I used to be kind of Anti-PRS. Not really even sure why. I’ve come to my senses. Not because of this video, Ive actually watch a bunch of videos recently. What a fantastic product. Thanks for the quick video.
I have an off and on relationship with PRS. Cant explain it any further than that. But the one thing I know for sure is that for the 20 plus guitars I have owned over the last 12 years. The two PRS guitars in my collection are hands down the sweetest sounding guitars I own. My Suhr is second two both of them. All my Strats come next. Then my Epiphone......and last but not least....the Gibsons.
I’ll probably get one one of these days. I prefer my Epiphone LP to my Strat. It’s honestly the best playing guitar I’ve ever touched. Better than the more expensive Gibsons that I’ve tried. I also have a 20 yr old Ibanez shred machine (I can’t shred😂), and a late 60’s teisco that needs some tlc.
Yeah me too until I got one on a trade. Inhave had a custom set and still have a soapbar II both got new tuners, nut, bridge and frets but there is no denying the neck feel and balance is amazing.
@@Pr0digium I bought an epi lp custom pro 6 months ago. I was a bit of a epi snob. Everytime I play it i have a hard time understanding how a sub $700 guitar outplayed all the gibsons I've had. It does stay in tune and plays perfectly. The only thing I dis was change the bridge humbucker to my favorite humbucker, upgraded the pots and cap and dressed the fret ends. That's it. Great guitar.
@@MrRob33 agree on the neck. They have their carves designed for comfortable and effortless play. The one thing a neck should never do is get in your way. And their frets last a long time too.
I once owned two very pretty S2s (C24 and Mira SH) with the locking tuners and those tuners look cool and work great. I'm glad they've made them available for the SE lineup. Its nice when parts are a direct replacement and drop in without any modifications.
I just did this mod today. I have owned 2 SE-s (no cores) in my life, and one thing was exceptional about both: the tuners (even the standard, non-locking ones). I have never seen this mentioned by anyone else, but I feel these tuners are superior to their more expensive counterparts, like Schallers or Hipshots. There is 0 play, you can barely feel the string tension when turning the keys, and they turn at a perfect ratio. I really like these over anything in any of my other higher-end guitars.
Thanks for this video. Probably my SE Standard 24 was born under a lucky star. Its stability in tuning is rock solid with the original tuners, even using the tremolo very much. Anyway, I use two tricks: pencil graphite on the nut and PRS method to lock the strings. 😎
I just put a set on my Tremonti SE and they work amazingly!!! Love them. And it's cool that it's still an all PRS guitar!! Gotta get a set for my standard 24 SE next.
I definitely need these. I love how budget friendly the SE series are and how beautiful they look, but me being a more experienced guitarist hates how I keep having to constantly tune after the most simplest of note bends
Hey Phil, I got a set of these for my Korean PRS SE Custom 24. The screws that held the original tuners on were larger than the screws that came with locking tuners. Not a big deal, just had to reuse the old screws with the new tuners. I bought mine from Sweetwater for about $75 during Black Friday sales and when Sweetwater asked how I heard about them (company not product) I told them it was from your channel. Thanks for the videos man!
This was right on time for me. I got an SE custom 22 semi-hollow a few months ago and I love everything about it except for the tuners, which offer differing degrees of resistance to turning. I've been shopping for locking tuners for a while and I really want the PRS tuners so my otherwise smokin' axe would still be legit. I was a bit worried that they might be less of a value, but your video put my mind at ease. PRS it is and my thanks, sir.
i want one of these SE standards man. i played one at GC a while back and while it needed a tiny bit of setup, all the core things were there. great neck, level frets, good sounding pickups. heck of an affordable work horse.
I bought a set of locking tuners made by John Mann (MannMade USA) for my SE 7 string and was one of the best purchases I made last year. When I saw the thumbnail my first thought was that you were using the MannMade set, cool to see PRS actually making them now too.
Nice. What about a tutorial to change the nut as well? I've heard that's what a lot of PRS SE users do as well. With a locking tuners and a quality nut, you can get the most out of your guitar for a reasonable cost.
Bought a PRS SE Custom 24 Anniversary Edition after buying a roasted maple neck SE. It came with the nut looking like WW3 had started during the filing cause it was all over the place. The low E string basically was sitting on the fret. ONE EMAIL to PRS and I had a shipping label paid for to send it back. During the wait, I bought a hollowbody II from the SE line and holy crap I love this thing. I really can't say not only enough about their Customer Service, but once you get everything setup the way you want, they feel just as good as my Fender American Deluxe.
