Machine head upgrades?

the_jaffa

Can anyone give an opinion on these Gotoh tuners that I've seen?

https://www.axesrus.co.uk/Gotoh-SG381-Machine-Heads-p/sg381-3x3.htm

They're to replace the very cheap ones on a guitar I recently bought. The existing ones seem to be rough in action, difficult to get the tuning to settle and bad at holding the tune once found.

The Gotohs seems remarkably cheap when compared to Grovers or Schallers so not sure if they'll actually be much of a step up.

skullfunkerry

I don't know about those in particular, but my understanding is that Gotoh is a decent brand.

I've heard too that the Axetec ones are very good:

https://axetec.co.uk/guitar_parts_uk_060.htm

They're even cheaper!

munckee

Gotoh are an upgrade from basic tuners and will work fine.  I have bought a number of sets from Axes r us and always been pleased with them, axecaster are also good to deal with and use this board as do sixstringsupplies but I can't remember if he sells machine heads.

the_jaffa

Cheers

Would a second hand set of Schallers be a higher quality option? Assuming they're in good nick.

Winny_Pooh

the_jaffa said:

Cheers

Would a second hand set of Schallers be a higher quality option? Assuming they're in good nick.

Schallers are good but occasionally physically heavy. More importantly, try and match the screw hole to the existing ones.

Lestratcaster

I got some Gotoh ones on my 98 Squier Strat, they're much better than the stock ones.

the_jaffa

Winny_Pooh said:

the_jaffa said:

Cheers

Would a second hand set of Schallers be a higher quality option? Assuming they're in good nick.

Schallers are good but occasionally physically heavy. More importantly, try and match the screw hole to the existing ones.

Yup, I've got that in my mental to-do list

Lestratcaster said:

I got some Gotoh ones on my 98 Squier Strat, they're much better than the stock ones.

That's good to hear. Might give them a go and see. 

Cheers

ICBM

I don't think there's any significant quality difference between Schallers, Grovers and Gotohs.

the_jaffa

ICBM said:

I don't think there's any significant quality difference between Schallers, Grovers and Gotohs.

Brilliant, that'll do as a recommendation.

Sarge

I've got a 37 year old set of gotoh just about to go on a strat build, they're still firm and smooth. 

normula1

I've two sets of Gotoh's of similar vintage also still going strong

the_jaffa

I think I’m going to go with the Gotohs and see how they go