Why did we ever go to modern string through the post tuners. Just managed to spike my finger on the loose end of the string again whilst having my breakfast brew/guitar fix. Why don't manufacturers go back to string down the middle vintage style machine heads as standard. They are neater, easier to install and remove strings and IMO keep better tuning stability that a modern style string through the post tuner. The vintage tuner is great so why replace it with something inferior. Unless you're gigging and need a fast string change, locking tuners offer no benefit over vintage split post tuners either do they?
Ian
Lowering my
expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
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That said, both types do if strung (and tuned) correctly.
But there are very few - or none, I can’t think of any - modern high quality diecast sealed tuners with threaded collars that have split posts. Since I prefer modern tuners, I don’t have the option...
And spiking your fingers is certainly annoying, but I find it’s not really a problem if you cut the string as close as possible to the post.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I like locking tuners these days. So much less faff which I find minimises any spikage too.
Ian
Lowering my expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
Me too. I'd been fitting locking tuners on everything for a number of years then I got a couple of vintage-style Fenders and realised how brilliant and easy to use the old Kluson-types are. Even easier than locking ones.
I know 1980s isn't modern (although I still think of it as quite recent...) but Ibanez used to use split-post, sealed die-cast tuners on the Artists and similar models. G&L used split-post modern tuners for a long time too, I don't know if they still do - probably only on US models. Neither easily available as spares, though!How close? I cut them about 1mm from the lock wrap, and then I don't think I've ever spiked myself on one. The worst is about half an inch long... short enough to be stiff and not bend out of the way, but long enough to go in really far.
Agreed.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Sometimes I wind the strings on by putting a bend in the string and winding the the loose end under and sometimes I just put a bend in and wind them on without first going over. I stretch them a few times and re-tune a few times and get the odd one slip a little bit they stay in tune after that OK. I cut the loose ends as close as I can get them (so yes probably about 1mm) but when you do catch one you know about it. I've only got locking tuners on my Tele Elite and my one and only Strat and the only advantage I can see is they are quicker to change strings. If you're in no hurry it's not something you need and they don't look as neat as modern or vintage. For me vintage are the neatest and next quickest to remove and change strings to lockers.
Ian
Lowering my expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
On slotted tuners I fit the top two strings by going a half turn round the wrong way, then back across the slot - that never slips either. The thicker strings are fine without. With a string tree for the top two strings I put the minimum wrap on those as well, but on the others you need to increase the number of winds for the D and especially the G string, to give enough break angle over the nut.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
On modern Fenders I tend to fit locking tuners as these are my second favourites.
Fender/ Ping do now make a tuner that directly retro fits their two pin mount, has a modern gear and is attached by the threaded bushing, but looks mostly like a vintage Kluson, and importantly has the correct string post with the slot and vertical hole. They are called Classic Gear tuners and are fitted to the American Performer models. I haven't tried them yet, but intended to in due course.
https://www.firstguitars.co.uk/shop/new-stock-fender-vintage-chrome-tuners-for-modern-2-pin-locating-necks-099-0802-100/
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/89942/caspercaster#latest
Ian
Lowering my expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
It's a shame they use the same diecast backs with fragile securing pins as the Schaller/Grover/etc ones Gibson use with tulip keys, but I suppose it's at least a step in the right direction...
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Ian
Lowering my expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
They do cover each other's footprint well enough that you can fit Sperzels or put back the Fender tuners without the extra holes showing though.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein