Stay in Tune with the Best Locking Guitar Tuner
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Grover Rotomatic Locking Guitar Tuners -
Sperzel 6 In-Line Locking Guitar Tuners -
Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad 3+3 Locking Guitar Tuners -
Fender Pure Vintage Locking Guitar Tuners -
Kluson 3 Per Side Locking Guitar Tuners -
Buyer's Guide
There’s no way around it, you’ve got to keep your guitar in tune if you want to play it. The locking tuner presents an ideal way to achieve this task, as the tuning pegs use a screw/retaining configuration so that there is minimal movement of the strings on your axe. In turn, they are less likely to go out of tune. Here are the best guitar locking tuners in 2022, with each of our selections available in different finishes/colors to match your axe, are designed to offer firm stability to prevent the guitar from going out of tune, and can be used with very little preparation or experience.
Compare The Best Locking Guitar Tuner Of 2022
Grover Rotomatic Locking Guitar Tuners - Best Locking Guitar Tuner Overall
For guitarists looking for stable and reliable locking guitar tuners, Grover is an industry standard. The company has a new addition to their line of products with the roto-grip locking rotomatic 502 series. These tuners incorporate the standard design of the Grover line with a thumb screw mechanism that makes changing strings quick and easy. Available in chrome, black chrome, and gold, the 502s give players the ability to just run the string through the hole, wrap around once, and then lock by tightening the thumb screw. Now you can get in tune and stay in tune.
Sperzel 6 In-Line Locking Guitar Tuners - Runner Up
Quick, you’ve broken a string in the middle of a gig and need to replace it ASAP! Having a good set of guitar locking tuners will help you get in and out, and that’s exactly what Sperzel had in mind when they made their 6 in-line locking tuners. There’s no need to clip the ends of your guitar strings thanks to their design, and they are able to help keep your guitar firmly in tune. Because of the sturdy housing in these tuners, you’ll also have the stability you need to play with peace of mind. Sperzel models are all easily reversible, meaning that left-handed or custom guitar players can get in on the action, too. There are also a variety of button shapes and finishes to choose from, so your tuners can match the look and style of whatever guitar you connect them to.
Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad 3+3 Locking Guitar Tuners - Honorable Mention
Because of their less intrusive nature in build and design, Gotoh locking tuners have become a favorite in the industry, particularly with vintage guitars that need the extra care and support that the product has been known to offer. That distinction is fitting, considering the company first began in 1950 as a manufacturer of violin strings. It was only later that they began shifting gears to cover electric guitar parts, including bridges and tuners. The design of their locking tuners makes them compatible with most modern tuner opening. Installing these will be a quick and easy feat. Matching gold bushings hold the tuners in place and maintain a firm grip for your tuners.
Fender Pure Vintage Locking Guitar Tuners - Consider
If you’ve ever held a Fender American Deluxe Series Stratocaster in your hands and admired the smooth and firm feel of its guitar tuners, then you already know what’s so great about the Fender Schaller series. Although these come stocked on the aforementioned model, they are now also sold separately. Tune on the fly with a locking system that’s firm yet isn’t prohibitive to making adjustments. The brushed finish on these tuners also gives them a sophisticated look that adds to the overall aesthetic of the product. Installation is quick and easy, and their performance will keep you in tune without any problem.
Kluson 3 Per Side Locking Guitar Tuners - Best Locking Guitar Tuner
Kluson Keystone’s locking guitar tuners offer the versatility for guitarists of all types. Their various styles are suited for both 3-per-side tuner configurations (i.e. Gibson Les Paul) as well as for Fender configurations that have all six tuners on one side. The stability and smoothness when running your strings through these is noticeable; if you use a whammy bar, you’ll especially be able to appreciate the stability and the end result of your guitar staying in tune longer. These tuners are also available in gold, black, or chrome, giving you a variety of styles to choose from when setting them up on your guitar.
Buyer's Guide
Complete Buyer’s Guide For The Best Locking Guitar Tuners 2021
An out of tune guitar is probably every guitarist’s worst nightmare. Locking guitar tuners are here to save the day. They will help keep your strings in check. This complete buyer’s guide will guide you on the uses and benefits of locking guitar tuners and how you can choose the best one for you.
What Are Locking Guitar Tuners?
