- What are locking guitar tuners and how do they work?
- Which guitars benefit most from locking tuners?
- The pros of locking guitar tuners
- The cons of locking tuners
- Who makes locking machine heads?
- Are locking tuners worth it?
- FAQs
Tuning machines might not be the most exciting part of your guitar, but they play a crucial role in how it performs. Locking guitar tuners have become a popular upgrade among players of all levels, offering more solid tuning stability with minimal fuss. But what exactly are locking tuners, how do they work and what are their benefits?
What are locking guitar tuners and how do they work?
Locking tuners work in a similar way to regular machine heads, but they’re designed to improve tuning stability and make restringing much quicker. They typically feature a pin or clamping mechanism to securely lock the string, preventing it from slipping when you’re playing.
Because the guitar strings are held firmly in place, locking tuners remove the need to wrap the them around the tuning posts. This not only helps reduce string slippage but also makes string changes faster and more straightforward — especially handy if you need to swap out a broken string at a gig!
Which guitars benefit most from locking tuners?
The benefits of locking tuners are often most noticeable on guitars fitted with tremolo systems, such as a Fender Stratocaster or PRS Custom 24. When you use a tremolo arm, the tension of the strings is constantly changing, which can cause the winds around the tuner posts to loosen and shift slightly. The same thing can happen when you’re bending strings.
In an ideal world, everything would return perfectly to pitch once the tension settles back to normal (the “zero” position of the strings). But in reality, those tiny shifts in the string windings can leave your guitar slightly out of tune.
Because locking tuners clamp the string in place, they eliminate the need for multiple wraps around the post. This reduces movement at the tuner itself, resulting in more consistent tuning stability.
The pros of locking guitar tuners
We’ve touched on a few of these already, but here’s a quick roundup of the key benefits of locking tuners. Plus, a couple more reasons why they’re such a popular upgrade:
- Superior tuning stability: Your guitar is more likely to stay in tune, especially when using a tremolo system or performing big string bends.
- Faster string changes: With no need for multiple wraps around the posts, restringing is quicker and much less hassle.
- Affordable upgrade: Locking tuners offer a noticeable performance boost without breaking the bank, with good-quality sets starting from around £70.
- Minimal modification required: In most cases, locking tuners will slot seamlessly into the existing holes on your guitar’s headstock. So, you won’t have to get the drill out!
The cons of locking tuners
Are there any downsides to locking tuners? Not many, but there are a few things worth bearing in mind before making the switch:
- Not a complete fix: While locking tuners can improve tuning stability, they’re not a cure-all. Factors like nut friction and setup still play a big part.
- Added weight: Some locking tuners are slightly heavier than standard ones, which can add a bit of weight to the headstock and possibly lead to neck dive.
- Not always needed: Some players and techs will argue that with proper stringing technique, normal guitar tuners can be just as stable. It’s ultimately down to personal preference and how you play.
- Change your guitar’s look: Swapping out tuners will alter your guitar’s appearance. For most players, the benefits of locking tuners outweigh this, but it’s something to consider if you like to keep things original.
Who makes locking machine heads?
These days, there are plenty of companies producing locking tuners. But it’s always a good idea to stick with reputable brands for the best results. You can’t go far wrong with names like Fender, PRS, Grover, Gotoh or Schaller, with all of these guitar parts manufacturers having long-standing reputations for quality and reliability.
In most cases, these brands offer a range of styles and finishes. So, you should be able to find a set that closely matches your existing tuners for a simple, like-for-like upgrade.
Are locking tuners worth it?
For some guitarists, locking tuners are a must-have upgrade — once they’ve tried them, there’s no going back. For others, they’re less of a priority (and that’s totally fine). Like most things in the guitar world, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and a bit of experimentation.
There’s no right or wrong approach, but if you’re struggling with tuning issues on your guitar, a decent set of locking tuners just might be the solution!
FAQs
Do locking tuners stay in tune?
Locking tuners can improve tuning stability, but they don’t guarantee perfect tuning. By clamping the string in place, they reduce slippage at the tuner, which helps your guitar stay in tune more consistently. But factors like the nut, bridge and overall setup still play a big role.
Do locking tuners break strings?
No, locking tuners don’t typically cause strings to snap. In fact, because they reduce the need for multiple wraps, they can help minimise stress points that sometimes lead to breakages. Most string breaks are caused by sharp edges at the nut or bridge, rather than the tuners themselves.
Is it hard to retune with locking tuners?
Not at all. Retuning with locking tuners is just as easy as with standard tuners. Once the string is locked in place, you simply tune up or down as normal. In many cases, tuning can even feel more stable and predictable.
Do I need to wrap my guitar strings if I have locking tuners?
No, one of the main benefits of locking tuners is that you don’t need to wrap the strings around the posts. The locking mechanism holds the string securely, so you only need a small amount of slack before tightening and tuning up.
Are locking guitar tuners good for beginners?
Yes, locking tuners can be a great choice for beginners. They make restringing quicker and easier, plus they help reduce common tuning issues caused by incorrect string winding.
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