Locking Tuners Anyone Can Install On Any Guitar. Sharpen My Axe

[@blasty290]

None of my screwdrivers have hair on them. Does that make them Phillip's head screwdrivers?

[@ThibautVDP]

Phillips could be bald

[@45wyatt1]

Blasty oml 😂😂

[@kylelikeskjvbible]

And a Robertson is a square head.

[@apeapeape999]

PFFFFF

[@JavaoftheLava]

Goddamn.

[@tempestokcband2930]

I have an American Strat with locking tuners. This is my first guitar with locking tuners. I have noticed the locking tuners requires me to tune the each string just a shade flat because as I lock the tuner, the string will go slightly sharp into the note I want. I have played with Strats with no locking tuners for many many years and thus I never used a tremolo bar. However, now with the locking tuners and ball bearing nut, I can use the tremolo all night without loss of tune, or maybe during a course of a 4 and half hour gig, just a slight amount of tuning is needed during a break. Thank you Phillip. I really enjoy your videos!

[@lance134679]

Thank you for the demo. I think every guitar should have locking tuners, but most don't, so it's nice to know that it's not really difficult to install them. That way, you have a lot more choice when shopping for a new guitar.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

I remember when locking tuners first came out. I thought they just kept the tuner from backing off. My guitars always had quality tuners so I never gave the locking ones much notice. Now I see what I've been missing. Not sure what model of Hipshot I would need for my 1987 Epiphone Spotlight ( lawsuit model, PRS inspired). Thank you for sharing. Btw , I really appreciate how you jump right in with whatever it is you are sharing. No corny jokes or trying to sound cool, just straight forward, useful information. Don't ever change!

[@caputmundi2382]

I use Harley Benton locking tuners for 35e all six. I dont have to tune my guitars anymore its amazing.One Ibanez is in tune for nearly 2 month , no joke.Iam stunned.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

@@JamesWalshBristolKids This link is wonky. Scared me for a second...

[@manny75586]

I don't know why any guitar leaves the factory without locking tuners.

[@Guitaristlife-dn9ou]

Ikr

[@1961jscofield]

Thanks for some of the most helpful guitar tip videos on KZbin.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Your welcome, Thank you for watching and posting on them.

[@TheToneLounge]

I bought a set of these Hipshot locking tuners for my LP junior. It was super easy to install and they work like a charm. I bought these to replace the G-Farce tuners on my 2015 Gibson, and what a difference these made. Thanks for the recommendation Phil!

[@raze1012]

I've had a set of hipshot locking tuners with the ump plate on my les Paul traditional for over a year and I absolutely love them!!!!

[@Bronxboy]

ITS A GIFT TO HAVE YOU SHARE THE WISDOM , THANK YOU

[@nealixd.3011]

Wow, that is real cool, thanks. I would probably use them more on Gibsons than Fenders. Those old style vintage Fender tuners with the slots in the middle of the split post are actually the original locking tuner if you know how to string them properly. You cut the string to a certain length germane to the particular string, put them down in the slot, then do one wrap over the first wind and the rest under that wind, sliding up to lock and clamp the string two ways. I always leave them alone, especially if you are carrying another guitar as a back up. For folks who can't, these are good options, and quite ingenious made so you can retrofit the guitar for later resale, keeping it vintage. Good work, Mr. McKnight, thanks.

[@jamesford3593]

Dude I love your channel and the way you give the facts instead of trying to push your beliefes on everyone. when I go down south I plan to come check out your store and ill send my friends your way. I wish the dude that ran our music store was more like you. please keep making videos :)

[@belles1835]

I have used the planet waves locking tuners and grovers.....love them both. I have regular non-locking Gotoh on several of my guitars and they hold tune pretty well too.

[@mattmuttley]

Played for nearly 20 years never really fussed about locking tuners. Recently got a new guitar with them and OMG what a revelation! Will be slowly retrofitting my guitars with them now.

[@maksqwe1]

Finally some innovation so we don't have to drill another 6 to 12 holes in our headstocks. I'm sold on these!

