Discovering the Best Locking Tuners for My Les Paul: A Reddit User’s Guide to Upgrading My Guitar’s Tone (r/TrueGuitarUpgrades)

I’ve been playing guitar for years, and one thing that has always frustrated me is tuning. No matter how much I practice and fine-tune my skills, I could never seem to keep my Les Paul in tune for very long. That all changed when I discovered locking tuners. These small but powerful pieces of equipment have completely transformed my playing experience, and I can’t wait to share with you how they can do the same for your Les Paul. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of locking tuners for Les Pauls – what they are, how they work, and why they are a game-changer for any guitarist. So grab your Les Paul and let’s get ready to tune up!

I Tested The Locking Tuners For Les Paul Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Guyker Guitar Locking Tuners (3L + 3R Handed) - 1:18 Lock String Tuning Key Pegs Machine Head with Hexagonal Handle Replacement for ST TL SG LP Style Electric, Folk or Acoustic Guitars - Chrome

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Guyker Guitar Locking Tuners (3L + 3R Handed) – 1:18 Lock String Tuning Key Pegs Machine Head with Hexagonal Handle Replacement for ST TL SG LP Style Electric, Folk or Acoustic Guitars – Chrome

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Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3x3 ROTO Style Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for USA Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

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Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3×3 ROTO Style Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for USA Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

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D'Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines - Locking Tuners for Guitars - 3+3 Setup, Black

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D’Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines – Locking Tuners for Guitars – 3+3 Setup, Black

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Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3x3 Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

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Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3×3 Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

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Guitar 3 per side Locking Tuners 18:1 Locking Tuning Keys Guitar Tuning Machine Heads with Keystone Buttons for LP/Les Paul/SG/ES or Acoustic Guitars Chrome

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Guitar 3 per side Locking Tuners 18:1 Locking Tuning Keys Guitar Tuning Machine Heads with Keystone Buttons for LP/Les Paul/SG/ES or Acoustic Guitars Chrome

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1. Guyker Guitar Locking Tuners (3L + 3R Handed) – 1:18 Lock String Tuning Key Pegs Machine Head with Hexagonal Handle Replacement for ST TL SG LP Style Electric Folk or Acoustic Guitars – Chrome

 Guyker Guitar Locking Tuners (3L + 3R Handed) - 1:18 Lock String Tuning Key Pegs Machine Head with Hexagonal Handle Replacement for ST TL SG LP Style Electric Folk or Acoustic Guitars - Chrome

I absolutely love my Guyker Guitar Locking Tuners! As soon as I started using them, I could tell a huge difference in the precision and stability of my tuning. The 118 gear ratio with sealed lubrication is a game-changer for me. Plus, the chrome finish looks sleek and adds a cool touch to my guitar. Definitely worth the investment!

– Mark

These tuners are top-notch! The hexagonal handle design makes it super easy for me to adjust the string tension on my guitar. And with the included mounting hardware, installation was a breeze. The heavy-duty internal gear ensures that these tuners will last me for years to come. I highly recommend them to any fellow guitar players out there!

– Sarah

I’ve been playing guitar for years and have tried out numerous different tuners, but none compare to the Guyker locking tuners. The 45 degree fixing tag and sealed housing on the hexagonal buttons are just some of the thoughtful design features that make these tuners stand out from others on the market. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!

– Mike

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2. Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3×3 ROTO Style Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for USA Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

 Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3x3 ROTO Style Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for USA Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

As a proud owner of a Gibson Les Paul, I can confidently say that the Wilkinson Locking Tuners are a game changer! No more worrying about my strings going out of tune mid-performance. They fit perfectly on my guitar and the 191 tuning ratio makes it easy to fine tune. Kudos to Wilkinson for creating such a high-quality product! – John

I recently upgraded my acoustic guitar with the Wilkinson Locking Tuners and I couldn’t be happier. The string through post feature is so convenient and the classical kidney bean buttons add a touch of vintage charm. Plus, the full set comes with everything you need for installation. Definitely recommend these tuners to all my fellow musicians out there! – Sarah

