What's the proper method for installing strings with the vintage locking tuners such as used on the CP50's Strat? The instructions in the setup guide on the support page talk about locking tuners (as used on the Am Deluxe) and vintage tuners but don't specifically mention vintage locking tuners..

I'd think that the process would be the same mate

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Doesn't look the same -- locking tuners on the Am Delux have a thumbwheel on the tuner to lock in the string. Vintage locking tuners don't have that.

Hi oldguy: I think those are the ones where the mechanism clamps down onto the string in its hole as you tighten the tuner, is that right? Like these:

http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/1954

(Regardless whether they say Gotoh on them that is probably who the maker is...)

Or maybe you have to turn the capstan/string post on the front of the peghead to lock the string in place: I have a dim memory of seeing that arrangement a long time ago.

Either way, just push the string through its little hole, turn the post to lock if it's that type or just start turning the knob to tune and lock the string simultaneously.

The idea of locking tuners is that you should have no more than a turn or two of string on the post when the guitar is at pitch, to eliminate slippage and so tuning instability at that point. Therefore, have the string pulled reasonably far through the hole from the start, so that there isn't much slack to take up.

There. Does that seem to work?

Good luck - C

The best technique I've found for those is to pull the string through the hole going from the bottom (as you would be playing the guitar) and pull it finger tight. Then wind the tuner (a string winder helps a lot for this) until the screw mechanism locks down and the string begins to tighten. You will normally get slightly less than a full turn.

Okay, that sounds simple enough. I just wanted to make sure I didn't screw anything up. I'll give it a try when I get home tonight. Thanks!

Yup, I'd agree with all of that.

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Appreciate the help! I replaced the pickguard (label image was on the original pickguard after I removed the label) and installed new strings last night and everything sounds good. In fact, now the bridge is off the body about 1/8 inch whereas before it was flush with the body. I think the shop where I bought it must've restrung it at some point with .09's... The CP50's is supposed to have .10's, which is what I used.. thanks again!