[@mrdubachery]

Thank you, Phillip! Saved me the headache of ordering the wrong set. Just recently found your channel in the past few months and I watch all of your stuff, keep up the amazing work and happy Thanksgiving!

[@jameskrys5286]

Gotoh makes a vintage locking tuner that would be a direct replacement. I think they are used on the Eric Johnson Strat. Cost $62.90 at Stu-Mac. 49 bucks if you buy 3 sets.

[@micktheshaggy3977]

Exactly, they also have the vintage Klusons style 3+3 direct replacements (small diameter posts). And they are less expensive than Hipshot tuners, at least here in Europe.

[@ald.5147]

I stopped at the Hipshot factory. The guys are really nice and friendly. They sold me a set of locking open gear with a pearl knobs. Its just a small machine shop with all local employees. 👍

[@WoodesosGuitarMods]

You can just go ahead and pack up those vintage Kluson tuners and send them to me. They're my fave!;-)

[@cgavin1]

Vintage tuners just work. A classic case of the very many things Leo got 'right' first time that exemplifies his enduring legacy.

[@tonyrutland9289]

Thank you for the info, as always you explain everything in such great detail.

[@Thrashmetalman]

I just put these on my les paul and holy crap it made it playable again. This is a nice easy to install mod.

[@MrShadowofthewind]

Kluson has incredible locking tuners aswell, that can be fitted to vintage aswell but without that plate, and are cheaper.

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

I just bought two sets of the 3x3 grip locks for my Les Paul and my PRS. Fit perfect in the PRS. Didn't fit in the Les Paul, they were too big for the wholes and I didn't want to ream. But in the PRS, it was a perfect fit. Great tuners.

[@dansands6363]

I have a 2014 Squier affinity strat that I've been slowly upgrading. I put an American neck on it (just for the heck of it lol) and I'll be putting Mexican made pickups in it some time this week, and now my next goal is to put locking tuners on the headstock. And thanks to you I've grown an interest in locking tuners. Great content Phil!

[@denniswalsh8476]

A little "bling", I went straight to Hipshot and bought open (brass) gear BLACK tuners, but.... I got GOLD knobs, gold nuts and gold washers. Looks awesome and surprisingly, it was only an extra $12-15. They sent the black parts to me also. Brand new necks, I chose to use the anti rotation screws vs. the plates. These are my second set of Hipshot lockers. I was skeptical at first, but they work just GREAT.

[@stephengent9974]

I use mostly Hipshot for that reason. I also put some on my Taylor acoustic ( the acoustic plates do not fit Taylor) , and Hipshot made me a set of custom plates for me for free. A very good company.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I love those guys, it is such a small company and they have always been great.

[@matthewbrady7832]

This is exactly what I needed. Wanting to upgrade my strat without having to enlarge the holes. Great info. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@superdigital]

Great video. I'll go get locking tuners for all my guitars for sure now! Cheers!

[@ricklavigne4466]

I like the Hip shot tuners also. I've used them on several guitars and they're my favorite.

[@ncshaw7772]

I have a schecter damien 6 and im wondering what locking tuners i should get as i was told the screws on the back of the headstock wont line up....

[@brianbowersox8392]

Thanks for this video. I didn't know they made these. This is great! They are super easy.

[@billyvitale8994]

Thanks for another great video!! The only thing I would like to comment on is that personally whenever I upgrade a guitar to locking tuners.. I get the impression that the instrument has increased in sustain... I don't know if it is just me .. but perhaps the added mass that locking tuners provide do enhance sustain a bit. Maybe others have found this also to be true.. or am I luny? So then one may think that the extra weight may may the guitar neck heavy.. but I have never found this to be an issue. Thanks again for the great video.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I have found the same thing even when the locking keys are lighter. I think they improve sound, but I reframe from saying it since I have no proof. Thank you for posting that is a great point.

[@shawnreese6538]

Sperzels are the best, they just stay in tune. You can custom order then sets, including colors and even mix colors on housing, shaft, and buttons! They work great!

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks, I have been thinking about changing out to locking tuners for a while, now I think I am going to do it, just seems like a good way to go to me.

