What are the best locking tuners for a Les Paul?
- Thread starter Mark Wein
- Start date
baimun
Funkasaurus Rex
If you’re going for looks, Gotoh makes Kluson style with posts that lock from the top. Virtually indistinguishable from non-locking tuners.
Personally I like Hipshot locking tuners because of the exposed gear behind the lock knob (better feeling and less bulky than others). They have 5 or 6 different shapes of tuner buttons.
Its what I have on my Taylor as well.
Personally I like Hipshot locking tuners because of the exposed gear behind the lock knob (better feeling and less bulky than others). They have 5 or 6 different shapes of tuner buttons.
Its what I have on my Taylor as well.
PunkKitty
The fates already f'ked me sideways
You should find something here.
This set will drop in. It's the only one I found in nickel. I'm guessing that's what the rest of the hardware is on it. If not, they have chrome.
hipshotfactoryoutlet on eBay
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This set will drop in. It's the only one I found in nickel. I'm guessing that's what the rest of the hardware is on it. If not, they have chrome.
Hipshot Grip-Lock Closed Guitar Tuner Upgrade Kit (3+3) Nickel - NOS | eBay
Includes nuts, washers, and mounting screws. No drilling or special tools required. Schaller® M6L Mini footprint.
www.ebay.com
OK - I ordered a set of these and a string butler. I need the guitar for something on April 30th, and it really needs to be in tune. This is Phase One for this guitar. I'll get a matched set of pickups when I can afford it. Probably Lollars. The poor thing is fucking tired and needs a spa day before I can rely on it again.You should find something here.
hipshotfactoryoutlet on eBay
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This set will drop in. It's the only one I found in nickel. I'm guessing that's what the rest of the hardware is on it. If not, they have chrome.
Hipshot Grip-Lock Closed Guitar Tuner Upgrade Kit (3+3) Nickel - NOS | eBay
Includes nuts, washers, and mounting screws. No drilling or special tools required. Schaller® M6L Mini footprint.www.ebay.com
BuzzBaloo
Kick Henry Jackassowski
Heck, I'm getting ready to put my '72 under a drill press. For 52 years the bridge has been off-center and I've reached a point where I no longer care about babying it. Might even drill it for a poop knife.
As the the question...
Kluson now makes the KRGL-3 (10mm) and KRGLNC-3 (11/32"), the latter may be the first Kluson-style drop-in replacements that lock from the back (that I've seen). I have no idea how much weight they add, I;m sure they are heavier than normal Kluson style or Hipshot.
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Yeah - it’s not about resale value for me but it’s a tool that has gotten pretty worn out. I’m working so much that I can’t afford to have that much money wrapped up in a “case queen”.
Dew Knot Humps
fancy sound-measuring doodad
I recently put a set of Grover locking tuners on a Les Paul jr that would not stay in tune at all. The Grover’s made that issue go away completely.
bsman
b00b
Dissenting opinion: I have had and have several (i.e. lots of) guitars with locking tuners, and frankly I think they're a solution looking for a problem. I have never had an issue with tuning stability in any properly-setup guitar with non-locking tuners, but have had difficulty with loose parts, threaded wheels getting lost, etc. with lockers. I just don't think they're worth it.
baimun
Funkasaurus Rex
I agree when you're talking about fixed bridges.
When tremolos are in play, having fewer wraps around the post makes sure that the winding returns to the same position and tension once the bar is released. That said, I've found that string changes and stretching (even without a trem) are much faster and easier with locking tuners as again the wraps don't need to stretch and settle to lock in place.
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Aahzz
Habanero Evangelist
I like them strictly because of how easy they make string changing - it's a definite bonus. For someone like Mark (and me, for that matter), who has publicly professed his hatred of string changes many times, they're absolutely useful.
bsman
b00b
I do wish my 12-string had em!
Ok.- I'm sold. I might think about putting a set on my main strat, too. I did have to drill out the holes a little bit but other than that it was an east install. I put it together last night, played it a bit to break the strings in and when I just took it out of the gig bag this morning it was still in tune. Amazing.
jelloman
Couch'd Tater...
I have Hipshots on every guitar I built as well as my PRS Custom24 SE (which came with standard tuners)...they add so much tuning stability regardless of bridge type that I don't understand why every guitar DOESN'T come with them...
The String Butler is also a good move on a Les Paul because of the break angle...
Yeah. I'm a convert, for sure. I eventually need a new nut and a new bridge for this guitar (its seen some shit) but it is already so much more functional with this little project.
JC777
g00b
I think we're the standouts. I was all about locking tuners around early 2000s. Replaced a few, bought them for builds. Then I built my first Tele using vintage open tuners. During that time, I had a couple of locking cams stick. I couldn't change the high E string without a small screwdriver. Overall, I think Leo got it right. But that's just
my preference.