I’m looking to upgrade my Gibson Les Paul with some locking machine heads, but I’m not sure which ones to choose. I want to maintain that classic Les Paul look and avoid any modifications to the body.
What to Consider:
Compatibility: Are there specific locking tuners that fit well with Gibson Les Pauls without needing to drill or alter anything?
Tuning Stability: Which brands or models are known for excellent tuning stability? I want my guitar to stay in tune even after some heavy playing.
Ease of Use: How easy are these tuners to install and use? I’ve heard some brands are way simpler than others when it comes to string changes.
Weight and Aesthetics: Do heavier tuners affect the balance of the guitar? I also want something that looks good!
Options I’ve Considered:
Grover Locking Tuners: I’ve seen a lot of good reviews about them.
Schaller Mini Locking Tuners: Known for being light and stable, but are they worth the price?
Gibson’s Own Locking Tuners: Are they a good match for the Les Paul?
Conclusion:
I’d love to hear your experiences with locking machine heads on Gibson Les Pauls. What worked for you? Any recommendations or pitfalls to avoid? Thank you!
I’ve been using locking machine heads on my Les Paul for a year now, and the tuning stability is amazing! I can literally bend strings and they stay in tune. Highly recommend it!
In my experience, the tonal difference is negligible. The benefits of better tuning stability far outweigh any slight tonal effect. Plus, the ease of string changes is a huge plus!
I’ve been using Schaller locking tuners on my Les Paul, and they work great! Installation is straightforward—just keep an eye on the size of the bushings to ensure they fit. Anyone else have experience with these?
For a Gibson Les Paul Standard, are there any concerns with weight distribution? Locking tuners can be a bit heavier. Have you had any neck dive issues after installing them?
Great question! I’ve not noticed any neck dive, but it definitely depends on how you set it up. It might be heavier, but you balance it out with the right strap.
I had no compatibility issues with my 2019 Les Paul when I switched to locking tuners. Just check that the orientation matches your existing setup—this makes installation much easier!