[@stankfanger1366]

Thank you, Phillip! I don't have to drop $180 on a good reamer and I don't have to pay the local shop $30 to ream out a headstock on Epiphone S-Series projects. You just saved me a ton and a half of heartache.

[@briangowerhc]

DOPE! Just thinking the other day that I wanted to upgrade to locking tuners on my Jazzmaster. Thanks for the tip! Keep on rawkin' brotha!

[@btnmusic9471]

Great video! Hipshot's UMP really is fantastic - such a simple but brilliant idea

[@sowhat5150]

Awesome. This is exactly what I wanted to know after watching your other video on locking tuners. Thanks Phil!

[@psychophishjoe2671]

Always look forward to seeing you video. You are very knowledgeable and humble about your work. Please make a video on pick up replacement. Thank you! And as always know your gear.

[@jeffwhite7940]

i always learn something when i watch your videos it is greatly appreciated thanks.

[@mrbigstuff6149]

Wish I'd seen this before, nice of you to include classical types. Thanks.

[@grandnaguszek7417]

Bigsby equipped guitars benefit from locking tuners when restringing also 👍

[@DeadShred9]

I have a Kramer re-issue with the Banana head stock. I'm assuming these will work since they look to be straight line ? How much for a set Average ? I like the lock & tune time saving aspect a lot ...

[@humbucker0076]

Oh my god! This is exactly what i need! I've got a Gibson Midtown with the Geforce and because of it it won't stay in tune. Yeha I know it's a common problem, but I didn't inform me right when buying it, because I didn't thought that it would be possible. Bust so anyways, I wanna get rid of it and these tuners would be the perfect thing, because the Gefroce is fixed without screw and this too. But the sad thing about it: I can't get these upgrade kits here in Germany. Uh i want them so bad, I don't wanna drill holes in my guitar, not because of doing it, but because of warranty. Why? Why? And while searching I didn't even find someone else who's doing such upgrade kits, what a bummer. But anyways, thank you for informing us on the great thing Phillip!

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

I'm putting locking tuners on my Strat tonight, can't wait.

[@Dev_dev_dev]

I could never find locking tuners to put on my Classic Vibes Telecaster, as it's one of few things I haven't loved on that guitar. Thanks for the video!

[@doyle4140]

Perfect upgrade for my Dobro.So tricky to get a wrap with that crazy tailpiece. Thanks

[@mrloganator1114]

I just did this yesterday on my Gibson! Super easy

[@thisdyingsoul76]

Great video. I've been considering a tuner upgrade to a few of my guitars. So many advantages to locking tuners.

[@davidratliff807]

I use Hipshots on most of my guitars, they are GREAT! No tuning issues, highly recommend.

[@barrydunn1644]

Why wouldn't you have locking tuners, changing strings easy & guick thanks. Phil 😎

[@ChadPorterAshTele]

Thanks for the tutorial Phil. Just ordered some to replace my G-Force tuner.

[@cliveeverley]

I think I'll put some locking tuners on my Gretch 5420T. Thanks for the tip.

[@Bronxboy]

KEEP MAKING VIDEOS BROTHER , WE NEED THEM !

[@patricioleyton1394]

Phillip i want to give you my sincere gratitude for you advice about of locking tuners than anyone can install. I have a special guitar that my wife gifted 15 years ago, the guitar is a Godin solidac-2 voices. The original locking tuners were damaged with the pass of time, recently i replace them for an upgrade kit, i am very happy with the result. I hope your channel continues to grow Thank a lot Sorry for my english Greetings from Chile

[@escargotomy]

Cool video Phil! Personally I can't stand any lockers with thumbwheels ever since my 80's G&L had Sperzels. Really hate that design! But for the longest time that's all there was. But for me I was totally sold when Grover came out with their Auto-locking Rotomatics. Now they're on all my electrics and they work just like magic. Wouldn't ever go back to thumbwheels. YMMV of course...Cheers!

[@Hunter-xw9pl]

Wish I would have saw this earlier today... I literally just I stalled hipshot on my fender which had vintage tuners so I proceeded to drill the holes to 3/8".... well it's already done now...

