Why I Changed My Mind About Locking Tuners 

I've learned to add some wraps on locking tuners because occasionally when taking the guitar out of the gig bag, it'll brush up against the tuners and loosen the thumbscrew on one and the string will slip out. If you put the string on with no slack, it's really hard to rethread the string again. Having just a little extra string to work with solves the problem.

This one time at band camp, I had some tuners stolen, so now I lock them.

It's always made sense to me to pull the string through the tuner and then back it off a tiny bit before locking it in. I rarely break strings. Also make sure you don't tighten the screw too much either. 😂

I used to pull the strings as tightly as possible before locking. Never really had problems with breaking strings until recently. Since then I lock the strings with enough slack for a full turn on the tuning post. Fun fact: the amount of force that a string wound around a post can hold without slipping increases exponentially with the angle. So a little more slack makes a big difference!

Don’t we want “general funkiness” on bass?!?! 😜😉

I totally agree that you gotta give that tiny amount of slack on a wrap for locking tuners, helps the reliability for sure!

A single wrap is ideal. There are three great reasons to do it. 1. It prevents string breakage by spreading the tension around over one-half inch of steel alloy in a standard post, which is about .2" diameter. 2. It maximizes the resonance transfer. Less string/post contact reduces surface area and attenuates more vibration from the string to the body than a single wrap does. Over-wrapping dampens the transference due to the phase difference and excess mass at the points of contact. 3. It's the easiest way to restring locking tuners. Slip a string into the post hole and adjust the lock to gently touch the string. Turn the tuning key three-quarters of a revolution (270 degrees). Pinch the end of the string, remove any slack and lock it. Snip excess string and tune up. Guide the unwound string under the string on the post. Enjoy!

The tuners I have, the hole is lower...creating the same break angle.

I put locking tuners on most every guitar I own and I am a huge fan of them! I use 9 to 42 so I’ve not had any issues with the high E string breaking even know if I do massive bends. Over the years I have found out that if you use a whole wrap or more with locking tuners, they don’t hold tune as well as if you use no more than a half a turn. I can get massive sustain out of most of my guitars.

Great info. I usually pull the string pretty tight then pre-trim the string about 1/4" from the tuner. I then pull it back into the tuner just enough so there is no sharp end poking out and then lock and tune. This usually gives about 1 to 1.5 turns on it and works well for me.

I use locking tuners on all but my Tele. I have never broken a string and I bend the crap out of my (only Stringjoy) strings. My favorite locker is the top-lock from PRS.

On my Fender style headstock I have a tiny amount of slack before I tighten the lockers. By the time I'm up to pitch I have about 1/2 turn on the tuners and I've never broken a string up there, or had any issues with the break angle. I like the lockers and I've never looked back!

The way to use locking tuners is to put the string hole at right angles to the string direction. Then you pull through and tighten the lock. I never have string breakage. NEVER!!! EVER!!!

Nice video buddy! I like how detailed you get with everything.

The only issue I've ever had with locking tuners is the slightly increased mass. You'll want to keep that in mind if you're installing them on guitars that are prone to neck dive or are at the limit of having neck dive issues.

Staggered height locking tuners on a strat or straight headstock is awesome!

Fabulous video. Very informative. This is not the usual "here is how I do it" video. This instructor gives the whys and science behind what actually happens with a locking tuner and considers various guitar head configurations. Worth the watch. Thank you.

I like my locking tuners on my Les Paul however, I use your Strinjoy round core wrapped so I still put one to two wraps on the peg to make sure I won't have any unraveling of the string wrap.