What I like most about the PRS locking tuners is how light they are. I’ve had others that are way too heavy and change the balance of the guitar with neck dive.
I've got a Paul's SE, and straight out of the box I noticed how much I hated its old school traditional but cheap feeling tuners were. Thanks for the review, Phil! I'm ordering some new PRS tuners now!
Thanks Phil great content. Too late for me my SE 245 got its tuning keys swapped to ratios about a month after I got it and a week after I watched one of your Sharpen My Axe videos.
Not sure if you noticed, but there are numbers printed on the back side of the tuners that I’m assuming are the different gear ratios for each string diameter. The numbers are not visible once the tuners are installed. I simply matched the numbers to the ones that were already installed. Thought that may be worth noting. Getting them out of order wouldn’t be a huge deal. Love your content and keep up the great work!
A lot of times those are batch numbers so if they have a problem with tuners they can figure out what batch or batches have the issues. Just a guess, but Im I will look into it.
I usually use hipshot tuners. But on my PRS SE Dave Navarro I tried the Guitar fetish replacements for a PRS SE. They fit perfect used the original holes. I would recommend them if you're on a budget.
Recently put those on my SE Custom 24 and it's perfect now, PRS even has their own video install on their youtube channel. I just can't live without locking tuners anymore once you get them you can't go back.
I bought a set of PRS style locking tuners for an Ibanez single cut I'm sprucing up. I got them for around $30 off Amazon, and they're actually really good. The guitar had Korean Grovers, and these seem to hold tune even better than the Grovers. I use locking tuners on all my guitars. I usually use sperzel, or the planet waves auto trim. Ill have to check out a set of the PRS replacement tuners next. I like the way they look, and I know they work. Thanks for the info. 🤘
Hey Phil thanks for this video! I just bought the PRS Mark Holcomb SE and bought these PRS Chrome Locking Tuners to replace them. I wish PRS had more color options for SE since this model's hardware is Black Chrome, and I'm installing Chrome LTs!
I just got the exact model and color along with the wood grain parallel with neck you used in this video but it already had Lampshade dials I think I will upgrade to the locking turners since I found this guitar in a pawn shop at great price 👍 thanks for your videos !
I put these on my new SE Santana singlecut trem. Massive difference in tuning stability. Well worth the money, although I think they should be installed from the factory.
@@PhillipMcKnight hey phil. I bought prs sw locking tuners for my se Pauls guitar and the tuners dont fit in the holes. Also i cant get the nut out of the headstock
Look up John mann's guitar vault.. John mann is the guy who originally made the bridges and tuners for Paul Reed Smith, still does for the private stock guitars.. you can send him you SE tuners and he will modify them, he can also modify other brand tuners as well. I sent him my MIM strat tuners and he did them. Super nice guy who can tell you good stories and experiences too!!
I met John a few months ago at a guitar clinic he hosted with Paul and Bosco Parrish. He told me that he wanted to get out of manufacturing these and that PRS would be introducing their own. I had already bought a set of John's tuners and they're fantastic.
Just installed these on a 2003 and 2019 SE... the 2003 SE had the same small screws as the new locking tuners, while the 2019 SE had larger screws (as others have noted, I just used the original screws)... thought that was interesting... Also, the hole for the string to go thru was closer to the headstock for the new locking tuners resulting in a little more back angle after the nut... might result in more stability?
@@draxthor921 gotcha. They are way easier to charge strings and I think the holes in the pegs are slightly closer to the headstock giving a little better back angle on the nut. However, the tuning stability was very good on the old non-locking tuners, so I didn’t notice any improvement there. They look way cooler also 😁
Yep something like this may work too store.guitarvaultusa.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=7040 he’s been working with Paul since the beginning. I’ve got a set of the SE locking for my Chris Robertson. Solid stuff
Jeffrey Smoots John Mann from MannMade does some modified gotoh and kluson tuners that have the screw just like a prs low mas locking tuner and cost a bit cheaper than phase III. I bought a set for my SE Paul’s guitar and they are working really well.
Well I was wondering when PRS was going to catch up yo John Mann! I’ve had the same style tuners from John Mann on my SE Custom 24 for well over a year. Granted they don’t have “PRS” stamped on the back, but they are just as good!!
