6+ Best Locking Tuners For The Best Tuning Experience

Locking tuners are a type of guitar tuning machine that features a locking mechanism to keep the string in place. This prevents the string from slipping, which can cause the guitar to go out of tune. Locking tuners are considered to be the best type of tuning machine for guitars because they provide the most stability and accuracy.

Locking tuners are especially important for guitars that are used for heavy playing or for playing in live settings. They can also be beneficial for guitars that have a floating bridge, as they can help to prevent the bridge from moving out of place.

There are a few different types of locking tuners available, so it is important to choose the type that is right for your guitar. Some of the most popular types of locking tuners include:

Traditional locking tuners: These tuners have a small lever that locks the string in place.
Schaller locking tuners: These tuners have a unique design that allows the string to be locked in place without the use of a lever.
Hipshot locking tuners: These tuners use a ball-bearing design to lock the string in place.

No matter which type of locking tuners you choose, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible tuning stability and accuracy for your guitar.

1. Type

The type of locking tuner you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the type of guitar you have. Traditional locking tuners are the most common type, and they are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Schaller-style locking tuners are a newer type of locking tuner, and they are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and their sleek design.

Both traditional locking tuners and Schaller-style locking tuners offer a number of benefits over traditional non-locking tuners. These benefits include:

Improved tuning stability: Locking tuners help to keep your guitar in tune, even when you are playing aggressively or using heavy strings.
Easier restringing: Locking tuners make it much easier to restring your guitar, as you don’t have to worry about the strings slipping out of the tuners.
Sleek design: Locking tuners can give your guitar a more sleek and professional look.

If you are looking for the best possible tuning stability and accuracy for your guitar, then locking tuners are a must-have upgrade. Traditional locking tuners and Schaller-style locking tuners both offer a number of benefits, so it is important to choose the type that is right for you.

2. Material

The material of your locking tuners is an important consideration, as it will affect the durability, weight, and cost of your tuners. Steel locking tuners are the most durable, but they are also the heaviest. Aluminum locking tuners are lighter, but they are not as durable as steel locking tuners. Ultimately, the best material for your locking tuners will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Durability: Steel locking tuners are the most durable, and they are a good choice for guitars that are played heavily or in live settings. Aluminum locking tuners are not as durable as steel locking tuners, but they are still a good choice for guitars that are not played as heavily.
Weight: Steel locking tuners are heavier than aluminum locking tuners. This may be a consideration for guitars that are played for long periods of time, as the weight of the tuners can add to the fatigue of the player.
Cost: Steel locking tuners are typically less expensive than aluminum locking tuners. This is because steel is a less expensive material than aluminum.

When choosing the best locking tuners for your guitar, it is important to consider the material of the tuners. Steel locking tuners are the most durable, but they are also the heaviest. Aluminum locking tuners are lighter, but they are not as durable as steel locking tuners. Ultimately, the best material for your locking tuners will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

3. Gear ratio

The gear ratio of a locking tuner is an important factor to consider when choosing the best locking tuners for your guitar. A higher gear ratio will make it easier to tune your guitar quickly and accurately, but it will also make it more difficult to make fine adjustments to your tuning. A lower gear ratio will make it more difficult to tune your guitar quickly and accurately, but it will also make it easier to make fine adjustments to your tuning.

The best gear ratio for your locking tuners will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a beginner, you may want to choose locking tuners with a lower gear ratio, as this will make it easier to tune your guitar. If you are an experienced player, you may want to choose locking tuners with a higher gear ratio, as this will make it easier to tune your guitar quickly and accurately.

Here are some examples of how the gear ratio of locking tuners can affect your playing:

If you are playing a song that requires you to make frequent tuning adjustments, you may want to choose locking tuners with a lower gear ratio. This will make it easier to make fine adjustments to your tuning, even if it takes a little longer to tune your guitar initially.
If you are playing a song that requires you to tune your guitar quickly and accurately, you may want to choose locking tuners with a higher gear ratio. This will make it easier to tune your guitar quickly and accurately, even if it is more difficult to make fine adjustments to your tuning.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right gear ratio for your locking tuners is to experiment with different gear ratios and see what works best for you.

