15 Best Locking Tuner Reviews 2022 (Famous Guitar Locking Tuner Brands)

Best Locking Tuners & Best Brands for Locking Tuner

Best Locking Tuners & Best Brands for Locking Tuner

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One of the most in-demand accessories to hit the guitar industry are locking tuners.

The demand for them is on the rise and some guitar brands are now shipping their products with locking tuners installed.

What are the Best Locking Tuners to Buy?

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Fender Locking Tuners Stratocaster Guitar Tuners, Polished Chrome, Right Hand Guitar Tuners, 1.7x10x4.5 Inches, Set of 6 Guitar Tuning Machines
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Grover Accordion Accessory (502C)
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D'Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines - Locking Tuners for Guitars - 3+3 Setup, Black
Fender Locking Tuners Stratocaster Guitar Tuners, Polished Chrome, Right Hand Guitar Tuners, 1.7x10x4.5 Inches, Set of 6 Guitar Tuning Machines
Grover Accordion Accessory (502C)
D'Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines - Locking Tuners for Guitars - 3+3 Setup, Black
1
Fender Locking Tuners Stratocaster Guitar Tuners, Polished Chrome, Right Hand Guitar Tuners, 1.7x10x4.5 Inches, Set of 6 Guitar Tuning Machines
Fender Locking Tuners Stratocaster Guitar Tuners, Polished Chrome, Right Hand Guitar Tuners, 1.7x10x4.5 Inches, Set of 6 Guitar Tuning Machines
Check on Amazon
2
Grover Accordion Accessory (502C)
Grover Accordion Accessory (502C)
Check on Amazon
3
D'Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines - Locking Tuners for Guitars - 3+3 Setup, Black
D'Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines - Locking Tuners for Guitars - 3+3 Setup, Black
Check on Amazon

Locking Tuners: Facts and Misconceptions

Like any other string instrument, guitars are susceptible to falling out of tune. You will discover that this is true if you are playing aggressive style of music.

In most cases, using tremolo and bending strings will inevitably impact negatively on your tuning. Hence, many guitarists turn to use locking tuners.

The brain behind the use of locking tuners is that it prevents the risks of falling out of tune so often while offering solid key retention. Now, using locking tuners doesn’t mean your guitar is forever immune to dropping out of proper tune. In fact, most people don’t even know that most times, it isn’t their tuners that is responsible for their tune-drop issues. Instead, other components like the nuts, the bridge, etc., can also have a significant impact on the key your guitar produce.

Nevertheless, locking tuners effectively reduce the risks and inconveniences of your guitar going off tune. The significant difference between locking tuners and standard tuners is that, with locking tuners, you are spared from the stress of winding the strings around the tuners most of the time.

Finding the proper tuners

Locking Tuners come in different brands and in different styles. Some locking tuners are constructed to meet the needs of certain guitars in the market and such provide a perfect fit. On the other hand, some locking tuners may require you to drill separate holes before you can use them, which, by the way, isn’t a problem.

So, when shopping for your locking tuners, just make sure you have the right one by matching its gear ratio with the peg hole/headstock on your guitar.

15 Best Locking Tuner Reviews and the Best Locking Tuner Brands

1) Fenders Locking Tuners—Polished Chrome

Measuring 10.4 ounces, the Fender locking tuners is one of the most popular choices in the market. If you have a guitar with an improperly fitted tuner, the locking tuner from Fender is what you need to lock your strings in place.

No matter the quality of your guitar or guitar type and brand, this Fender locking tuner is ideal for you to use. They are stock tuners with easy-to-use wooden screw holders. They are the perfect tuners you need to upgrade and replace your standard set of tuners.

The tuner is well constructed, and it doesn’t take much time to get it going. They have undergone years of excellent build, so you should rest assure they will serve you for many years. However, not everyone may feel comfortable with the chrome finish.

2) Grover Accordion Accessory (502C)

The Grover Accordion locking tuners are great locking machine heads that offer excellent features. For instance, they offer the popular 18:1 gear ratio—the Rotomatic design for which the company is renowned. The thumbscrew mechanism makes it easy to slip through your strings and lock them into position. This version features chrome finish whiles its sister versions comes in gold and black finish.

The Grover Accordion comes in a set of six pieces, three per sides and is designed as a standard replacement for most guitars stock tuners. All installation hardware is included in the package. You will get all that you need from this set of tuners when you buy one.

3) Planet Wave Auto-Trim Tuning Machines 3+3 Setup

The Planet Wave locking tuners feature patented Steinberger design that effectively cuts excess string making it needless to use additional string-cutting mechanism.

