Locking Tuners - Sperzel or ??

[hamerhead]

I like the Sperzel Trim-Loc tuners, but can only remember using one other brand of locking tuner and didn't like them (and can't even remember which brand). I currently have the open-back Sperzels on my Shishkov and, while they look great....

....I'm not a fan of how they function and will be replacing them.

What do you guys use or prefer?

[gtrdaddy]

PRS Phase III Locking Tuners

https://us.prsaccessories.com/collections/tuners/products/prs-phase-iii-locking-tuners-set-of-6

[stobro]

Hipshot has a couple of different lines of locking tuners as well.

https://hipshotproducts.com/collections/guitar-tuning-machines

[gtrdaddy]

Hipshot makes nice ones, I've used some in the past. Good stuff.

[HamerCustomEr]

I really like the Schallers on my Fender Strat Plus guitars from the 1990s.

http://xhefriguitars.com/Parts/ShallarTuners.jpg

[cmatthes]

I’ve got Sperzels on most of my trem guitars, but recently out Hipshot locking tuners on a Bigsby-equipped Tele and a Strat, and have been pretty impressed with them so far.

[DaveH]

Hipshots are reasonably priced too.

[murkat]

Hipshots. built solid like schalllers of days past. Not a fan of sperzels, too soft.

[tbonesullivan]

Would the Sperzels be drop in replacements? If you don't have to make any changes to the mounting holes, that is always the choice I will make. I have had locking sperzels, Grovers, Schallers, and honestly I haven't noticed much of a difference.

[cmatthes]

Any 10mm shaft tuner should work.

[hamerhead]

On 5/19/2021 at 8:54 AM, tbonesullivan said:

Would the Sperzels be drop in replacements? If you don't have to make any changes to the mounting holes, that is always the choice I will make. I have had locking sperzels, Grovers, Schallers, and honestly I haven't noticed much of a difference.

^^^ That was a big consideration, so I went with the EZ Mount Sperzel Trim Locs with white pearl buttons (to offset any possible weight difference). I've had good luck with them in the past so my *hope* is they'll pop right in with no extra holes or other unexpected weirdness. Keeping my fingers crossed.

The Hipshots appear to be a worthy option, and that's good to know. They're priced within a few dollars of the Sperzels.

 

[geoff_hartwell]

Most of my gigging Artists and Duotones have these Schaller locking tuners, they rock

https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/tuning-machines/solid-peghead-guitar-tuning-machines/schaller-locking-3and3-guitar-machines.html

[tbonesullivan]

1 hour ago, geoff_hartwell said:

Most of my gigging Artists and Duotones have these Schaller locking tuners, they rock

https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/tuning-machines/solid-peghead-guitar-tuning-machines/schaller-locking-3and3-guitar-machines.html

Ernie Ball Musicman uses Schaller locking tuners on most of their guitars.

[Jakeboy]

I have used Schaller, Gotoh, Hipshot and Sperzel and I like them all. But Hipshots are just my fave. They are built solid.

@murkat, what do you mean when you say the Sperzels are too soft? You mean not as rugged?

[murkat]

On 5/21/2021 at 6:18 PM, Jakeboy said:

you say the Sperzels are too soft?

soft materials, aluminum. easy strip outs between collar and shaft. Light on tone transition.

[gtrdaddy]

7 hours ago, murkat said:

Light on tone transition.

It's why I like the Phase III and thew brass shafts. I put them on some non PRS types and they were fantastic. Holes not matching up may bother some... But the tone! My second favorite has been Hipshot.