This post was updated on: May 2nd 2024
“While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things are extraordinary.” – Matt Bevin.
You can certainly relate to this quote when it comes to finding a locking tuner for your Les Paul guitar. With all the bending moves that Les Paul guitarists do, locking tuners support better stunning ability, prevent string slippage as well as make the headstock look neater.
In this article, we highlight the top 5 best locking tuners for Les Paul guitar in detail. Let’s go!
Last update on 2024-05-01 at 23:37 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is a Locking Tuner and How to Choose a Suitable One?
Whoever owns a guitar needs, at least once in their lifetime, to go through the process of strings replacement. In order to change the string and still be able to maintain the sound quality, the concept of tuner is born.
If you want to change new strings or simply fix the intonation, the locking tuners are the essential tools you would love to have at hand. It’s precise, fast, and sustainable.
So out of a thousand products in the market, how do you find the right set for yourself? Here are 3 points you should keep in mind while looking for a locking tuner: size, its gearing ratio, and the number of headstock configuration.
Best Locking Tuners for Les Paul Guitars
Grover 135N - Vintage but Modern
For nearly a century, Grover musical products have gained great favor and reputation from customers worldwide. They are often known for their stability, great vintage designs, and a sustainable guaranteed way to sharpen your Les Paul’s tuning stability.
Having a vintage outlook with modern-designed plastic knobs, Grover 135N can soften any modern, solid-body electric guitar of Gibson Les Paul into a vintage vibe.
We know that modern replacement keys often have a higher gearing ratio than vintage keys, such as 14:1 or 18:1 or even higher. Guess what? Grover 135N, a vintage model, brings us a 14:1 solution just like a modern one!
For those who are still unsure about the gearing ratio - it’s the ratio that presents how much control you have over the tuning process. Gearing ratio like 14:1 helps you reach a precise string tension for your guitar and gives users more time to find the right note.
With only 3.52 ounces, they are pretty much lightweight, yet perfect when it comes to tuning. Lightweight tuners reduce the mass on the headstock and make the tuning process easier, faster, and more convenient.
Unlike traditional tuners, locking tuners add a little bit of weight to the guitar. But this product is so light that you won’t even feel any difference from the traditional ones.
The process of installing Grover 135N on Les Paul guitar is indeed simple, all you need is a drill and a drill bit. You might have to enlarge the headstock holes slightly to fit the turner; an easy process regardless of your skill level.
Once installed, you will notice an immediate difference on your guitar – smooth but not stiff or loose, perfectly tuning with new string, and looking excellent.
Before purchasing, carefully check the size of your post holes. Some of the Les Paul guitar’s headstocks need to be modified to fit the tuners.
However, for someone who prefers precision and accuracy, the 14:1 gear ratio is a little bit low.
- Machine head
- Machine head
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Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock – Solid and Well Made
Hipshot has been playing a big role in the locking tuners industry. Many customers have reviewed their great experiences while using Hipshot products. One of their many brilliant choices includes Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock.
Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock 3+3 headstock configuration (guitar with 3 tuning pegs on both sides of the headstock) is an excellent choice when it comes to tuning Les Paul guitars. Why?
Its tuning stability and sleek look catch the user’s attention at first sight. Secondly, the locking feature of Hipshot eliminates the need for multiple string wraps.
Users, therefore, no longer need a locking nut that adds screws, wrenches, and weight. Not to mention, this tuner model can simply drop into all Les Paul guitars’ slots for a quick and easy upgrade. No modification or drilling is required.
Let me repeat, NO DRILLING required! When you’re not a professional in this field, any additional action can devalue the instrument, drilling new holes or enlarging the existing holes to name a few. Therefore, we highly suggest installing direct replacement tuners like this one.
Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock is designed with an 18:1 gear ratio that perfectly fits every Les Paul 10mm headstock holes. As you might notice, this ratio is higher than our previously reviewed model, promising your guitar a finer tuning.
Compared to stock machine heads, people favor this model due to its tuning stability, quick and easy string changes with little to no hassle. You can choose between gold, chrome, and black chrome according to your aesthetics.
- 3+3 headstock configuration
- Grip lock
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Hipshot Grip-Lock 6 inline Non-Staggered Locking Tuners
Another product from the Hipshot family! Just like the 3+3 headstock configuration tuners above, this is a high-quality and very well-manufactured set of 6 non-staggered locking tuners.
These Hipshot locking tuners are coated with a high-quality black chrome finish. Besides, the new glossy design and excessive smooth 18:1 gear ratio give users a perfect combination of look and accuracy.
