WEIRDEST Guitar Tuning Machines...Would I Buy Them Again? (Long-Term Update)

Would I put these on my Stratocaster again? Today I do a long-term update on the RIOT Tuning machines!
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[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

The RIOTs are back lol! Let me know what you guys think of these tuning machines, and if you would ever install them on your guitar! Enjoy :)

[@zadtheinhaler]

I have a couple that would definitely benefit from these, but the one I really want to put them on is my 8-string, but the RIOT tuners won't take strings that big. .074 or so is quite a bit bigger than the .056 that is the max for these. Still want them though for my other axes!

[@jakobalmero8904]

I put brass riot tuners on my yamaha pacifica they're not bad at all

[@EricDeibler]

Thanks for the update, Darrell. I’m seriously considering a set of these for my Epiphone Firebird.

[@ampeguy]

I put these on my Gibson Firebird. They are indeed kind of awkward. BUT I do love how industrial they look and they really do work in keeping your guitar in tune. So I do love em. I’d definitely put em on another guitar. I know they said they’re working on making a version for bass. I’m actually super excited to see how those come out.

[@serranodavid3247]

Besides Sperzel, or the fender locking tuner, what's another good locking system for a 95' American standard stratocaster? 🤔 with no modifications?

[@SB-kw6oo]

Those tuners BEG to be on a modern guitar not an old school strat

[@Madchris8828]

I'd love to see it on an angrier looking guitar like a more modern V or a BC rich warlock or something lol. Something more aggressive for sure

[@SeedOilFitnessOfficial]

They ugly

[@JaOzrenRadovanovic]

On Parker Fly!

[@smugli3012]

it belongs in a museum

[@MichaelD8393]

Yeah, Darrell said in his original video that they would look awesome on a Kiesel or an Ormsby. I can confirm that they look great on a Gibson Firebird too.

[@JedrekVRoscoe]

I really must warn everyone: I was so excited for these after the first video that I went and bought a set for my own Strat. I waited months to get my set, and when I received it, I could tell it was a used set-the string marks on the circles were very visible, and a piece of broken string was still in the locking set screw area. I read the instructions very carefully and attempted to string and tune my Strat for literally 8 hours. After having to open 12 packs of strings because they kept breaking or slipping, I was fed up and had to cut my losses. I tried every imaginable adjustment to the set screw I could manage, and it always ended in frustrating failure. I was so crushed because of how excited I was for these. I thought about giving them away, but I simply can’t bring that curse to someone else. It needs a major re-design before I would recommend it.

[@TranscendentBen]

Where did you buy the set?

[@Gorb_N_Denn]

If you still had em, I'd be willing to take on that curse for my salvation army SG project lol

[@BerscakCustomGuitars]

I had the same issue, ended up returning them for a full refund and using Steinberger tuners instead...much better.

[@MikeCindyWhite]

I bought a set for a customers guitar and it took hours/day to stretch the string then loosen the set screw pull it tight lock the set screw and stretch some more (until I ran out of threads) then repete... Total pain in the ass and I couldn't bring myself to sell them to my buddy/customer, so I took the 110$ loss. I would never recommend these to anyone!!

[@kianmacleod379]

This is almost exactly my experience to a T. I've had these things chew through their value in strings. It's a Shame, because they seem like such a cool design.

[@scoobers90]

Having to have an allen key is the big no go for me.

[@regularrandom6045]

Allen keys are the best bro. But i agree, when ever i replace strings i dont want to need a tool

[@zhishuten]

Hi Darrell, I think the best thing about this tuners is that (like Steinberger ones) you do not need to shape the guitar head standard way. Head might has ANY shape and you can fit them on any place (on the head). That really can open new doors for the creative minded guitar builders.

[@davidmolina3520]

Dig the new intro and and your presentations. Well done! 🎶

[@lyonsd.6786]

Really like the new intro. Thanks for keeping us up to date on new items in the world we love

[@1freexp511]

I like the old one with the acoustic guitar getting tossed aside onto the roof full of snow,

[@itsawildguitarist4716]

Love the new intro!