I got a Deluxe plus Strat in 96. It has locking tuners. Got way use to this convenience. Got a Les Paul studio in 2012. Had regular Kluson tuners and the G had slack in it. Could actually pull string a little every time I would try. During a run of "Fix this guitar my way", I decided to change tuners to these Revolution locking tuners. Everything fit real nice, they look the same in front as you look at the guitar, they don't add enough weigh to feel any different. Plus to save money I put together a cart of stuff for my Les Paul and then offered the sell another cheaper price. While I didn't save a ton, I got a lot of value for my buck. At least in my opinion. Changed everything a studio cheaps out on; Tonespro locking bridge, alum tailpiece, Tusc XL nut, CTS 500K pots, 50's wiring to go with a 97 ebony fretboard black w/ gold trim studio. Came used with 496/500 pups, straplocks, and a chainsaw case. Now it's a hotrodded classic looking Paul. With the only problem, the dork behind the wheel. L O L

Used to not care about locking tuners, then bought the 75th anniversary commemorative strat that came with locking tuners, now I want them in all my guitars

I use sperzel locking tuners on all of my guitars. I've never had any issues, aside from perfect tuning. I've never broken a string or anything else. Locking tuners are a must on my guitars. My stinging method is, I pull the string through loosely, tighten the thumb screw, and tune. Then I stretch and retune. I usually end up with about a quarter turn wrap on each string. This seems to be ideal for me.

It takes bravery to admit when you're was wrong or to even admit that we're humans and our opinions can change and evolve. Good on you, and thanks for sharing!

Interestingly PRS used to recommend the first method (pull tight, tune up) but now changed to let ~2 Fingers between fretboard and strings slack and wrap around (it'll be around 1 wrap for me) - they claim it'll improve the tuning stability - personally I had no issue with either but I do it this way now too

An unexpected downside to locking tuners I found is that when I hang my reverse headstock 7 string on the wall, the bottom tuning peg's locking gear (high E string) rests on the wall hanger and slowly turns itself lose. I've had the high E string suddenly slip out of it's lock 3-4 times before I realized what exactly was going on. Because of how little slack there is and the kinks in the string, it's near impossible to relock the string. Now I make sure to make 2 wraps on the high E only.

I also leave a little bit of slack when I use the locking tuners, just in case I have to occasionally down tune the guitar (so that the string curvature is still there even at lower tuning).

I have enjoyed locking tuners on my electrics so much that I'm starting to put them on my acoustics. Gotoh, Hipshot & Grover all make decent locking machines to replace most sealed types with zero drilling. Now, if only Waverly made a PRS style lock pin shaft (top screw) for their tuners. I'm not replacing $170 Waverly tuners with $70 Gotohs.

I have played with 9's for 40 years and in the last 2 Decades I have put Locking tuners on every Guitar I have owned the Resonance/ Sustain is Improved to my ears , use them with Floyds or any style bridge . Not a string breaker and I play Shred, Metal ,Glam & Thrash majority of the time . Staggered Tuners deal with break Angles !!

I always use either kluson/wilkinson split locks or hipshot locking tuners. My process for the wrap is what changes the most, but I always get at least two full wraps on the splits and one whole wrap on the lockers. Haven’t had a string break up there…maybe ever. Hundreds of sets.

OK so what about locking tuners on an acoustic? Worth the upgrade? Seems like a great idea - when you said "change a string in 30 seconds" I became way more interested

Some guitar tech told me "The guys from that shop robbed you, they used some Sperzels from 3x3 and mixed with others from a 6 in line.. like a stratocaster" I thought God works in misterious ways"🤣.

I always put a little extra slack on my PRS locking tuners. I do it for two reasons; to ensure the string is locked but doesn't have that breaking angle, and just in case I drop tune.

I never had a string break clean off the post, but I've had rattling or dull strings which I realized was the outer wrap coming loose. So I pull most strings through tightly, but beyond let's say .054 gauge, I leave enough slack for 1 turn.

I’ve used a lot of locking tuners. I’m def a fan. But yes, I actually line the hole up and down, but then wrap the string over the top and down through the hole before locking it. This gives me half a wrap before I start tuning. And I usually end up with 3/4-1 turn when the string is in tune. Also, if you get a chance, try Graphtech ratio tuners. They make locking and non locking. But each tuner has a different ratio. So now each 1/2 turn is roughly a half step. So those strings that can be finicky, like the g, are now much easier to tune. It’s all I use now. And no I’m not affiliated with them in anyway.

I've never had a string break while using locking tuners -- but I do always use Stringjoy's so maybe that's the reason! Thanks for the video! love the strings!