Most guitarists argue that compared to staggered tuners, non-staggered ones are better for a 6-side configuration headstock. With a little help of the string-tree, the non-staggered tuners allow users to eliminate the buzz effect caused by losing friction and having shallow string angle.
Further information about staggered and non-staggered tuners is available in our upcoming article. Stay tuned!
When buying this product from Hipshot, you can get a Universal Mounting Plate (UMP), which requires no-drill installation on most 6 inline headstocks.
With UMP, you won’t have to dig any holes to get the tuners fitted to your headstock. Keep in mind, with these 10 mm pegheads, any bigger or smaller holes might need to be carefully modified.
This set grips on to your strings for accuracy and positive tuning. It features the company's gear – teeth locking, which accurately lock your strings into place to keep the tension.
- Type: Tuners
- Brand: Hipshot
Last update on 2024-05-01 at 23:37 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Grover 502BC Rotogrips - Best General Locking Tuner
This next set is a closed set of Rotogrips Machine Head from Grover.
Unlike previously reviewed products, 502BC Rotogrips is constructed with a solid, simple appearance. 502BC Rotogrip’s solid black finish and sturdy chrome design deliver a neat and polished look on the guitar’s headstock.
If you are a beginner and currently having difficulty looking for the right tuners, this tuner is a no-brainer. Overall, the set includes everything you would ask for from a locking tuner.
It is completely enclosed with no external mechanics; the package comes with everything users need to install. You don’t need to bring your baby to a tech and have this set put on.
These Grover 502BC Rotogrips machine head locking tuners have a ratio of 18:1. The golden ratio prevents overshooting intended pitch and gives you more accurate control over your instrument.
It is noteworthy that the turner’s posts are slightly shorter than the original model. Therefore, the pegs are lower and the string opening is closer to the brushing.
- For electric guitar
- 3 left and 3 right
Last update on 2024-05-01 at 23:37 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Planet Waves Auto-Trim Tuning Machines
The final locking tuner in this list is from Planet Waves - part of the D'Addario family. It is known for its innovative, problem-solving, and quality musical accessories.
For those who demand basic but elegant locking tuners, this set is perfect for you! This set comes in 3 astonishing colorways: polish black, glossy gold, and white.
The premium quality finish guarantees buyers will not see any sign of wear and tear on the product even after prolonged and regular use.
One of the most outstanding features that makes Planet Waves locking tuners stand out is Auto-Trim. What is this feature? Basically, when you tune up the string by turning the knob, it automatically chops off the excess string for you.
For a reputable and affordable brand like Planet Waves, this feature is truly a giant step in making precise tuning for customers.
These locking tuners are constructed by a 3 x 3 headstock configuration and an 18:1 gearing ratio that ensures greater precision and tuning stability even during the most excessive show.
The pegheads of Planet Waves Auto-Trim also fit perfectly with 10mm Les Paul holes.
- AUTOMATICALLY CUTS EXCESS STRING WHILE TUNING: Trims excess string while tuning to ensure consistent and accurate tuning.
- EASY STRING CHANGES: The locking tuners make changing strings fast and easy.
Last update on 2024-05-01 at 23:37 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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FAQs
Do locking tuners really work?
Yes! In contrast to the traditional tuner, which often stayed out of tune, easily affected by the weather condition, and required a lot of replacing time, a locking tuner is a more reliable partner to your guitar.
Can you down tune with locking tuners?
Certainly. Locking tuners work just like normal tuners. You only need to adjust the right tension on your strings or tuners until your desired tune is reached. However, this depends on how much string you have left and how much you want to tune down.
What is the benefit of locking tuners?
The most beneficial function of locking tuners is to help your guitar stay in tune or have better tuning stability. Especially for a well-manufactured locking tuner, you won’t have to worry about it wearing out too quickly or creating any major problems.
How tight should locking tuners be?
Common question. You worry your string might be damaged as you tighten it down. The right way of doing it is to go hand tight. First, you can turn the cap screw until it is finger tight, giving you enough leverage to lock them but not enough to do any damage.
Next step, use a coin to tighten the cap screw further if needed, but no more than 1/8th turn. Then after that, bring the string to the right pitch you want and cut the excess string.
In Short
So, what do you think? Have you chosen the perfect fit for your Les Paul baby? Now that you have the chance to read and understand what these top 5 locking tuners can do for your guitar, you should be confident to choose the right one.
If you simply want to change the set, the best locking tuners for Les Paul must be one that requires no drilling like the Hipshot Grip-Lock 6 Inline Non-Staggered.
Suppose you prefer to have a quick and precise string replacement. How about considering the Auto-trim tuning machine of Planet Waves?
Go with your guts! See you!