These are precision tuners featuring 18:1 ratio and each has individual string clamps that securely holds the string correctly in the tuning machine. By this design, there is no more need for multiple wraps around the post.

If you are using a tremolo, these tuners from Planet Wave will do just fine. The 18:1 gearing ratio offers smooth and precise tuning with lesser string slippage. The manufacturer includes a limited lifetime warranty, and the tuners are available in chrome, gold black finish.

4) Musiclily 6 Inline Guitar Locking Tuners

Musiclily offers you a versatile set of locking tuners. Yes, they are handy because you can use them on acoustics and electric guitars of all types, and this is one of the right reasons I like these tuners. So, if you have an acoustic or electric guitar with 10mm peg hole, these tuning lock machine set will do wonders on them.

The body of the tuners features a solid metal alloy material, capable of many years of performance. The gear ratio measures 15:1 while the size of the head is 18mm in width.

The good thing about thee tuners is that they deliver maximum tuning stability. There are six in a set, and the pack includes a screw, ferrule, and nut. If you do not mind the chrome color finish, then nothing should stop you from investing in Musiclily locking tuners.

5) Kmise A2421 3L3R Auto Lock Tuning Pegs Machine Head

The Kmise auto-tuning peg machine head is another excellent example of a locking tuner that works for both acoustic and electric guitars. There are 6 pieces of these tuners in a set, and each features a high-quality black finish. A screw is included for tightening the heads in place, and the steel gear makes this one of the most reliable locking tuners around.

These locking tuners from Kmise work great on guitars with steel strings. The ratio support is 18:1 and the locks all work correctly on most models. While the tuners may not be able to compete with much of the renowned competitors, they did come complete with all parts and easy to install. These are an excellent option for the budget-minded guitarists.

6) Sperzel 6 In-line Locking Tuners Black

While little is known about this manufacturer, the locking tuners it offers do boast of high quality. One major difference we noticed in these locking tuners is that they are very easy to install. Of course, you may need to perform some extra drilling, depending on your guitar peg hole, but they work great.

The better part is that these are in-line tuners that feature staggered tuning post height, which means, you don’t get to use retainers for your strings as long as you are using these locking tuners. Everything about these Sperzel locking tuners looks fine. They feature a black finish and their 18:1 gear ratio makes them a universal choice for most guitars in the market.

Most guitarists use them because they ensure that your guitar will remain in tune without even using any nut. That is why this is a revolutionary locking tuner.

7) Grover Roto-Grip Tuners (502G)

Measuring 9 x 5 x 2 inches in overall dimensions, the Grove Roto-Grip tuners are a perfect replacement for any non-locking Grover tuners on your guitar. Regardless of what type of guitar you may have, these tuners are a great fit for replacing non-locking tuners. Once you installed them, they provide improved tuning stability and ensure your guitar stays in tune. It offers quick string and easy to set up.

The Grover Roto-Grip Tuners features a gold color design that makes them appealing while boosting their functionality. There are 6 pieces in a set, which is the industry standard. It is so good to know that they don’t alter the sound at all. They feature the favorite 18:1 Rotomatic design, and their thumbscrew mechanism perfectly locks the string into place.

8) HipShot Grip-Lock 6 Inline Enclosed Staggared Post-Locking Tuners

Now, the reason why many people are skeptical when it comes to buying staggered locking tuners is if they will fit properly. Most of them in the market are notorious for providing improper fit as such that they require the user to employ mounting plate. This isn’t going to be perfect either for all guitars with staggered posts but works well on a host of guitars.

While the Hipshot locking tuners will work well for Strats, especially of the Fender series, they may not be tightly fitted with other guitar peg holes. The thing is, you just have to make sure your staggered guitar and the HipShot locking tuners ratio match evenly.

The HipShot Grip has a ratio of 16:1, and it proves to be very active on a Fender Strat. At such different heights, these locking tuners staggered options are excellent.

9) HipShot 6GLO Grip-Lock Locking Tuning Machines

Hipshot returns with another superior design of locking tuners. These tuners offer a 3 plus 3 design which is compatible with most guitar headstocks. It features an 18:1 gear ratio, the famous type in the industry, making it applicable to most guitars in the market.

The material construction and its universal mounting plate is one of the greatest aspects of these tuners. If you have a tuner that is always going off tune each time you play, get hold of these Hipshot grip-lock locking tuners and enjoy the best of your guitar music rendition.

Installing the Hipshot locking tuners is easy; thanks to the 3 plus 3 headstock configuration, which further simplify the process. These locking tuners can increase tuning stability by 30%.

