Locking Tuners: Worth the cost?
I can’t count the number of times customers have brought in locking tuners saying, “This guitar won’t hold tune!”
Let’s be clear: if your guitar won’t hold tune, it’s probably not the tuners. Bring it in. While you wait—and at no charge—we’ll show you whether the issue is your hardware or something else (often something simple we can teach you to fix).
But locking tuners do have their place. Some players swear by them. Others say they’re unnecessary. So let’s take a no-nonsense look at the real-world pros and cons—without the hype.
🔧 What Are Locking Tuners?
Locking tuners use a built-in mechanism (usually a thumbscrew) to clamp the string inside the tuner post. This reduces or eliminates the need for multiple string wraps and is marketed as making string changes faster and improving tuning.
✅ Pros of Locking Tuners
1. Faster String Changes (Sometimes)
With locking tuners, you don’t need multiple winds—just thread, clamp, and tune. Sounds faster, right?
But instead of winding the string, now you’re turning a locking screw… several turns. And if the lock pin sticks (which it often does), you’ll be fishing it loose with a dental tool. We keep those tools on hand at the shop—do you?
In a gigging environment, give me a string winder tool over a dental pick any day.
2. Improved Tuning Stability (…?)
The myth goes that locking tuners reduce post “slippage,” especially on trem-equipped guitars or those with steep headstock angles.
Truth? Properly wound strings don’t slip. If your strings are coming loose at the post, it’s a technique issue—not a hardware one.
3. Less String Stretch
Another myth is that fewer winds = less slack = less tuning drift after string changes.
Let’s kill that one too: the minimal stretch in post winds is nothing compared to the stretch in the 25” of string between nut and saddle. It’s a non-issue. If you stretch your strings properly after installation, you’re golden.
⚠️ Cons of Locking Tuners (and Internet Myths)
1. Added Weight?
Yes, locking tuners are heavier—by about 2 ounces. If you’re a hummingbird playing a featherweight SG, maybe you’ll notice.
2. Higher Cost
Locking tuners cost more—around $20 more for Grovers vs standard tuners. But let’s clear this up:
Saying “you’d get more tuning stability from a proper nut” is a false comparison.
You always need a proper nut. Locking tuners are not a substitute.
3. False Sense of Security
Finally, some straight talk from the internet: Locking tuners don’t fix tuning issues caused by a bad nut, high friction string trees, or poor stringing technique.
If your guitar hasn’t had a professional setup in the last year, bring it in. We’ll check it for free. Neglecting setup doesn’t just kill tuning—it can damage your guitar.
⚖️ Final Thoughts
The Internet Says:
“Locking tuners are great for gigging players, trem systems, and those who hate changing strings.”
We Say:
They can be a pain to restring when the internal pin gets stuck—and that happens often. If you’re not in a well-lit room with the right tools, you’re out of luck.
If your guitar is well set up and you know how to install and stretch strings properly, locking tuners don’t solve anything. They’re a solution looking for a problem.
Want to Try Locking Tuners?
We’ll gladly install them— But before you buy, stop by. We’ll show you how to solve your tuning issues the right way.
