It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:00 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Locking tuners
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 2:33 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2016 7:42 pm
Posts: 37
Is there a good reason why people tell me not to put locking tuners on my acoustic guitar? I have them on my Strat and love them.

_________________
2009 MIM Standard Strat
2018 MIM Player Series Strat
2017 Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro-II
2018 Ibanez AEG211-VV Acoustic/Electric


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 7:38 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:50 pm
Posts: 7998
Location: ʎɹʇunoɔ ǝsoɹ pןıʍ
None that I can think of.
I do admit to having heard that notion before but no explanation ever given to me was even remotely compelling.
The only one I ever heard that made just a little bit of sense was the possibility of strings breaking where the pin crimps the string up inside the post.
Having been a locking tuner user for over 20 years I can truthfully say I have never experienced it or heard of anyone I know experiencing it.

Same goes for LSR nuts.
I've heard people say the balls get deformed out of round but I've never seen it.
Of course I only use 9s and 10s and I tune to standard pitch.
I "suppose" if you went to 13s or something and still tuned to standard pitch that might put enough strain on the balls but since I've never done that I don't know for sure.
I can imagine that might be tough playing though.

_________________
Image
Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:01 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:38 am
Posts: 12975
Location: Canada
Heya, Ron and BMW-KTM. I did have a minor issue once, probably my fault, with a piece of string stuck inside the locking post. I might have had a blonde moment not releasing the lock on a string change. blah blah. I can't say how or why, but I eventually replaced it, and have been trouble free for years after. I love them.

Some have said that it is best to replace with the same tuners if need be. I've seen Martins and Taylors and others retrofitted with locking tuners with success, but that's not written in stone. One fella changed his string gauge to suit him.

Of course the fit is one consideration, the vintage match could be another for value's sake, modern keys have a higher gear ratio and finer degree of control, and non-staggered as opposed to staggered posts may come into play.

Here's one that is talked around. Mass. When different tuners are incorporated it is thought that the tone can change as the headstock is now different with mass (and with acoustics usually heavier). Some say the string wrap affects the tone too. The break angle to nut may also be affected. This all could be better or worse, but questionable for sure.

I would not be so concerned about locking or non-locking tuners, but if you can find exact fit versions of either type that is the best route should you decide to return the guitar back to stock. Some manufacturers can match the new different keys to do an exact fit with your headstock.

All things being equal, I wouldn't hesitate to use locking as long as they are suitable without messing up the headstock where you couldn't return to stock. YMMV

Best
FSB

The reason for not using locking keys on an acoustic may be because of marketing a variety of otherwise excellent keys or simply tradition. The locking ones shine with tremelos.

_________________
Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:14 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2016 7:42 pm
Posts: 37
Thanks guys. My acoustic is a Breedlove Discovery CE. I'll do some close measuring and check for some Clover locking tuners. It looks like none of the stock ones have different height poles. I never was much good at winding the strings up on tuners, so the locking ones really work for me. My Strat has the Fender lockers and it seems to stay in tune a lot longer.

_________________
2009 MIM Standard Strat
2018 MIM Player Series Strat
2017 Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro-II
2018 Ibanez AEG211-VV Acoustic/Electric


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:47 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:38 am
Posts: 12975
Location: Canada
Hey, Ron. Good luck on the tuner changes. I had a listen to the Breedlove. Nice.

And you're right about the Fender lockers holding the tuning. :D

Best
FSB

_________________
Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 9:49 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:50 pm
Posts: 7998
Location: ʎɹʇunoɔ ǝsoɹ pןıʍ
I didn't realize you were talking about a guitar with value.
Breedloves are really nice.
If you have to drill to mount the tuners then I don't think I would personally do it.
If you find a locker that works without altering the headstock, as FSB points out, then I would keep the old tuners and put them back on should you ever decide to sell it.

_________________
Image
Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 10:42 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:51 pm
Posts: 25350
Location: Witness Protection Program
I've never cared for locking tuners. I had some plexiglass couplings made to secure
the strap on the end pins. Now I see that strap manufacturers have a nice new locking design :

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... mhEALw_wcB

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:47 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2016 7:42 pm
Posts: 37
No way will I drill on the headstock just to install locking tuners. I saw a Breedlove with standard Grover tuners and I've emailed them for the dimensions of their lockers. I've also emailed Breedlove as to the diameter of their tuner holes and the true thickness of the headstock. I want these lockers to be a perfect direct fit with no modifications to the guitar needed. They have 2 models that might work. I'll post what I find out. Thanks for all the info. Keep the strings lubed!

_________________
2009 MIM Standard Strat
2018 MIM Player Series Strat
2017 Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro-II
2018 Ibanez AEG211-VV Acoustic/Electric


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Locking tuners
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 7:40 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:38 am
Posts: 12975
Location: Canada
Thanks, for the follow up. Looking forward to seeing how you made out. Keep us posted. It may help others too. :D
FSB

_________________
Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: sjlen and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: