Do I really need locking tuners?

All that said, there is one thing that locking tuners do well which prevents slippage at the tuning peg. They do fix one element that can throw strings out of tune, which is slippage, but in my opinion, the quality of the strings can do a lot more for making your tuning stability not what you want, than that will.

Are locking tuners really better?

Less windings generally means quicker and easier restringing. But the main advantage of locking tuners is with tremolo-equipped guitars. By locking the strings to the tuner, this reduces the amount of string slippage due to use of the tremolo bar and results in reduced tuning problems resulting from tremolo use.

What is the point of locking tuners?

Locking tuners are tuners which have a pin or retaining mechanism that locks the string in place and prevents your string from coming loose. These types of tuners are usually adjusted by tightening or loosening a knob on the back of the headstock.

Can you down tune with locking tuners?

You can tune down just like regular tuners, but locking tuners have less room to tune the string down without “running out of string.” You should ensure that you have enough windings to return to the required tuning. And tune down as you would with regular tuners.

Do locking tuners need slack?

Locking tuners big advantage is that you don’t need multiple string wraps so the string won’t slip. There’s less potential for slack to hide in wraps. When you’ve removed any slack, tighten up the locking mechanism in whatever way your tuners accomplish this. Then, tune up to pitch.

How many winds do you need for a locking tuner?

Honestly, probably not as many as you may think. Anywhere between 2-4 windings will be plenty and, so long as you are restringing your guitar in a conventional way, this should ensure that you have enough tension in your string to maintain your tuning and avoid any string slippage.

How tight should locking tuners be?

As long as there is a screw or something keeping them from rotating, I would go with “snug.” If you over tighten them, it’s possible to strip the threads, not common but possible. If you mean the tuning keys, they should turn freely, but not be loose.

Do locking tuners improve tuning stability?

Locking tuners do nothing for tuning stability. Anyone who says they do doesn’t know how to properly wind a string around a traditional tuning peg. Locking tuners just make string changes faster and have a cleaner look. Locking tuners do nothing for tuning stability.

Do locking tuners help your guitar stay in tune?

Consequently, locking tuners will help your guitar stay in tune. So, the answer is yes. If you are looking for a way to improve your tuning and secure the strings, locking tuners are the way to go. This is especially important for players who love using the whammy bar and vibrato technique since both can significantly detune the instrument.

What are some common mistakes that people make with locking tuners?

So the big mistake that a lot of players make with locking tuners is that they leave a lot of slack on the string, the same way as you would with standard tuners. But you shouldn’t really use your locking tuners like that, if only because you don’t have to.

Do locking tuners bend the strings?

One nice thing about locking tuners is that you don’t have to bend everything up or anything like that, if the clasp is working right it should do its job. If you wanted to bend the string up like you typically would, there wouldn’t be anything wrong with that.

How much do locking tuners cost?

If you are looking for high-quality ones, you will need to pay a bit more. Locking tuners can be as cheap as $25, but the more expensive ones are around $60-$70. Of course, I would highly recommend avoiding the cheapest models, and if you are looking to invest in your guitar, you should do it properly.