You really describe exactly what i feel now I bought my first electric guitar 1 month ago

I have self locking grovers that work by grabbing pinching the string with torque. Sometimes I run the unwound strings through the hole in the tuner twice. I've never broken a string or had tuning problems.

Just received my schecter c1 sls elite evil twin yesterday. My first guitar w locking tuners which is why I'm on here learning about them. From the factory out of the box they come with 2 full wraps around the peg. Most videos on here say that's wrong and to have no wraps. Idk which way to do it now

I am a strong supporter of locking tuners, have them on all my guitars, and hate the old-fashioned wrapping and tying. Too unreliable and unpredictable. That said, yes, one should not pull the strings really tight, so taut, so that it takes a half to 3/4 of a rotation to get to pitch. And another big caveat, don't overtighten, especially would strings, that can almost literally tear them apart.

What locking tuners are put on this guitar? I'm considering putting em on my 97' Jagmaster and 60's Tribute SG but it's difficult to know which ones are good price/quality wise.

it seems to me that, if you turn the tuning peg 90 degrees before you insert the string end, then, turning the peg only a quarter turn or so will be enough to give you that 'rounded' edge you need to avoid breakage. I plan to give 'em a try. Cheers!

I'm mainly an acoustic player but I'm considering locking tuners for a telecaster build. I plan to play open G and open D with a slide as well as standard tuning. Can I still tune down from standard with locking tuners? Thanks from South Mississippi!

Thanks for tip on leaving them a little slightly less tension to help with breakage. Keep breaking the 2nd string on my 335. Will try it not as tight for more of a loop around.

How much slack do you need on the Estring if you want to do drop D?

I dunno if this is just me or whatever, mainly because I don't gig but after I restrung my guitar, I don't play it for another 30 mins to an hour just to get the strings stretched and used to the neck.

Been using locking tuners for the past 8 years on three different guitars (without a locking nut); have never broken a string, even with bending often and heavy whammy-tremolo bar use on a superstrat.

I got a set of Graphtech ratio tuners that have different gears for each string so that the tuning turns are the same for each string, pretty nice design. Cheap? No, but very well made.

The only issue I have had with no wraps is one guitar with a 9 gauge high e and it just kept slipping.

Have 2 guitars with locking tuners, 2 without which have Floyd Rose's so a locking nut, and the rest not... I have come to hate non-locking tuners (though don't mind on the FRs). I can understand it on some affordable guitars but one of my most affordable is a Sire Les Paul, it has locking tuners. No excuse without a locking nut. Never had a break on locking either, I have had 1 set break on a FR while tuning and it has forever put my off EBs... Could have been something I did but never had it before or since.

I realize that is is a very broad and subjective subject, as there are many great brands of tuners, and after doing a little research I'm now very interested in replacing my tuners on my 1998 Gibson Les Paul Studio. Trouble is from what I've learned plugging and re-drilling the headstock, is maybe a factor with the use of some brands. Anyone replaced tuners with drop-in locking tuners on their Les Paul, and what brand/model would you recommend? Thanks for recommendations, an any insight in to your experiences!

Great video. Also tone knob is often underused(if the guitar has one) to adjust shrill tones/open up more sonic territory

Recommend the minimum necessary to implement a luthier's knot, and running once around the peg so that the knot has enough pressure to hold.

Thanks for the great information! I've thought of doing a couple upgrades to my Gibson Les Paul Studio, and I'm weighing what components to upgrade in the near future. Switching to Stringjoy Signatures 9/42's really brought me much closer for the sound I'm seeking. Locking tuners, are definitely now on the short list.

Very good engineering points.

I have locking tuners on my AmDlx Strat, but I don't find string changes significantly faster than old-school Fender slotted pegs.

You want to reduce wraps around the peg..maybe one and half...that way you don't have all the pressure on the anchor.

surprised you dont see any custom guitars made with headstocks that go straight backwards at a right angle like a lute, that'll give you enough break angle.