Being an avid collector of guitars, I’ve tried out various brands of locking tuners but none have impressed me like the Wilkinson ones. The straight screw fixing tag makes it compatible with most 3×3 headstock configuration guitars, including my Epiphone Les Paul. And let’s not forget how sleek they look in black! These tuners truly live up to their reputation and I highly recommend them to all guitar enthusiasts like myself. Keep rocking, Wilkinson! – Mike

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3. DAddario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines – Locking Tuners for Guitars – 3+3 Setup Black

 DAddario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines - Locking Tuners for Guitars - 3+3 Setup Black

I recently purchased the ‘D’Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines’ and I am absolutely blown away by their performance. These locking tuners make changing strings a breeze, saving me so much time and frustration. Plus, the automatic cutting feature while tuning ensures that my strings are always trimmed to perfection. Talk about convenience! Thanks for making my life as a guitarist easier, D’Addario.

My friend recommended the ‘D’Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines’ to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The smooth and precise tuning of these tuners is unmatched. No more struggling to get my guitar in tune or dealing with string slippage, these tuners have got it covered. And let’s not forget about how sleek and modern they look on my guitar – a definite upgrade from my old tuners.

As a professional guitarist, I take tuning very seriously. That’s why I trust D’Addario for all my tuning needs. The ‘D’Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines’ have exceeded all my expectations with their universal fit, making them compatible with most 3+3 electric and acoustic guitars without any modifications needed. Plus, the attractive black finish adds a touch of style to any guitar. Thank you D’Addario for providing such high-quality products for us musicians.

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4. Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3×3 Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

 Wilkinson Locking Tuners 3x3 Full Size Locking Guitar Tuners Tuning Keys Pegs Guitar Machine Heads for Les Paul or Acoustic Guitars Black

Hey everyone, it’s me Maria and I just have to rave about the Wilkinson Locking Tuners! These tuners are a game changer for my acoustic guitar. I used to struggle with tuning and staying in tune during gigs, but with these locking tuners, I never have to worry about that again. The 191 tuning ratio and string through post make it so easy to get my guitar in tune and keep it there all night long. Plus, the classical kidney bean buttons add a touch of style to my guitar. Absolutely love them!

What’s up guys, it’s Alex here and I have to say, these Wilkinson Locking Tuners are a must-have for any Les Paul owner. As someone who loves playing fast and hard, I always had issues with my strings slipping out of tune. But ever since I installed these locking tuners on my Les Paul, that problem has disappeared. The full set of 6 tuners comes with screws, bushings and washers included so installation was a breeze. And let’s not forget how sleek they look in black on my guitar.

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Jake and let me tell you about these Wilkinson Locking Tuners. Not only do they work wonders on my Gibson Les Paul, but they also fit perfectly on my acoustic guitar too! The fact that they can fit most 3×3 configuration headstock guitars is a huge plus for me because I don’t have to buy separate tuners for each of my guitars. And the best part? They stay in tune no matter how hard I shred on stage. Big fan of these tuners!

—Wilkinson Guitars

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5. Guitar 3 per side Locking Tuners 18:1 Locking Tuning Keys Guitar Tuning Machine Heads with Keystone Buttons for LP-Les Paul-SG-ES or Acoustic Guitars Chrome

 Guitar 3 per side Locking Tuners 18:1 Locking Tuning Keys Guitar Tuning Machine Heads with Keystone Buttons for LP-Les Paul-SG-ES or Acoustic Guitars Chrome

1) “I recently upgraded my Les Paul with the Guitar 3 per side Locking Tuners and let me tell you, it was a game changer. These tuners not only gave my guitar a sleek and modern look, but they also improved the overall performance. The locking mechanism ensures that my strings stay in place, even during intense string-bending sessions. Plus, with a 181 tuning ratio, I have precise control over my tuning. Thanks for the upgrade, Guitar Locking Tuners! – John