They also don’t have the brass shafts as they are just the non-locking tuners which have had the top drilled into to thread the plastic locking tips. I have the Mann ones, and the locking tips I received are actually longer; so they stick out from the top of the tuner more. Looks a little odd next to my Custom 24 with the Phase II locking system.
I'm gonna put a set on my c e 22.hey any suggestions for a cab for a new fender blues deluxe 40 reissue so many choices figured you would have a great suggestion thanx
I put mine in a few days ago. They arrived on about January 3rd and I had them on ten minutes after they arrived. But I cheated and kept the strings on because they were only a week old. In a couple of weeks I want to try out a new set of strings. I'm thinking 9's to make the guitar a bit more bendy!
Put them on my DGT SE last night. Unfortunately one of the set screws was stripped :( Had to pull out the matchstick/toothpick trick. It's ok now, but I wish it didn't happen!
I recently got a PRS SE Custom 24 in the faded blue burst, and I want to change the knobs to the lampshade knobs! How do I remove the old knobs from the guitar? Just pull up on them while slightly rotating? I just really hate the stock SE knobs lol, so plain. The lampshades look so good. I was scared that they wouldn't work on the SE because every website says they're for the USA guitars only, but I've seen several SE's where people have put them on, so I gotta do it! At only $14, it is totally worth it! Any help would be great on this. Thank you!
I own a PRS SE Custom. I wanted the same style locking tuner as my Fender Player Plus with the knob on the bottom but I haven't found a set that would work. Do you like the PRS tuners as much as others? Do they work as well?
I often see people leaving some wrap on the strings even on locking tuners, which seems a bit counter-intuitive. Does anyone have an idea what's really best to do?
From where did you order those lampshade knobs? Thanks for another interesting and useful video. I'm usually inspired to upgrade or mod one of my guitars after watching another post from your channel!!
John Mann USA can take the SE tuners, drill out the tops, and thread them with the core screw tops for $60. However, you have to ship the tuners to him and the shafts aren't brass or notched like the direct PRS replacements. I have a few SEs with John’s conversion and a set of these coming from Sweetwater... it will be interesting to see if there is any noticeable difference other than aesthetics...
Did you notice anything between the 2? Was thinking of the PRS brand. I have Maglock, but I dislike them after about 4yrs with them on my SE Custom 24.
Muy rapido!! Does prs also make locking tuners for the 594 se? No problem with these, but considering it. Bought 594 after watching your video. Great job. Thanks for great content always.
I have an SE but it has the vintage tuners and I bought Ratio Locking Tuning Machines which our collared. I am nervous about drilling the holes bigger because the SE Vintage Tuners were the small non collared with the smaller holes. Any advice? I am not a fan of the vintage tuners also which was only part of the reason I bought the Ratios. I also like the product and its multi-geared system.
Phil, did you ask if the tuners will fit the SE Paul Guitar which has vintage style tuners with two screws. Seems like you would have to drill a new hole to fit these tuners.
Are these what you are looking for??? www.ebay.com/itm/Tone-Ninja-PRS-style-Lampshade-Guitar-Knob-East-Indian-RW-Inlaid-Abalone-Bird/112323886899?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D859f6c1e50994a368970d102de55ca0d%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D263389514046%26itm%3D112323886899%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
I just bought an DGT SE and I was a little disappointed about one thing. For the record I love PRS guitars I have a 87 Custom which I love.The DGT plays well But I thought it was only my SE Guitar I see @1:38 it is normal for the tuners to be cocked slightly. Strange But I guess it dose not effect the playability of the guitar.
?? I noticed you use a manual screwdriver & socket wrench instead of battery powered ones & wondered why? Thanks for the great content! *Just finished reading RED by Sammy Hagar on your recommendation in another video. Great read! Thanks!
I’ve always wanted a PRS. You know the saying be careful what you ask for. I have a 30th Anniversary made in Korea. I can’t seem to get this thing to stay in tune. I’ve filed the nut on the to make sure the strings aren’t dragging. Lubed the nut and bridge. I’ve been considering blocking off the trem and changing the tuners but I wonder if it’s time to bale on this thing and get a guitar that works. What are your thoughts 💭
Someday i can afford that guitar.. or the RK telecaster. Either way you cant go wrong with those guitars. PRS one the best guitar even their SE. More power to your channel. Love all your contents.