[@MrGavinspoppop]

Although I just got a cheap Cort strat copy I will upgrade the tuners ... thanks for such an informative vid.

[@kylelikeskjvbible]

i know this isn't related to the topic at hand, but i respect your knowledge of guitars and basses, and I know from a previous video that you were once a bass player, now I'm having trouble finding a good tone for my Epiphone Thunderbird, I have the Fender Rumble 15 and all my guitars sound amazing on it, and my Squire Standard Jazz is phenominal on it, but my Thunderbird is a different beast and I dont really know how to EQ it, I'm essentially looking for a vintage sound, as close to an upright as possible. The Jazz bass does it, but the Tbird dont.

[@jamesw4850]

For a fender I don't think you can go wrong with Fenders locking tuners. The look right, fit perfect, and work great!

[@dalepal]

I personally would prefer not to drill holes or modify a guitar for an upgrade so thanks for sharing this option. If one chooses to sell the guitar it’s easy to put the originals back on.

[@garybob56]

Have been a subscriber for some time now. Really enjoy your vids as I'm just getting back into guitars after some 40+ years. I find I understand your vids much more than the so-called experts. Anyhoo, I just purchased a New Squier Classic Vibe Thin Line and it's on it's way to me now. Gotta have some of them locking tuners. Obviously as you know the guitar is new but the tuners are vintage style, would they also be 8.5mm? Thanks so much. Keep the vids coming, I'm learning so much.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Yes, your new guitar will have 8.5 mm so that is what you need. Thank you for watching and posting.

[@garybob56]

Thank you sir.

[@liljgoneman9765]

Phillip, does this hold true across brands as well as new vs old? And by the way, I appreciate the effort you put into these DIY videos. Some of us are too poor to visit the luthier/tech unless it's some sort of dire emergency, not to mention, I'm getting that "build a guitar" itch and I can see these videos saving me from myself at some point. So, thanks. :)

[@boboliver5907]

I love locking tuners, nice job

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you Bob, and thank you for watching and posting on the videos, I appreciate it.

[@einarabelc5]

Thanks Phil!! I wish I knew this when I ordered my first 6 in line set.

[@mrmike320]

this is exactly what I needed to see and hear, thanks so much dude

[@MattandCamrynReact]

What do you think the best locking tuners would be to put on my PRS Zach Myers?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thanks Phillip, I did not know about hipshot tuners.

[@Bflatest]

One thing to think about when doing this on a very nicely set up guitar is you should not allow the neck to ever be completely un-strung. I suggest doing this 3 at a time leaving 3 strings on then add the other and so on. if this is not possible I say make sure you install these then do a set up

[@sonnyrocker]

Are PRS the same as Gibson in how to replace them? What model of locking tuners fit for PRS McCarty 594 and PRS S2 McCarty 594? Thanks for the video, buddy.

[@Pete_Sam]

Always really good info and thanks for sharing. Time to mod the mex strat now :)

[@jordandelacruz1866]

The only guitars in my collection without locking tuners are my 75 Tele Custom, my 64 Gretsch Tennessean, my 06 AVRI 62 Tele and my 08 Rickenbacker 370(that one probably a pain no?) And my 3 basses! Wait that only leaves my Clapton( locking Gotohs),88 Am St Strat,76 Sg( Sperzels) and 78 LP ( Sperzels already on them) I need Hipshots especially for Clapton! The Gotohs a PAIN! As much trouble as regular tuners!

[@asdf9890]

Man, I need these for my Gretsch. That Bigsby is a PITA when changing strings!

[@GreenmanXIV]

I put Fender locking tuners on my Strat' it just seemed the easiest option. Going to try to find some for my Airline map, it could get difficult though. :-)

[@bbnatedogg]

Another option is the Sperzel EZ-Mount tuners, though I don't know if they make them for the vintage size holes. They have burs so that no drilling holes is needed.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Good info.. Thank you for posting.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great stuff Phillip. I have always enjoyed your interesting & informative channel . . . just subscribed. I have a 2014 Suhr Strat ( love the locking tuners ) I think they are Gotoh? Incredible tuning stability. oNe LovE from NYC

[@JaydeAsh]

Thanks Phil ! I may put the locking tuners on my Mexican Strat if I can find them in Gold all the hardware is the gold type finish..

