need help in tuning machines recommendation

[reez_rock]

Hi guys,
hope I can get some good advice from the experienced people out here. I'm having a tuning stability problems with my les paul BFG. I dunno why the grover tuners don't seem to keep the tune well and I have to keep on re-tune it after playing it for 2-3 songs.

The question is:
- is this caused by the tuning machines?
- should I change the tuning machines?if yes, what brand should I go
- is a locking tuners a good option?How much does this cost?


thank you very much in advance. Happy vesak day for all who celebrates. Happy holiday for all.



w/ Luv,
Reez

 

[SoulJah]

There could be several reasons why you're experiencing this. Are the strings new?

Perhaps there's slippage at the tuning post, try not to wind to many rounds around the tuning post. I keep mine to about 2-3 times round.

Are your strings properly stretched out? You might want to tug on them at tension a few times along the fretboard and retune again.

Also tuning instability could be due to you nut catching on too much to the strings. Perhaps you could lubricate the nut a little, with some lead shavings from a 2B pencil or some chapstick lip balm. Do the same for your string saddles too.

I honestly don't think there's a real problem with the tuners themselves.

 

[Ripper]

Good analysis there, chris.

but if you do need locking tuner, the ones on the EBMMs look good. schaller is the brand.

 

[reez_rock]

Thank you very much for the input. Hmmm. may i know how much is the price for locking tuner roughly?

 

[SoulJah]

I would recommend going with Sperzels instead of Schallers, I find the Schallers slightly on the heavy side, the added weight will most probably alter the existing tone of your guitar. Sperzels on the other hand are closer to the weight of the existing tuners on LPs.

But honestly speaking, I think it's not worth it to change to locking tuners.

Go over the steps mentioned in my previous post and see whether the problems still persist. I know tonnes of folks using non-locking tuners on LPs with no problems. My Baker too comes with non-locking tuners, I've never had a problem with tuning instability, even when doing silly things like bending strings behind the nut etc.

 

[SoulJah]

If you must have locking tuners, check out the ones by Grover. 18:1 gear ratio and cheaper than schaller and sperzel, plus you don't have to drill or do any mods. I believe these are available at Davis.

 

[Crawldaddy]

Hmm.

Another thing you could take note of on your existing tuning machines, is whether the screw at the tuning button is tightened sufficiently. But I would recommend you do the above-mentioned methods of nut lubrication, string winding etc before forking out cash for a new set of tuning machines.

 

[Liberator]

they cost about $90
i saw them at davies