I got mine from Sweetwater and I sent you a request to feature them on one of your recent videos. I like the fact that they look, from the FRONT like the core locking tuners but they are not open gear which would have been better but I love them anyway so why complain? And I KNEW that you would do this video as soon as I found them. Locking tuners is SO Phil! My SE just keeps getting better. Have you go any ideas on how to solve the volume drop when you split the pickups? I'm trying to make my SE as close to core as possible. Next trick is going to be to get a core tremolo bridge. What do you think I should do next?
buy the core instead of adding money to the SE, well thats my advice i´m looking fwd just for this improvement, its not my case to try and upgrade all, just keep tuning ans improve sustain...did you have to drill?
Phil - thanks for all the super informative videos! I'm thinking of changing the tuners on my SE Hollowbody II. The tuners you're discussing here do look better and would make string changes easier, but are they functionally any better than the stock SE tuners? Would these be an improvement over those for overall tuning stability? Even a small improvement would justify buying them.
Useful vid as I am about to do this! Do you have a video on how to safely replace the volume/tone dials? I'm a bit concerned as I don't want to damage the push/pull system.
I really want to get some gotoh locking tuners for my PRS SE custom 24 7 string as I have them on an Ibanez guitar, just wondering if they will fit an SE? Or what locking tuners would fit an SE 7 string?
I inquired with PRS about an upgrade / replacement for a fixed /staggered rap around bridge for my SE Custom 22 semi-hollow. I like their wrap around bridges with the brass inserts and adjustable saddles. They directed me to an aftermarket bridge. ( I guess they only make those bridges for their American made guitars. Bummer eh?
Hi Phil, your channel by the way and thanks for the review and info. I have an SE 24 and am in the process of replacing the pick ups with Seymour Duncans and was thinking of adding some new tuners in the mix. I have looked at these and am at the tipping point as to whether or not to either leave them or upgrade. I have no issues with the current set, but we love to get the best out of our instruments. I live in Australia and PRS do not have an outlet here. I actually get them from the UK store and my family send them over to me. This means additional expense and time, so was wondering if you had any recommendations for a direct replacement. I have seen a few reviews regarding adding either Hipshot and Grover tuners and would really value your opinion. I should add that I do all of my own set ups and maintenance, so either slight modifications or difficulty of installation is not an issue. Thanks in advance, cheers Carl
Hey Phil love your channel thanks for all the great info. I’m sorry if this question is redundant. I bought a reclaimed Vela S2 semi hollow , love the guitar! I’m not sure if I love the Korean pickups. What do you think? Should I change them? Maybe 5708 or something from SD . Thanks
I have the PRS 245 Standard SE and would like to have tone split coils. PRS say it doesn't work on those pickups but well, maybe someone know a way to do it anyway? ;)
Here are the ones you need www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/tuning-machines/solid-peghead-guitar-tuning-machines/kluson-3-and-3-locking-revolution-series-g-mount-non-collared-tuning-machines.html You can probably find them cheaper orther places. I just wanted you to have the part number you need. No drilling. I would leave the original compression sleeves in and just swap the tuners. Should take minutes
Whether it takes 7 minutes or 10 minutes or even 15 minutes to install the tuners makes very little difference to me. I would like to know how the tuners perform as compared to the other brands you mentioned. I've got a PRS SE that I plan on upgrading and I'm still unsure whether I should go for Hipshot, Grover Rotomatics, or these new PRS tuners. Ratio Tuners are out of my price range. I know the Hipshot and Grovers both perform well and look great. Are the PRS a better product?
There really isnt much if any difference in quality or functionality with the tuners you mentioned... just comes down to aesthetics and if you like the locking screws on the front or the discs that screw in from the back...
I got them for $95.00 from sweet water. But no candy this time... One of the tuners was a little tight but I took off the knob on the tuner and put it back on problem solved. They worked perfectly and installed in minutes with zero guitar modification. They hold tune great and feel really solid. It would have been nice if they were open geared like the core but I guess PRS is keeping some things core only... They are great tuners, about the same as the ones that came with the guitar but they are locking and that makes a big difference especially when you change strings once a month like I often do. I realize my word means little to a stranger but I would advise anyone to get them if you have $95.00 you can part with and still feed the kids.