[@JavierAravenaClaramunt]

Reminds me of the Hydraulic Press Channel

[@zaxxon4]

They look like they'd be perfect for a Flying V, as the regular tuning machines mess up the sleek angles of the head stock.

[@OutstandingBill1]

Yeah, the style seems to fit with a V. I wonder if the V headstock tilts back though, maybe like a LP, which might make it tricky to put a V with these in a hard case. I don't have a V myself - just wondering.

[@timjacobs1168]

Flying v or a firebird

[@MichaelD8393]

@@timjacobs1168 Firebird for sure; I got a set on one of mine.

[@stevencrippen6609]

I remember the first video you posted about these. They look cool but $100 is a bit steep when most locking tuners are under $80

[@fredericadda]

A locking tuner is supposed to do 2 things: keep your strings in tune and facilitate the string changing process. I've even seen people install locking tuners on a guitar equipped with a Floyd for this reason. So this is a no-go for me.

[@raytorvalds3699]

Yeah, I have locking tuners on my Floyd equipped guitar too. Just for easier restringing.

[@fredericadda]

@@raytorvalds3699 sure, makes sense. With a tuner such as this riot thing, if a string breaks during a gig, you’re just dead

[@RyRyTheBassGuy]

There's a reason no one has bothered to redesign locking tuners.

[@ACWraith]

Cool. I was waiting for this. Thanks! =)

[@danielgarzamusic210]

DBG, good to see your channel evolving. Light guitars D. 2021 guitar should light better faster than ever

[@nicolassanchez3099]

This is one of the many reasons your channel is top tier ❤

[@peterbutlien1335]

They look big and heavy on the rear. Look amazing from the front.

[@SeedOilFitnessOfficial]

Lol

[@rex-rant4322]

These are remarkable, my man. I've been looking everywhere for information on whether or not people have done this. This reminds me of the Thunderbird I because of the banjo tuners on the back of the headstock so that they're hidden and you just see the headstock itself.

[@RocktCityTim]

I bought mine because of your first video, installed them onto a mid-90's bright red MiM Strat and love them.

[@radman1136]

I don't want to have to have an Allen wrench to change a string, and I don't want a bunch of unused screw holes left exposed in the back of my headstocks. Meh.

[@beefnacos6258]

Yeah it looks disgusting.

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

Outside the slightly more involved stringing process, I really like that they are practical, and that they work so well as locking tuners seeing that that is their purpose. They have a cool look to them on the front, but the back is a bit busy. Lastly, at $100, they really don't cost much more than most good quality sets of locking tuners, which I usually see in the $70-$90 range. Especially when you consider the materials and how they are made. There's a lot of machining involved in these, and I would say given that fact, they are very reasonably priced. Definitely more suited to a more modern guitar, but I am definitely interested in trying some out in the future. Thanks for the update!

[@russthompson7994]

I would love something like these for a bass. Very cool looking and functional.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Is this a new intro? I liked seeing you fall in the snow. It was hilarious. LOL

[@NateBrotzman]

New intro animation and music is amazing!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I bought a set the day after your original video and I absolutely love them. My only real complaint if you can call it that is they added a little more weight to the head stock. Not excessive but I did notice it right away. At least compared to the cheap Chinese crap that came on the guitar from the factory. But that ended up being a positive because the extra mass made the tone improve and a noticeable change in sustain. And the price is $15 more than Fender lockers so that’s a wash. I have them on all my electrics now. And yes when you change strings you will see the severe angle the string has where it breaks over the top barrel. And there’s no straightening it out. It’s kinked for good

[@gavinw5469]

The extra mass didn't help your tone.

[@tommilitello198]

@@gavinw5469 damn,you beat me to it lmao

[@donald-parker]

That they work is not a great feature. That is table stakes. Otherwise, it seems like a solution looking for a problem.

