One of the stock tuners on my MIM Strat just broke. Looking to replace it and considering to upgrade to locking tuners. I've been looking online and have found two types. The first is the Fender Locking Tuners that come in gloss or brushed chrome for about $53-58 as seen below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GENUINE-FEN ... 27c2661bee

or Fender SCHALLER Locking tuners that I have only seen in brushed matt chrome for around $70. See below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Schaller ... 20bebbb531

What is the difference? Any recommendations? Is the price difference worth it?

They "should" both be made by Schaller. But, if they weren't I would imagine the non-Schaller ones would be made by Ping. The only difference is the finish. I have the ones in the Fender package in the first link on my US Ash Strat, and I can tell you the are very precise.

They look great! Did you install the roller nut or is it stock?

I just received 2 sets of the Fender chrome locking tuners with the logo, thru *mazon, $41+ ea. They were made in Korea or Taiwan...don't remember which one, I ordered the Fender/Schaller strap locks at the same time, so it was one of those two places. Quality was excellent, they work great, drop-in (on my MIAs), took maybe 20 mins to install, and that was using the strings that was already on there. Took longer unwinding to reuse than cutting off and putting on new. My hss deluxe came with both the tuners and strap locks and I love the ease of use. Everything was Fender branded.

I installed the roller nut. Bit of advice if you decide to DIY on a roller nut, take it to a luthier. I almost did serious damage to mine on accident, and only managed to save it with some creativity.

I hear you, thanks! BTW do you think it changes tone? I could try something easier and cheaper like a graph tech tusk xl nut.

I noticed no audible difference in tone. The only change I noticed was precise tuning control. It's well worth the 30.00 or so for the nut IMHO. Obviously gets more expensive with a professional install.

I heard the Fender locking tuners before the Schallers were Sperzels? They are on my 88 PLUS and my 86 MIJ. I have no experience with the others but Sperzels are tight!

Fender locking tuners vs Fender Schaller locking tuners. I have owned both and both are great. The locking knobs are a bit different. Fender Shaller's are a but beefier. I prefer the looks of the Fender locking tuners with the chrome finish and the "F" on the backs.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

I just installed the Fender locking tuners with the "F" on the back on my American Standard Strat. They work great, tuning is precise and the "F" looks cool. As long as they hold up, I'd purchase another set.

Thank You all for your comments. I did like a bit more the look of the gloss Fender tuners, but have always seen Fender uses the Schaller on their top lines like the Deluxe, Plus, JB, so the Schaller tuners are on the way.

Also took the opportunity to order a Graph Tech Tusk XL replacement nut. I put one of those on my Epi Dot and was a big improvement. The factory nut made the strings get stuck and then suddenly slip and go out of tune. No more issues after the Graph Tech was installed.

The "F" stamped ones are made in Indonesia...I believe...
The brushed chrome ones without the "F" stamp are authentic Fender/Schallers that are made in Germany.
I have both and have had no problems with either.....

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I refuse to have a battle of the wits with an unarmed man!