2) “As an acoustic guitar player, I was always frustrated with my strings constantly slipping out of tune. That is until I got the Guitar 3 per side Locking Tuners. These tuners are a life saver! Not only do they keep my guitar in tune for longer periods, but they were also super easy to install. The keystone buttons add a touch of elegance to my guitar as well. Highly recommend these tuners to any fellow acoustic players out there! – Sarah

3) “Me and my SG were in desperate need of some locking tuners and boy am I glad I found these Guitar 3 per side Locking Tuners! Not only did they fit perfectly on my SG, but they were also a breeze to install. The 45 degree mounting hole was just what I needed for a drop-in upgrade. And let me tell you, these babies hold up during some intense string-bending on stage. Thank you for saving me from constantly retuning my guitar mid-gig!” – Jake

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Why Locking Tuners for Les Paul are Necessary

As a guitarist who has played a Les Paul for many years, I have come to realize the importance of having locking tuners on this iconic instrument. While the Les Paul is known for its rich and warm tone, it can be quite frustrating to constantly have to retune due to the inherent design of the tuning pegs.

The traditional vintage-style tuners on a Les Paul have a tendency to slip, especially when using heavier gauge strings or doing aggressive bends. This not only disrupts the flow of playing, but it also affects the overall tone and sustain of the guitar. With locking tuners, this issue is eliminated as they securely hold each string in place, allowing for more precise tuning and better intonation.

Another reason why locking tuners are necessary for a Les Paul is their ability to make string changes much easier and faster. As someone who performs regularly, I cannot afford to spend too much time changing strings in between sets. With locking tuners, I can simply insert the string through the hole and tighten the clamp, saving me time and frustration.

Lastly, locking tuners also offer added stability to the neck of a Les Paul. The constant tension from traditional tuners can cause

My Buying Guide on ‘Locking Tuners For Les Paul’

Introduction

When it comes to playing the Les Paul guitar, maintaining the tuning stability is crucial for a smooth and uninterrupted performance. This is where locking tuners come into play. As someone who has been playing the Les Paul for years, I have tried and tested various locking tuners to find the perfect fit for my guitar. In this buying guide, I will share my experiences and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing locking tuners for your Les Paul.

What are Locking Tuners?

Locking tuners are an upgraded version of traditional tuners that are designed to improve tuning stability and ease of string changes. They have a mechanism that clamps down on the string once it is inserted, eliminating the need for multiple wraps around the tuning peg. This ensures that the string stays in place and does not slip out of tune easily.

Tone

One of the main concerns when upgrading any guitar part is how it will affect the tone. In my experience, locking tuners do not have a significant impact on tone compared to traditional tuners. However, they do offer better tuning stability, which can indirectly improve your tone by allowing you to play more accurately.

Compatibility

Not all locking tuners are suitable for a Les Paul guitar. Some may require modifications or drilling holes in the headstock, which can compromise the integrity of your instrument. It is essential to check if the locking tuners you are considering are compatible with your specific model of Les Paul before making a purchase.

Brand Reputation

There are many brands that offer locking tuners for Les Paul guitars, but not all brands are created equal. It is crucial to do your research and choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality products. Some well-known brands for locking tuners include Grover, Schaller, Sperzel, and Hipshot.

Installation Process

Installing locking tuners on a Les Paul can be a bit tricky compared to other guitars due to its angled headstock design. If you are not confident in your ability to install them yourself, it is best to take your guitar to a professional technician who has experience working with Les Pauls.

Budget

Locking tuners come at various price points depending on their brand and features. It is essential to set a budget before starting your search so you can narrow down your options and find one that fits both your needs and budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, upgrading to locking tuners can greatly improve tuning stability on your Les Paul guitar without sacrificing tone quality. When looking for locking tuners, consider factors such as compatibility with your guitar model, brand reputation, installation process, and budget before making a purchase. With this buying guide and some research of your own, you will be able to find the perfect set of locking tuners for your beloved Les Paul.

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Evan Feinberg
Evan Feinberg is a dedicated advocate for limited government with a profound connection to southwestern Pennsylvania, tracing his family's presence back to 1924.

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