Locking guitar tuners are designed to keep your guitar strings in place and prevent them from becoming loose every now and then. Loose strings cause the guitar to become out of tune and tuning the guitar regularly can be a hassle. There are many different types and versions of locking guitar tuners, and your choice will depend on the guitar you have and your personal preferences. The basic job of locking guitar tuners is to minimize the slipping of strings which can cause the guitar to become out of tune. Most locking tuners are small and will not damage the look of your guitar. In fact, people who are not very familiar with guitars may not even notice them.
Of course installing a locking tuner on your guitar does not mean that your guitar will never go out of tune. There are reasons other than loose strings that can detune your guitar. However, the frequency with which you will need to tune the guitar will reduce by a large extent. Guitarists who love to play tunes like the vibrato technique will benefit the most from locking guitar tuners because these kinds of techniques detune guitars the most.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Locking Guitar Tuners?
Locking guitar tuners have a lot of advantages. Here are a few of them.
Increase Tuning Stability
Of course the main benefit is that they increase the tuning stability of the guitar. They help secure the strings to the head of the guitar which reduces the need to tune and restring your guitar frequently. The result is a better sounding and a studio worthy guitar.
Make String Changing Easy
Locking guitar tuners have the benefit of making the string changing process easier and quicker. You will not need to wrap the string around so that the string clamps on itself and does not slip. All you need to do is put the string through the hole, wrap it around a few times, and cut off the excess string. The rest will be done by the locking guitar tuner.
Affordable
Locking guitar tuners are not very expensive. The most common price range is between $30-$90, which is pretty reasonable compared to other guitar accessories. Installing a locking guitar tuner on a beginner’s guitar can have a positive impact on its performance and sound.
Easy Installation
To install locking guitar tuners, you only need to remove the current tuners and install the new ones in. The process will take 10 minutes tops and all you need is a flat headed screwdriver. You can easily do it at home yourself and this will save you the expense of going to a guitar shop and getting the tuners installed.
What Are Some Important Factors To Consider Before Buying Locking Guitar Tuners?
Keeping these few factors in mind will give you a headstart when you are browsing for locking tuners for your guitar.
Configuration
You need to make sure that the locking guitar tuner you buy is designed specifically for the configuration of your guitar. Different guitar configurations include a 3x3 setup, a 4x3 setup, and a 6-in-line set up. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the locking tuner will be compatible with your guitar’s configuration.
Shaft Hole Size
Different guitars have different sized shaft holes. When buying a locking tuner, confirm with the manufacturer if the tuner will be compatible with the shaft holes of your guitar. If the tuner is bigger than your shaft holes, you can make them bigger. However, buying the right size will save you the trouble of permanently modifying your guitar.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is the number of turns it takes to turn the post through a full rotation. The lower the ratio, the lesser the number of turns required, so the quicker the process. However, a lower gear ratio is not always viable because it requires much more precise movements than a higher gear ratio.
What Kinds Of Guitars Can Locking Guitars Tuners Be Used On?
The simple answer is that locking tuners can be used on any kind of guitar, be it electric or acoustic. However, locking guitar tuners are installed more commonly on electric guitars. But, this does not mean that people do not use them on acoustics. It is just a little harder to find the right configuration and correct sized shaft holes for acoustic guitars. If you find the right dimensions, you are in luck!
One of the main reasons why locking tuners are not used for acoustic guitars is that they add weight to the headstock. Acoustics are usually lightweight so some people do not like the added weight on the headstock. Electric guitars, on the other hand, are already heavier than acoustics, so they can withstand the weight of locking guitar tuners better. No matter what kind of guitar you have, make sure you buy a locking tuner with the right dimensions for the best results.
FAQs
Do locking guitar tuners affect tone?
Locking guitar tuners do not have an impact on the tone themselves. They are heavier than regular tuners so some guitarists might not be used to the added weight, and the change in technique can cause a change in tone.
Are locking guitar tuners worth it?
Locking guitar tuners have almost the same price as regular tuners, so they are definitely worth it. This is because you are getting added benefits at the same price. If you can find the correct dimensions in your locking tuner that match your guitar, they are worth the price.
Do I need a locking nut if I already have a locking guitar tuner?
The purpose of a locking nut is to keep the string in place. A locking guitar tuner pretty much has the same function, so you do not need both the equipment. If you already have one, do not buy the other one.
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