[@tomp538]

Or, perhaps designed to sell?

[@sqidvishus]

I like the design and the functionality looks interesting. I have 2 major issues - it takes longer to change strings and worst of all, it requires a separate tool (hex key) whereas traditional locking tuners don't.

[@johndodson4527]

Hey d.u save us money and provide wonderful info.much needed info.thank u.

[@rushman2112]

I think about using these on a Gibson and drilling new tuner hole placements towards the middle of the headstock to fix the string angle on the nut. Thanks for the vids Darrell!

[@bofuscrapshaw]

Love the new intro nice work

[@1freexp511]

I work on conveyors for a living and I can say with confidence set screws work. I love the clean look.

[@glenngardin3561]

Nice, honest review, Darrell. A bit too funky for me, though.

[@nazmoking3171]

I recently got a Guild StarFire I Jet 90 with 3 P90 Alnico2 pickups plus Bigsby for under $699 US. Amazing semi hollow guitar with great fit and finish. I think your Guitar community would love to see one in your reviews and it’s something very unique. Has a six way rotary switch which is super cool for tonal options.

[@Ra-gv6lx]

Aye Dbg... great job 👏

[@timjacobs1168]

Gonna put em on my PRS custom 24. That will look good! I got one of those "schizoid" models. It will look sick.

[@jaspercorraya8330]

It's like a Floyd rose for your neck. Just imagine restringing this alongside with a Floyd.

[@Madchris8828]

So a living nightmare? Haha.

[@jaspercorraya8330]

Yeah 😂

[@jicklesjingles8134]

If you hate your self just go ahead 😂

[@callehampe]

Why does people think it’s such a big deal restringing a guitar with FR?

[@jaspercorraya8330]

@@callehampe it's not a big deal it's just a pain dude

[@doctoribanez]

They look very futuristic. Needing an Allen wrench kinda sucks though

[@awo1fman]

I can see several fundamental problems with the design of these that concern me. They inspire me, though. Maybe I should patent the solutions to all those issues... 🤔

[@lawrencegrobelny8497]

Really cool fender Stratocaster looking tuners I like it

[@aalloway01]

Love the yngwie Malmsteen inspired intro!

[@mikaeltillenius8751]

✌😎🇸🇪

[@tonycleal3225]

Miss the falling over in the snow!

[@Poptart2134]

I'd like to see a long term update on those Joe Barden pickups you put in your ultimate Ibanez build

[@littvay]

It’s going on the Peavey Predator AX with a brand new pickguard, choice pickups and the vega trem. But I have not put it on yet. Soon though. I bought it immediately after your video. It was just so cool and different.

[@cass2771]

Great review, of course, and glad they worked for you. To my eyes, these are the most elegant looking tuners on the market (front on), and removing the need for the tuning pegs takes the elegant curves of the Strat up a notch to a new level - I think they look great - but not so from the back, where they look chunky and mechanical. And the 40:1 gear ration is really appealing. So far, I'd have them on all my guitars in a heartbeat. But the string kink with a retune (eg to Drop D) and more importantly the experience of string breakage of listeners in the Comments (and on video reviews) is a terminal disincentive. I'll investigate Steinbergers, and would like to see you review them (and other 'interesting' tuners).

[@ronsheehan]

I would love to see these on a Firebird!

[@duckyjp17]

Those are so rad.

[@lettuceb2336]

I don't have them but will be looking for something along this line for a build in the near future. I think they're close, but two issues make them a no-go for me. First, the edge radius where the string enters the tuner needs to be similar to a classic post tuner. This will reduce any kinking, string breaking, etc. that will plague some users. Second, the hex key lock needs to be swapped for another solution. There are 3-ball mechanisms which clamp/release when turning an outer ring (similar to the tuning mechanism). This would be more secure than the set screw, much easier to use, and it would allow for super-quick string changes. Trem use seems like it would be a pain. There is binding at the tuner and potentially binding at the nut depending on how it was cut.

