Will Planet Waves Auto Trim Locking Tuners Review

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What are the "all-time" locking tuners for a Strat?

• Thread starter axejock
• Start date Mar 24, 2020

• #1

I am really because buying some locking tuners for my Strats (and Teles) as string changing is a frequent procedure for me and I'm now convinced that the locking tuners would simplify and speed-up the procedure. I see full sets of them advertised from around $40 up to around $100. Only I'chiliad mostly interested in value and operation so am interested in what you folks have establish to be the "right" locking tuners for y'all. I do like the looks of the ones with the large "F" on the back! Thanks.

• #ii

I have Sperzel locking tuners on my '02 Fender Hwy1 and they have been smashing. I recently purchased another strat manner guitar and am looking at Hipshot's because a skilful friend uses and highly recommends them; they're also about one-half the toll of Sperzels.
Fender also has some prissy looking locking tuners with good reviews but I've never tried them. Good luck.

• #3

I love the Schallers on my Strat Plus. I can tell you, though -- don't clip the strings until later on you lot stretch them. Otherwise, they tin unwind on y'all.

• #four

I think my Aristocracy has Schallers - love the quick cord change.

• #5

I have a hybrid Strat with the Hipshot tuners. They practice what they say they will. OTOH, the separate top Fender tuners don't bother me, and seem to lock the string simply fine. But, I will admit they are a chip slower and crave a scrap more than thought to cord properly.

• #viii

You'd think that after all these years I would take at to the lowest degree tried a set. Merely nope it's never actually appeared on my radar.

I'grand not opposed to them philosophically or anything. Maybe one mean solar day

• #9

My Strats and Jazzmaster have standard slotted not-locking tuners and invariably lack tuning stability for a couple of hours after restringing. However, never unstable once tensioned and played in for an hour or then.
By the same token, the locking tuners on my Deusenberg and the Gretch, fare no better in terms of postal service string-change stability.

I'yard non trying to dissuade you, simply offering up my experiences in quantifying the "makes no difference if y'all tension your strings correctly" practical theory.

I'g also of the opinion that the speed of the string change is negligible in direct comparison. Regardless, you're cut strings to length, then winding them on, then tensioning, tuning, playing, retuning.

I have only bought one set of Fender bullet strings, which were all pre-cut to length and did not demand cutting. That was a fast string change.... but the stability of the tuning was still no different to any of the other string brands/lengths I accept used.

There is something about locking tuners though. I do like them on my Deusenberg and on my SG(no vibrato/trem).

I cannot simply say they are more stable or better or easier, because for me they are no dissimilar. Still have to cut strings to length, notwithstanding have to current of air on under tension, tune and adjust.

Then once again, I don't divebomb the trem all the fourth dimension. YMMV.

If you desire them, there is no harm in trying them. Just get a set that does not require y'all to redrill the headstock just to fit them.

Last edited: Mar 25, 2020

• #10

Best? Arguably Sperzel.
That's what K&50 used to use on the S-500 in the 90s
Only they won't fit the stock holes, y'all'll need to drill for the pin, meaning y'all'll demand to make or buy a jig.

2d best? German Schaller
Aforementioned design every bit the Fender-branded, drop-in replacement for Fender OEM 2-pin bodies.

third pick? Fender branded Ping

Honestly, there are others from Grover, Kluson, and Gotoh that are good, but similar the Sperzels, all volition require modification to the headstock.

Also honestly, between the acme three, I really don't recall you'll see a functional difference. The Sperzels might be a fleck smoother.

• #11

I'k likewise of the opinion that the speed of the string alter is negligible in direct comparison. Regardless, you're cutting strings to length, then winding them on, then tensioning, tuning, playing, retuning.

With locking tuners, yous don't need to wind the strings effectually the post. You just pull the cord through tight, lock them, then trim the string on the other side and tune. I think that'due south what makes them quicker to re-cord (for me).

• #12

strings and roundabouts. I usually pull them through and leave slack, cut and clamp/current of air on. you can cut the string whenever, doesn't affair. with the slotted fender tuners, you have to cut to length first earlier drooping the cease into the hole and winding on. Unless you use the strat bullet strings, which are pre-cut to length - no cutting req'd.
My point near "fourth dimension" was the string cutting and wind on process is hardly a massive departure... regardless of what is quicker, the time it takes for the strings to settle in tune is far longer than the time it takes to string it upwardly. Unless y'all intermission a cord in the middle of a set and don't accept a spare axe, it's really a moot point.

• #14

If the guitar has vintage tuners, then I tend to go with Kluson Revolution. If the ream is modern, I use Graphtech Ratio.

• #15

I've Schaller, Sperzel, and lately GraphTech. All perform very well. I would recommend an Ebay purchase. I find them less expensive that manner.

Ebidis

Providing the world with flat bends since 1985

• #16

strings and roundabouts. I normally pull them through and leave slack, cut and clench/wind on. you can cut the string whenever, doesn't matter. with the slotted fender tuners, you have to cut to length outset earlier drooping the end into the hole and winding on. Unless you utilise the strat bullet strings, which are pre-cut to length - no cutting req'd.
My betoken about "fourth dimension" was the string cutting and wind on process is inappreciably a massive divergence... regardless of what is quicker, the time information technology takes for the strings to settle in tune is far longer than the time it takes to cord it up. Unless y'all break a cord in the center of a set and don't accept a spare axe, it's really a moot point.

I agree. I take had a few guitars with locking tuners, and I never actually constitute that much advantage to them. I have never had whatsoever tuning issues with regular tuners.

The split shaft Kluson fashion tuners are my favorites. Simply considering pricking your finger on the lilliputian nub of string sticking off of the shaft is annoying.

• #17

You are going to get (and are getting) many unlike answers. I believe that Hipshots volition allow the most options for buttons if that makes a divergence. High ratio, too.

Ebidis

Providing the world with flat bends since 1985

• #18

By the way, I've tried Sperzel, Schaller, and Fender branded locking tuners. All are skillful, and seem to me well-nigh like half dozen in one hand, one-half dozen in the other.

• #19

I but put the Fender Ping locking tuners on my American Special. They are drop in for two pin tuners that fender has on lots of their guitars. No drilling required. And they were about 45 bucks.

• #20

the split pinnacle Fender tuners don't carp me, and seem to lock the string just fine. But, I will admit they are

I just can't make the B and e strings stay put when I endeavour to use those!

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