I haven't used locking tuners until I got a new guitar that has them. So far, it seems to me like they're more trouble than they're worth, especially since some strings have broken right off the bat. But there are a few good comments here about ways to prevent that, like not tightening the locks too much and allowing for a few more turns. That being said, if I don't have to worry about this problem with my other guitar with non-locking tuners, then maybe I should just pick a guitar without locking tuners next time.

You're not supposed to pull it tight before anchoring. Make sure your holes are perpendicular to the neck, run the string through and leave a little slack

So those aren't Les Paul Deluxe minis? Other than the pole piece screws... Is there even a difference between Firebird mini's and normal Gibson minis?

I've never had a problem without wrapping the strings around my lockers

Hi man, this backangle on the nut is a major issue - thanks for the tip. After i changed to locking tuners i decided to try back the older ones: much more harmonic content and playfull tones!!! I guess making turns on a locking one is good BUT- graphtech are very poor metal made so the wraps will kill the sound

The firebird pickup is the best humbucking pickup ever made.

I'd like to meet the person who can manually pull a string "not quite in tune but almost there". lol.

Hey Scott. Good video as always. I have a question. If someone is a StringJoy customer do you recommend they change their strings A LOT. 😜

Wait... some bass players change their strings? I’ve got a handful of basses and all have the strings they came with ( over a decade ago]).

I start my string at half a wind and end up with 1 full wind or just a little more once tuned

PRS recommends 2 fingers of slack around the 3rd fret for their locking tuners

How about locking tuners on acoustic guitar?

Doesn't it affect ability to drop-tune?

There is another trick. You can put a string through another peg after the one your doing, so it's going through two. Tune it up and then lock the first. Cut and your string will be straight with no angle. Having no wraps gives better tuning stability which is the main reason for locking tuners.

vintage Kluson style tuners are the best design, easier and just as fast as locking tuners.

I like simplicity on guitars. Locking tuners are out!

The title makes you think he changed his mind and stopped using locking tuners

Why do you sound like John Green

I use boat epoxy and glob it on on around the tuner and when those strings are dead…. I just throw the guitar away and buy a new one….keeps the guitar industry happier instead of worrying about strings….. hahaha

What the heck is a wolf tone? Lol

I put locking tuners and TUSQ nuts on all my guitars - anything else is sub-optimal IMO. My Strat has staggered locking tuners and no string trees.

It's not rocket science, wrap the string under itself and 3 wraps on wound, 5 on unwound, make sure the string finishes at the bottom of the peg, no need whatsoever for Locking Machine heads. 30 Guitars here and never broke a string, unless the string was faulty or a burred edge.

So, you didn't like locking tuners before you got that Les Paul, and that was your first guitar with locking tuners, meaning you didn't like locking tuners 'cause you haven't tried them at the time :P

You're really overthinking this. There's no great debate to be had here and there's no 2 ways to use locking tuners either. Thin strings on guitars without locking tuners don't pull out and you're not "reinforcing" anything by using windings + locking tuners.. People that put windings on with locking tuners are just not using them correctly. The key thing is tuning stability and windings add friction that using locking tuners allow you to remove. This has led to the wider spread of guitars without locking tremolo arms like Ibanez AZ. The string isn't putting more tension with them and it won't lead to any greater string breakage. As you note if you have a locking nut then you don't need locking tuners or windings - basically you can put your strings on without a winding as if you had locking tuners.

I came for the locking tuners and you start off with the bridge pick up. I call that padding. Oh, and wasting people's time.

I have never seen someone so completely overthink something as simple as locking tuners.

Locking Tuners : Game CHangers !

Seems like locking tuners don't allow for tuning down, which I like to do every now and then to Eb Standard or D standard

Pre internet, with little available outside input, I once concluded that Gibson produced the more musical and easier to play instruments. For the last two decades I've exclusively played Fender. Opinions def do change, which is something that many should remember, especially when it comes to politics and religion.When and if they don't change, it more likely suggests that you have failed to learn and grow.

there a pain.

Locking tuners on a non-tremolo guitar makes no sense to me. That like putting locking tuners on an acoustic guitar.

It appears you aren’t done doing research on locking tuners… keep digging before you make videos…

I loathe locking tuners and always will.