4. String gauge

The string gauge of your guitar strings is an important factor to consider when choosing locking tuners. String gauge refers to the thickness of the strings, and it can affect the sound, feel, and playability of your guitar. Heavier strings produce a fuller, warmer sound, while lighter strings produce a brighter, twangier sound. Heavier strings also have more tension, which can make them more difficult to bend and play. Lighter strings have less tension, which makes them easier to bend and play, but they can also be more prone to buzzing and intonation problems.

Locking tuners are designed to work with specific string gauges. If you use locking tuners that are not compatible with the string gauge that you are using, you may experience problems with tuning stability and intonation. For example, if you use locking tuners that are designed for heavy strings with light strings, the strings may slip out of the tuners when you bend them or play aggressively. Conversely, if you use locking tuners that are designed for light strings with heavy strings, the strings may be too thick to fit properly into the tuners, and you may have difficulty tuning your guitar.

It is important to choose locking tuners that are compatible with the string gauge that you are using to ensure optimal performance and tuning stability. You can find the string gauge of your guitar strings on the packaging or by measuring the diameter of the strings with a micrometer.

Here are some tips for choosing the right locking tuners for your guitar strings:

Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the locking tuners to see what string gauges they are compatible with.
If you are unsure about the string gauge of your guitar strings, you can measure the diameter of the strings with a micrometer.
If you are using a non-standard string gauge, you may need to purchase locking tuners that are specifically designed for that string gauge.

By following these tips, you can choose the right locking tuners for your guitar strings and ensure optimal performance and tuning stability.

5. Brand

When it comes to choosing the best locking tuners for your guitar, the brand is an important factor to consider. Different brands offer different features, designs, and levels of quality. Some of the most popular and respected brands of locking tuners include Gotoh, Sperzel, and Hipshot.

Reputation and Track Record: The reputation of a brand is a key indicator of the quality of its products. Brands that have been in business for a long time and have a good reputation for producing high-quality products are more likely to offer locking tuners that are well-made and durable.
Innovation and Features: Some brands are known for their innovative designs and features. For example, Sperzel locking tuners are known for their unique self-trimming design, which makes it easy to install and adjust the tuners.
Materials and Construction: The materials and construction of locking tuners can also vary from brand to brand. Some brands use higher-quality materials and construction methods than others, which can result in tuners that are more durable and reliable.
Price: The price of locking tuners can vary depending on the brand. Some brands offer more affordable options, while others offer higher-end tuners with more features and better materials.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right brand of locking tuners for your guitar is to do your research and compare the different brands and models available. By considering the factors discussed above, you can make an informed decision and choose a set of locking tuners that will meet your needs and provide you with years of reliable service.

6. Price

The price of locking tuners can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of tuner, the material it is made from, the gear ratio, and the brand. Generally speaking, higher-quality locking tuners will cost more than lower-quality tuners. However, it is important to note that price is not always an indicator of quality. There are some affordable locking tuners that are just as good as more expensive models.

When choosing locking tuners, it is important to consider your budget and your needs. If you are on a tight budget, there are a number of affordable locking tuners available that will provide you with good performance and reliability. However, if you are looking for the best possible locking tuners, you may need to spend a bit more money.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the price of locking tuners:

Type: Traditional locking tuners are typically less expensive than Schaller-style locking tuners.
Material: Steel locking tuners are typically less expensive than aluminum locking tuners.
Gear ratio: Locking tuners with a higher gear ratio are typically more expensive than locking tuners with a lower gear ratio.
Brand: Locking tuners from well-known brands are typically more expensive than locking tuners from lesser-known brands.