[@wealthfinder192]

Also hanging this guitar on a single wall hanger will cause it to hit the wall and may put little dents in your wall but also the guitar sits forward more putting extra strain on the wall hook so make sure the wall hanger is secure.

[@mancub1589]

The front looks great but the back side looks too mechanical and less instrumental. Thanks Darrell for the update.

[@MichaelD8393]

It’s worth noting the Riot tuners have changed since Darrell first showed them last year. The new ones have knurled thumb knobs, which makes them look more like the Steinberger tuners. Also makes them easier to use; smoother to the touch.

I really like the 40:1 gear ratio-that is fine tuning.

[@ichiikiraa]

I bought two sets and installed one on my strat and one on a Ibanez s. They work great. String changes are a little bit longer but no biggie for me. Cost is high especially when shipped internationally due to customs taxes

[@bheater2615]

They look pretty cool on a PRS Darrell

[@bltvd]

I bought 2 sets of these for my electric 12 after your last video and returned them because they are such a pain to use with the allen key and the strings do not stay in tune at all! Even using light gauge strings they would reverse wind when getting close to pitch! These would only be good for a guitar that is never played! They were nice enough to take them back though. Which is the only positive thing I can say about these.

[@johnnyresin]

Perfect for a Firebird, or even banjo!

[@MichaelD8393]

I put a set of Riots on my Gibson Firebird to replace the original crap-tastic banjo tuners after my failed experiment with installing Steinberger tuners on the guitar. The Riots are perfect direct replacement tuners for a Firebird in my opinion. Just a couple of notes: you'll have to remove the original bushings to install the Riots, and I would recommend a pro to do that. Also, if you want to drop tune with the Riots, don’t screw them all the way to the mounting nut; the string will snap as you tune it up & down that way. I think starting the tuners halfway through their range might work, but I still have to test that; I'll report back. Overall, I also love the Riots, especially for a Firebird. I'm gonna install them on my other Firebird which has Grover Rotomatics that hang down from the bottom of the headstock; Gibson intended to have the headstock look seamless with the banjo tuners. Thanks again for showing the Riots, Darrell 🎸👍🤘

[@kissedbyahammer2116]

I was wondering how the drop d experience/experiment is going? I just bought a set to put on my epiphone firebird & I never thought about tuning changes, I use open e too.

[@ScrubDaddy265]

Got these and am putting them on an Anygig travel guitar. Hopefully, will help in lay better against my body and I won’t bump them out of tune as much.

[@stephanematis]

My RIOTs went on my Ibanez 7 string RG7421 and ... it just works. Makes the head look even more pointy.

[@dougmaggs4295]

Man I love your show I'm learning so much about guitar's every time I watch thank you so much seriously, I am 74 and a Australian pensioner, I have been saving up to buy a guitar for about 6months now hoping to have enough for one by next January ,(my BD) lol I am looking at 2 different one first a Grote Electric Guitar Matte Finish Simi-hollow Body Right Handed VS Color matte love this one looks so natural. Second is a stunning looking guitar from JAZZ Store Perfect Sound Quality Big Tremolo Electric love the look But not sure about its Quality?. these are both in the price range I should be able to manage . So could you pleas give me your opinion on them with no obligations on you strictly as a mate to mate basis thank you for all you do cheers mate .Dougie

[@gladstonss]

they'll suit perfect on Firebirds

[@RedHeadGuitar]

Have fun putting a guitar equipped with these tuners in a case. String change requires a tool. So...cool idea but not really practical. Yet! Maybe they come up with some improvements someday, who knows. Speaking of odd tuners I was a big fan of what Yamaha put on some of their RGX guitars back in the day. The tuner buttons were not flat but round and knurled for better grip. Those were more bump-resistant, couldn't accidently turn in a case or bag and, with the modern RGX design, looked super cool. They also had a toolless locking nut.

