Favorite Tuner Machines?

[Cantplay]

I'm wondering what everyones favorite tuners are and why.

I'm about to purchase a set of 6 inline tuners, and I think I've narrowed it down to 2 choices.

1: Sperzel Trim-Loc. I like that they come in different heights, so I can probably avoid a string tree. They feel well made.

2: Steinberger Gearless. 40:1 ratio! Very low string entrance will probably also avoid need for string tree.

Both also come in black, which is a plus this time.

I'm at a point where I can make the holes whatever they need to be.

John

[guitardude57]

Sperzel tuners are wonderful. I've used 6 inline and 3 + 3 with great results. I believe the latest ones are made overseas (been 10 years since I bought a set) but should still be good quality.

If there are any issues, I'm sure someone will chime in...

[LeftyStrat]

Sperzel tuners are wonderful. I've used 6 inline and 3 + 3 with great results. I believe the latest ones are made overseas (been 10 years since I bought a set) but should still be good quality.

If there are any issues, I'm sure someone will chime in...

I just bought a set. The quality is exceptional. This is my first time using them and I am very pleased with them.

[JazzGuitarGimp]

I too have been using the Sperzels for many years. The locking feature is great - I've gotten to the point where I pull the string as tight as I can before I lock it down and I am getting only about a quarter-turn of wrap on the low-E string when it's up to pitch, which makes them great from whammy-equipped guitars.

[Zero4]

I've got a small bin full of Sperzel parts from broken tuners. The 6-inline seem to hold up better than the 3x3's, though.

Don't wind the thumb wheel all the way out. When it falls out, the little shaft inside can drop and be lost. That is, if it isn't already frozen in place. When it's frozen in place, you'll usually have to poke something into the hole to press it down before you can stick the string in the hole. I use a little dental tool poker thing. They do this after they're a few years old.

The Steinberger gearless are strange. They work really well, but I would likely only use them in a situation where they were needed. The alignment notch required is paramount to properly installing them. If you're going for a look that requires them, then they're a good choice.

The Schaller/Fender stuff is excellent. Grover is also excellent. Grover's production has moved to a cheaper factory, but they're still making a quality product. They guarantee them for life, which is pretty sweet. I've never seen one really wear out beyond servicing, so it's no problem to guarantee them forever. I've had two bad ones from the factory brand new, which they promptly replaced. (after many, many good ones)

I'm also a big fan of Gotoh gear. Precision made in a factory in Japan. The quality for price is amazing. The SG38's are dirt cheap, and work really well. The next step up is a bit more money, but worth it.

If you know how to tie a string on, locking tuners are completely unnecessary on most guitars.

Here's the man that taught me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHgSSzpsxuw

Pay attention at the 2 minute mark. When everyone learns how to do this right, they thank me later.

[Zero4]

I too have been using the Sperzels for many years. The locking feature is great - I've gotten to the point where I pull the string as tight as I can before I lock it down and I am getting only about a quarter-turn of wrap on the low-E string when it's up to pitch, which makes them great from whammy-equipped guitars.

Agreed, they are nice for a whammy guitar without a locking nut. The less slack on the tuner, the better. It acts like a spring that releases tension and it goes out of tune.

[Colossal]

+1 Sperzel!

PRS Phase III locking tuners are very nice too (as an OEM part on a production guitar).

[MCK]

+1 on Sperzels. Been a happy user on Parkers and custom installs too. Good luck

[tribi9]

Love Klusons and lookalikes... No Sperzels for me.

[Gaz]

If you know how to tie a string on, locking tuners are completely unnecessary on most guitars.

Here's the man that taught me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHgSSzpsxuw

Pay attention at the 2 minute mark. When everyone learns how to do this right, they thank me later.

My first guitar teacher taught me that trick when I was eight. I still use Sperzels though, because re-stringing is still much faster in a live situation. With above method doing the unwound strings can get a bit frustrating still.

[Cygnus X1]

I always thought the string should NEVER wrap over itself.
Guess I was wrong...I'll try this next time.

[Firestorm]

I always thought the string should NEVER wrap over itself.
Guess I was wrong...I'll try this next time.

You ever see what B.B. King used to do to his?!!!

[ampgeek]

No Cygnus...you are not totally out to lunch. I recall hearing the same thing back in the early 70's when I started playing guitar.

The concept was that you didn't want to increase the diameter of the business end of the machine head. In essence, cross-overs effectively increases the length "lever arm" on the post (by the diameter of the string or multiples thereof) thus amplifying the force created by the string tension. The belief is that it causes undo stress, and if too much, strain on the gears and other components. The waisted profile of the post lends some credibility to that.

I never did the math...but...it sure made sense to this young scientist. Avoiding cross-overs never increased the hassle factor so I have continued to do it for decades. Never had to replace my machine heads on my 72 LP Deluxe either.

Of course...there are many, many ways to skin any cat!

Cheers,
Dave O.

[statorvane]

I'm also a big fan of Gotoh gear. Precision made in a factory in Japan. The quality for price is amazing.

+1. Excellent tuners.

[Bob S]

+1 on Sperzel locking tuners.
No string tree is one less thing to go wrong.
I like these with an LSR nut.
Stays in tune - big time.