It is important to note that the price of locking tuners is not always an indication of quality. There are some affordable locking tuners that are just as good as more expensive models. When choosing locking tuners, it is important to consider your budget and your needs.

FAQs on Best Locking Tuners

Locking tuners are an essential upgrade for any guitar player. They provide superior tuning stability and accuracy, and they can make restringing your guitar much easier. Here are six frequently asked questions about locking tuners:

Question 1: What are the benefits of using locking tuners?

Locking tuners offer a number of benefits over traditional non-locking tuners. These benefits include improved tuning stability, easier restringing, and a sleeker design.

Question 2: What are the different types of locking tuners?

Question 3: What is the best material for locking tuners?

Locking tuners are typically made from steel or aluminum. Steel locking tuners are more durable, but they are also heavier. Aluminum locking tuners are lighter, but they are not as durable as steel locking tuners. The best material for your locking tuners will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Question 4: What is the ideal gear ratio for locking tuners?

The gear ratio of a locking tuner determines how many turns of the tuning peg are required to raise or lower the pitch of the string by one semitone. A higher gear ratio will make it easier to tune your guitar quickly and accurately, but it will also make it more difficult to make fine adjustments. A lower gear ratio will make it more difficult to tune your guitar quickly and accurately, but it will also make it easier to make fine adjustments.

Question 5: Are locking tuners compatible with all string gauges?

Locking tuners are available in a variety of string gauges. It is important to choose locking tuners that are compatible with the string gauge that you are using.

Question 6: How much do locking tuners cost?

Locking tuners can range in price from $50 to $200. The price of a locking tuner will typically depend on the type, material, gear ratio, and brand.

Summary: Locking tuners are a great way to improve the tuning stability and accuracy of your guitar. They are available in a variety of types, materials, and gear ratios, so you can find a set that is perfect for your needs. When choosing locking tuners, it is important to consider the type of guitar you have, the string gauge you are using, and your budget.

Next Article Section: How to Install Locking Tuners

Best Locking Tuners Tips

Locking tuners are an essential upgrade for any guitar player. They provide superior tuning stability and accuracy, and they can make restringing your guitar much easier. Here are some tips to help you choose the best locking tuners for your guitar and get the most out of them:

Tip 1: Choose the right type of locking tuners.

There are two main types of locking tuners: traditional locking tuners and Schaller-style locking tuners. Traditional locking tuners have a small lever that locks the string in place, while Schaller-style locking tuners have a unique design that allows the string to be locked in place without the use of a lever. Both types of locking tuners offer their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the type that is right for you.

Tip 2: Choose the right material for your locking tuners.

Tip 3: Choose the right gear ratio for your locking tuners.

Tip 4: Choose locking tuners that are compatible with your string gauge.

Locking tuners are available in a variety of string gauges. It is important to choose locking tuners that are compatible with the string gauge that you are using. Using locking tuners that are not compatible with your string gauge can lead to tuning problems.

Tip 5: Install your locking tuners correctly.

It is important to install your locking tuners correctly to ensure that they work properly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing your locking tuners.

Tip 6: Maintain your locking tuners.

Locking tuners require minimal maintenance, but it is important to keep them clean and lubricated. This will help to ensure that they continue to work properly for many years to come.

Summary: By following these tips, you can choose the best locking tuners for your guitar and get the most out of them. Locking tuners are a great way to improve the tuning stability and accuracy of your guitar, and they can make restringing your guitar much easier.

Next Article Section: How to Install Locking Tuners

Conclusion

Locking tuners are a significant upgrade for guitarists seeking enhanced tuning stability, accuracy, and restringing ease. This article has explored the various types, materials, gear ratios, string compatibility, and brands available in the market, empowering readers to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements.

By incorporating locking tuners into your guitar setup, you not only elevate your instrument’s performance but also simplify maintenance and open up new possibilities for precise and expressive playing. Invest in the best locking tuners today and experience the transformative difference they bring to your guitar journey.