you avoid compatibility issues and ensure a seamless installation.

Installing and using locking tuners is simple and can make your string changes much faster. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Insert the string through the tuning post as you normally would.
2. Pull the string tight to remove any slack.
3. Tighten the locking mechanism (usually located at the back of the tuner) to clamp the string in place.
4. Cut any excess string to keep your headstock neat and tidy.
5. Tune the string to pitch as normal – because the string is locked, it won’t slip or unwind.

With locking tuners, there’s no need to wind the string around the post multiple times. This means fewer tuning issues and faster, hassle-free string changes.

 

Locking tuners are an easy and effective upgrade that can greatly improve tuning stability, reduce string slippage, and make restringing a breeze. While standard tuners are still a great option, many players find that the convenience and reliability of locking machine heads make them well worth the investment.

Check out our full range of locking tuners here.

If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help! You can find our contact details as well as some frequently asked questions here.

Thanks for reading!