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Fender makes a direct replacement locking key in gold. just Google fender locking keys in gold and it will be the set you need. takes 5 minutes and a socket wrench or even just a pair of plyers to change.

[@robertpurdy4452]

Of course, I found this video AFTER I installed new tuners on my little Epi Special II LH, but at least now I know I did it right.

[@jeffgagne5482]

Thanks! Great job explaining the process.

[@clemkelly2159]

Hey man... THANKS... I realy enjoy your vids..keep up the great work ! 👍

[@rexbinary]

Anything to note using locking tuners with a floyd rose? Normally you wouldn't remove all the strings at once when changing strings. If changing tuners should you block the floyd first before removing all the strings?

[@nicholasricci7273]

Awesome tutorial. My next option to avoid all that strimg winding, manual or powered!

[@demef758]

When I remove strings, no music plays. What am I doing wrong?

[@davidrees1840]

How do you install staggered tuners when the headstock is too thick? My Tele is almost 5/8" and the only thing I can think of (other than asking Hipshot to swap the 18 & 19mm for 20mm) is to sand down the back of the headstock by at least 2mm. Thanks

[@Giovanni_Frau]

Great video as always ;) what is the name of the song starting around 3:13?

[@bonek350]

Yo Phillip, they posted your 7 Gadget video on ultimate guitar the other day. It was cool to see a fellow PHX guy on there.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I thought that was cool as well. Now if we could dust get the temp below 115 LOL

[@1kaervek1]

hi there Phil.... is it ok to remove the locking portion of the locking nut on a floyd rose system and replacing them with locking tuners? and without taking off the metal nut also?

[@franksmith6871]

Haven't found any 3+3 diagonal mount (screw to one side on top and another screw to the opposite side on the bottom) locking tuning machines.

[@thomasmccaskill6610]

Could you do a tech tip on how to wire a pick up to a coil split pot. Thanks.

[@bd0111]

Anybody know if these will fit in a mid 1990s PRS CE24 with the winged locking tuners with the shared D,G tuner screw on the back of the headstock? I hate those tuners (the low ratio) but don't want to drill new holes. Thanks.

[@snoballs252]

What Hipshot model did you put on the Gretsch?

[@rareform6747]

Game changer !

[@remkosmaak8588]

How come that on the Fender and the Gretsch there is on old screw hole still visible after installation. Are the supporting iron plates too short?

[@Aarlog]

This would be great if they made the vintage upgrade kits in 3x3 as well.

[@sciencesaves]

i just got a box of the hipshots and the center poles wont unscrew on 3 of them. what gives? Half of them the hole opens when I unscrew the knob, but the other half, I can unscrew it all the way and the center shaft never opens for the string. any ideas?

[@DaleLSeth]

I have a mid-'60s non-reverse Gibson Firebird that I haven't been able to play for quite some time. It was shipped with 6 in-line, open-faced tuners on a backing plate and those tuners are just shot. I took it to the local guitar tech who said he couldn't find replacement tuners for it, and if he could, he'd be afraid to chip the finish around the ferrules. So, do you think these hip-shot tuners would work for me? What do I have to measure in order to know? I would really love to be able to play this guitar again. Your help would be deeply appreciated.

[@blackie75]

wow, these are great. def gonna buy a set

[@Joe-mz6dc]

If you're going to go through this kind of trouble just get the Gotoh self locking tuners and you're good to go. Much better.

[@Hur1517]

Quick question. Would the UMP leave a mark on the finish like the previous tuners did?

[@JamesCarlisle9]

Thanks Philip. Great stuff as always!

[@Dezerado]

going to buy a set of these ... you should have a Amazon store or something so we can buy things you suggest to us... from you... can't say i know how that works but i've seen some people have that type of stuff... don't seem like the kinda people that would be shipping stuff... amazon must be doing all the work for them

[@JzSage]

That low E on the Gibson has got to be the longest string i have ever seen!