Locking Tuners roundup
Locking Tuners: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Compatibility is the first thing to check — the wrong spec won't fit without drilling. Here's how to measure correctly and what to look for at each price point.
Buying locking tuners is one of the most effective hardware upgrades you can make to a guitar — but compatibility varies by headstock, and the wrong size won't fit without drilling. Here's what to check before ordering.
The Compatibility Checklist
Before looking at brands or prices, confirm three things:
- Tuner hole diameter — the standard modern Fender-spec hole is 10mm; Gibson-spec is typically 9.5mm to 10mm. Measure yours.
- String post spacing — the distance between posts on your headstock must match the replacement set.
- Headstock layout — 6-in-line (all one side), 3-per-side, or something else. Make sure you're ordering the correct configuration.
Most manufacturers list which guitars their sets fit. Cross-reference carefully — a set that doesn't fit can usually be returned but wastes time.
Post Height: Staggered vs Uniform
Staggered post sets have different post heights for each string position — decreasing in height from the low strings to the high strings. On a Fender-style headstock, this creates the correct break angle at the nut without a string retainer bar. Uniform-height post sets are correct for some guitars. Know what your guitar originally uses before choosing.
Key Specifications
| Spec | What to check |
|---|---|
| Hole diameter | Measure with calipers; usually 10mm modern, 9.5mm vintage |
| Bushing type | Press-fit or threaded nut — match the original |
| Post height | Staggered or uniform — depends on nut and headstock angle |
| Screw pattern | Some vintage guitars have two-screw mounting; modern sets usually have one |
Which Brands Are Worth Considering
Gotoh and Schaller are consistently regarded as the quality standard — solid build, precise tolerances, smooth action. Sperzel were among the first to popularise the format and remain well regarded. Hipshot make well-specified sets popular with players who want premium hardware. Budget sets are available but tolerances vary; for a guitar that stays in tune, mid-range and up is the sensible bracket.
Budget Considerations
A quality set of locking tuners for a six-string runs from around £40 to over £100. The difference at the higher end is mostly in machining precision and feel — the smooth, firm action of a quality set is noticeably different from a cheap one. For a gigging instrument you rely on, the mid-range is a reasonable minimum.
For a full breakdown of how the mechanism works, see the overview guide. Already decided? The setup guide covers the installation.
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