[@JenniLudes]

Digging the new intro! On the RIOT tuners...just not for me. Too much on the backside and the string kink drop-tuning would bother me. I was worried at first that when you turned the tuner part, that the string would turn with it, effectively twisting the string. But when you were fiddling with them explaining how precise they are etc, I'd see the brass piece move a bit but not rotate. Is that accurate? Wouldn't want to put a couple of twists into a string tuning it up!

[@rouelibre1]

I also guess that there is no such thing as a 6 in-line vs a 3+3 set of keys. That is sort of a plus for the guitar tinkerer.

[@BarriePoole]

Those tuners have a bit of a "Steam Punk" type of vibe to them, maybe in the future if you were going to put a wild steam punk style parts guitar together, they would be more suited for it... Cheers.

[@isaacroche3223]

Great for a Warmoth project🥰

[@sunn_bass]

They'd look good on a Flying V, Explorer or other similar type guitar.

[@dillavou444]

How in blazes do you fit the guitar in the case with those? I wouldn't want those on my guitar I don't think.

[@diggerdagger1345]

Worst thing I had happen with mine was the pointy Allen screw cutting one of the strings. I had to sand it round a little bit to stop it cutting the string.

[@eddiejr540]

Like with most things guitar related, there is nothing perfect ...it’s all about finding a balance...I would definitely try those tuners ...I think they are pretty cool!!!!

[@hennayatsu6969]

I saw that you use a snark guitar tuner. So many to choose from. Which model do you have and which do you recommend? Thanks.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

I personally despise locking tuners. I just purchased a brand new guitar and remove the locking tuners for standard ones.

[@snow15243]

Why?

[@raytorvalds3699]

Interesting. May I know why ?

[@The_Nightslayer]

Why ?

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

… because the locking tuners were heavy and pointless, and they sucked away tone and sustain.and I prefer the string to wrap around the post for better sustain. One wind above the string and one or two wines below. No slippage, no tuning instability.

[@lilianthium]

i literally clicked on this because i have this handmade guitar that has these tuners but i had no idea what they were called. i cannot thank you enough i was losing hope of ever finding information on them XD

[@cass2771]

In my head, 'weird' doesn't leap out. They look really clean (at least front on) and - to my eyes - suit the Strat well. Not traditional, but they accentuate the sweeping lines and contours that I associate with Strats. My vote would be to leave them on. But hey - it's your guitar! And I really like the 40:1 aspect, should make precision tuning easier. I'd like to see them as standard issue on guitars - and despite the expense, am thinking of fitting them to some of my guitars (the relived Tele stays as is!)

[@Jeffsafe]

Might be real nice with an aftermarket neck like Warmoth that doesn’t have predrilled screw holes.

[@ChrisGliddenMusician]

40:1!?! Heavens to Merghatroid!!!!!! I’ve been very happy with the Wilkinson E-Z-LOK. $40, 19:1, smooth and solid, no extra mechanism for the lock.

[@jordanmayer5932]

Hey Darrel serious question here, I got a gibson firebird but it has mini Grover tuners stock from the factory, could these be a replacement for mini tuner slotted guitars?! Please let me know!

[@nazmoking3171]

If you want some good quality innovative tuners I suggest you go with the staggered ratio tuners by a major manufacturer out there instead.

[@megatyaesree]

New intro!!!!

[@RH-hz9ly]

Noooo new intro, I'm gonna miss that part when you fall out on snow after throwing your guitar 🤣

[@place_desjardins]

I like the new intro.

[@evanpowell1099]

Firebird build with riot tuners!

[@tonycleal3225]

Will the guitar still fit in a hard case?

[@SpellsandCurses]

If they have this tuner without a locking mechanism, I'd be interested in trying it out

[@janheikel7751]

A tuner that's flat on the front and not locking could be probably done, but it would be fundamentally different design. I see no way how this mechanism could be anything but locking.

[@SpellsandCurses]

@@janheikel7751 how would it be different?

[@KazeAkiyama]

@@SpellsandCurses The way these tuners work is by locking. Without it locking, it wouldn't work.