10) Dopro Black 2 Pin Locking Guitar Tuners

The Dopro guitar tuners are your best if you are in search of something that will give you a 16:1 tuning ratio. The turners are compatible with any modern guitar that has 10mm tuning holes. Whether you have a Fender, Strat or Tele guitar, the Dopro tuners are constructed to fit such American standard guitars.

When you buy a set of these tuners, you will find six of pieces in the set. Each of them features a smooth, mirror finish in every angle. From all indications, they are not the cheap and inferior types of tuning keys out there.

The Dopro locking tuners are easy to use. You only need to slip the strings through the lock holes and tighten them to your taste. With washers and bushings accompanying the tuners, you can get more from this Dopro tuner set.

11) Graph Tech Ratio Electric Locking 6 Inline Tuned Machine Head

These locking tuners from Graph Tech features highly optimized gear ratio for every single string on your guitar, making tuning so easy like never before. The material used in designing these tuners includes hardened steel with double enveloped touches that enhances its durability. The solid construction also makes it ultra smooth in responsiveness for its super ratio capability.

Graph Tech features two mounting pin system that is compatible with most guitar headstocks. But, you have to make sure your peg hole has a 10mm size for the locking tuners to work well. The package includes all mounting hardware and an instruction manual.

12) Schaller Machine Head M6 135

When you know that Schaller is a German name and a German company, you would understand better why we list it here as one of the best brands in locking tuners. From 1945 until today, this company has been in the business of producing some of the best guitar accessories, including locking tuners.

The M6 135 is a popular choice for high-end guitars, and it’s loved by many guitarists who sees it as a large functional option to keep their tuners in perfect shape.

The set comes in six pieces, with 3 on the left and 3 on the right side of the guitar. It has a 1:18 locking gear ratio, and a 19.5-inch solid headstock knurled nut. All of these combine effectively to lock the strings in the peg.

You can’t go wrong by investing in the Schaller Machine Head.

13) Aababuy LANPEED6L Chrome Guitar Locking Tuning Pegs

These are locking tuners with steel gear material construction from Aababuy. They are excellent replacement options for acoustic and electric guitars with tuning issues. Like most others, these locking tuners come in six pieces in one set. They feature a chrome finish and are designed to meet the needs of the left-handed guitar players. So, if you are installing these locking tuner pegs, it would be on the headstock’s right side.

The Aababuy locking tuners has a gear ratio that measures 18:1, and is ideal for most American guitar style construction needs. The package also includes 6 ferrule, 6 threaded bushings, and 6 screws as well. These will improve the longevity of your tuning and are very easy to install while being budget-friendly.

14) Gotoh MLG3-G 3-On-A Side-Locking Tuners

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The Gotoh locking tuners are precision locking tuners that ensure your guitar stays put in tune while enhancing performance and stabilizing functionality. Designed to be auto-locking tuners, Gotoh features a precise 16:1 ratio for smooth and responsive tuning.

The cast housing and sealed lubrication with removable metal knobs define the quality of these guitar-locking tuners. There are three of these tuners for either side of your guitar. The materials also include threaded head bushings and mounting screw.

The instruction manual is down-to-earth on what you should do to get the best out of your locking tuners. With a screwdriver or a coin, you can turn the lock nut atop the shaft to open it and then insert the string and proceed from there on with ease.

15) Sala-Fnt-6pcs Golden Guitar String Tuning

These locking tuners from Sala-Fnt have good quality for the price. They are perfect for electric and acoustic guitars steel strings. The material used for designing them include zinc alloy for extended durability. They range 23 x 25mm in size, and there are six of these tuners in a set, which is expected.

Like most other locking tuners on this list, the Sala-Fnt locking tuners come in a set of six pieces. Each of the locking tuners is compatible with steel strings. Their heavy-duty internal gear together with their standard size makes them an ideal choice for most guitars out there. The locking tuners are designed for right-handed tuning pegs. While they look affordable and durable, the quality may not be the greatest in its category.

Choosing the Best Locking Tuners

Locking tuners are cheaper options for people who are looking forward to replacing their standard guitar tuners. No matter the cost or quality of your guitar, its key retention ability is what matters. Given the fact that standard or stock tuners fails quickly than expected, buying a locking tuners becomes essential.

Investing in a simple set of reliable locking tuners can turn your guitar performance around in a matter of seconds. Brands like Fender, Planet Wave, Grover, Planet Wave, Sperzel, and a few others are ruling the market with high-quality and functional locking tuners. Investing in any of the options covered in this review will add more precision and excellence to your guitar playing skills.