Locking Tuners...Sustain and Opinions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JonnyXXXMac
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JonnyXXXMac

JonnyXXXMac

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I've never seen a thread (and haven't been here too long to see one, I suppose) about whether or not locking tuners affect the sustain of a guitar. I'm interested in getting some...what are you all's opinion on them and which brands are worth looking into/or staying the hell away from?

Thanks,
Jonny
 
I have used both Schaller and Sperzels and prefer the Schallers myself. I have not tried them on the same guitar to compare sustain, but I would not think there would be a noticeable difference. The Schallers are definitely heavier though because of the bigger thumbscrew, and if you have ever tried one of those Fatfingers from Groove Tubes (basically a clamp that adds mass to the headstock) it does change the sound a bit.
 
I like the Sperzel and gotoh locking tuners on my ESP's. I don't find that they change the sustain or tone much.
 
if you know how to install strings properly you really dont even need the functionality of locking tuners. they technically dont lock - it just allows easier string installation and a more consistent wind string change to string change.

so as far as your statement goes - its an end user variable in how well you stretch and what you know about wrapping around a string tree.
 
I think lockers can be VERY useful on any guitar where you use a non double-locking tremolo. Basically allows enough of a wind to make sure the force is still on the tuner and not the locking mechanism, but also allows less than a full wind, so the string has no chance of binding on itself when they go slack. Haven't noticed any loss of sustain from lockers either. I would think adding extra mass could only help sustain.
 
The whole principle of locking tuners, besides locking the string down, is based around the achieving smallest amount of wrap you can get on the tuning post. Pull the string through to where there is no slack left, tighten the thumb screw, and wind. You should only have about half a wind. Any more than that and you defeat he purpose of locking tuners.

I use Sperzels on my LPCs and have Grovers on my Bernie Rico 7. I like them both equally. As far as sustain or sound difference, I have never even thought about it.
 
I've installed gotoh sd90mg on my Goldtop 57', and I must admit they are awesome - I can go crazy with bends now and unlike the Gibson Deluxe tuners, it won't go out of tune.

As far as sound goes, apart from always being in tune, there's no noticeable difference.
 
I've got Sperzels on a strat and Grover's on a LP. Both work and sound just fine.

I'm sure you could find many people that could debate the merits, tone, and sustain of vintage style bushing tuners compared to modern tuners or locking tuners.

In the real world, on stage, through a high gain amp are you really going to notice a slight decrease in sustain if there was one? Probably not. Neither will the audience. They will however notice if you are out of tune.

If you change strings as often as I do, locking tuners are a big time saver too. Watch with the Grovers though, as they make some different sizes and if you get the full size ones and you have mini's on your guitar already, you could wind up with a neck diving guitar. I've noticed that on my LP. I went with the larger ones for 'more mass and sustain'. Didn't notice any but did notice the new neck diving characteristics my guitar took on. I went back to the smaller ones. Didn't notice any change in sustain either so there ya go.
 
I swapped out the Gotoh Magnum Locks in my ESP Horizon NT-II for regular Gotoh tuners, and I noticed a huge difference in tone. It might be less noticable going from other brands of locking tuners, but using the regular Gotohs in this case resulted in more resonance and bottom end. Things sound a lot beefier now.
 
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