[@timgermanyjr]

So these fit on any headstock? Website shows them on PRS and Fender headstocks?

[@elbrauer]

The Good, the Bad, and the Weird. Nice reference.

[@TheOtteroo]

Does it fit in the case? Is restringing a chore now?

[@randyhusar4364]

I have a set on my wolfgang build. They work well. I recommend not to cut the E, A, D strings excess until strings have fully stretch. I find my self having to reset tuner to lowest position, hold on tight to string, relock, retune. Sure they are locking tuners, but you loose the advantage of a locking tuner with these.

[@dhpbear2]

It would be nice to see them DEMONSTRATED! I went the their site. The only video there is of an unboxing :(

[@vejichan]

Hey Darrell, do you prefer swamp ash strats or alder strats? why?

[@Martin7182]

Don't like the steep angle before they are locked. I change tunings frequently, this will create weak spots in the strings. What about bends?

[@rayschoch5882]

I have multiple guitars, only one of which has locking tuners, so these aren't a high priority for me. Beyond that, however, they seem to function well, lock well, hold tune well, and look interesting. A bit more weight at the far end of the neck might be an issue for some. Just because they look different is no reason to say "no." Cost, however, might be. More than I'm willing to spend on tuners, but I think they look pretty cool. Let me add that non-guitarists (i.e., most people) won't notice or care that these are "different" from more conventional tuners.

[@marlonf.naranjo6102]

Can you please do a Thailia capo review. They are a high end capo with a beautiful art top

[@robbytheremin2443]

A couple of things come to mind. The kink might cause premature breakage if you tune down often. They would be interesting on a headless guitar.

[@kelvinklauck]

Then the 1-inch back would be against your belly

[@calebmunkirs9661]

The loudwire intro 😂

[@MisterRorschach90]

Can you imagine what a master builder would think if he got an order for a custom shop Gibson or fender with these on it? Like a heavy relic Murphy lab 58 les Paul with these.

[@carsandguitars6264]

Nice intro song bro

[@MikeCindyWhite]

I had a customers USSR guitar in for a overhaul and he wanted it a player but to look as far out as possible, so when I watched your video I sent it to him right away to see if he wanted them on this already crazy looking guitar. I got a black set for 110$ and installed them. They looked really cool on this guitar but when I went to string it up it took about 5 hours just to get the strings stretched! I had to pull the unwound strings through, tighten the set screw and stretch the string until I ran out of threads and had to unlock the set screw pull the string as tight as possible lock the screw stretch the string and repeat the process until they were all stretched out. maybe buying prestretched strings would work, but I couldn't give these to my customer/buddy, He would never use me again if I did! These are the worst tuning machines I've ever seen and I've been playing and working on guitars for 43 years!

[@nascargas]

I'm curious what they would look like on a single cutaway...not sure if you have a Les Paul you would want to turn into a project. Maybe a PRS? Epiphone? I have a Bentley (20+ years old...no linger made) wonder how the extra length would affect the tilted headstock. In a case or hanging on a wall. Such guitars being prone to breakage...is this a bad idea? But then there are the single cut kit guitars from Fretwire. Is this an upgrade ....questions...I have them.

[@zyxwfish]

I think these would look great on a fan fret or baritone but the thickest gauge they take is a 54.

[@sisgaia]

One other downside: aesthetics. On the front, they are just so plain looking, and on the back, they are ugly as sin. They look like a garage-built kludge, even if they work well.

[@jjdillon2007]

I wonder how the Riots would be on a Gibson Firebird. Better, lesser, or equal to the Steinberger tuners?

[@fullrodizio]

I put them on my Epiphone Firebird and totally love them. They look clean, the 40:1 is super accurate, and they hold the strings in tune quite well due to the locking mechanism.

[@TheAndostro]

7:10 they will look great on guitar like sneakbyte or Phoenix by esp

[@rockerfromhk]

Can it be used on nylon string?