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Best Locking Tuners for Les Paul 2024

Except for very specific new models or custom shop instruments, Gibson and Epiphone guitars rarely come with locking tuners. They have excellent tuners, but the ability to lock the string in place is not one of their capabilities. The best locking tuners make your guitar more stable and guarantee that the right tension is kept while you play. Choosing the best tuners for your instrument might be challenging with so many options available.

Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock Locking Guitar Tuning Machines

Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock Locking Guitar Tuning...
  • 3+3 headstock configuration
  • Grip lock
  • 18:1 gear ratio

When it comes to tuning Les Paul guitars, the Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock 3+3 headstock configuration (instrument with 3 tuning pegs on both sides of the headstock) is a great choice. Its tuning steadiness and sleek appearance immediately draw the user’s attention. Second, Hipshot’s locking functionality removes the need for several string wraps. As a result, users no longer require a locking nut, which adds screws, wrenches, and weight to the system. Not to add, this tuner type fits into the slots of all Les Paul guitars for a simple upgrade. No drilling or alterations are necessary.

Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock has an 18:1 gear ratio that fits every Les Paul 10mm headstock hole precisely. As you can see, this ratio is higher than our prior model, implying that your guitar will be sharper tuned. When compared to stock machine heads, this model is preferred because of its tuning stability and ease of string changes. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from gold, chrome, or black chrome.

Locking tuners must not only keep your axe in tune, but they must also look the part. Purists could argue that aesthetics come second to tone, but I believe your guitar should check both requirements. Hipshot’s 6GLO grip-lock tuners are indisputably durable and dependable. They are constructed of high-quality materials and components, ensuring that they will resist severe use and continue to perform well for a long period. This is the Best Locking Tuners for Les Paul in 2023.

Grover 502C Roto-Grip Locking Rotomatic Tuners – 3+3 Chrome

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Grover Accordion Accessory (502C)
  • Insert the string through the post hole, wrap around once, then lock by...
  • Locking machine heads utilize the famous 18:1 Rotomatic design with a...
  • Perfect replacement for the most standard machine heads. Chrome, 3 Per...

Grover provides a range of high-quality locking tuners, and is well-known for their skill in the field of machine heads and replacement tuners for les paul guitars. Their devices are known for their long-term dependability and ability to keep a guitar in tune.

The 502C Roto-Grip locking tuners provide a precise 18:1 ratio and are suitable with any electric guitar type for guitar players. These tuners will work with any guitar, whether it’s a popular model like the Fender Stratocaster or a semi-hollow body. Another aspect on which Grover places a premium is the aesthetic of their tuning equipment. The 502C Roto-Grip locking tuner is made of robust metal and polished in a sophisticated chrome finish to offer a distinguished touch to your instrument.

The locking tuners are incredibly simple to install. Simply insert the string through the post hole, wrap it around the post, and tighten the thumbscrew gently. This secures the tuner head in place without putting undue strain on the instrument. The engraved Grover logo on the back of each tuning head is another attractive feature. This, combined with the textured paternal on the thumbscrew, significantly elevates the look of these locking tuners.

The tuners have a hole size of.391 inches. For the most majority of conventional guitars, this is the worldwide measurement. Unless you play a particularly unusual guitar, the Roto-Grip tuners should fit comfortably. Although look is essential, locking tuners require one key feature: tuning stability. The Grover 502C Roto-Grip locking tuners’ 3 x 3 arrangement keeps your string firmly in place for longer, allowing you to relax while performing or recording. This is the Best Les Paul Locking Tuners in 2023.

Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad 3+3 Guitar Tuners with Keystone Knobs

Gotoh Magnum Lock-Trad 3+3 Guitar Tuners with...
  • Traditional thumbscrew-style locking functionality with Gotoh technology
  • Locking tuners are excellent for non-locking tremolo guitars, and for...
  • Rock-Solid string posts eliminate looseness, for improved tuning stability,...

This is, without a doubt, the best locking tuner for Epiphone Les Paul Custom guitars or any other high-quality instrument. Get the string to pass through the tuner gap, then secure it in the post with a twist of the thumbwheel. With just a few cranks of the tuner handle, you’ll be pitch perfect.

With everything taken into account, it’s a choice worth considering if you’re not on a tight budget. A locking tuner is a must-have for any high-end guitar, as it enhances the playing experience.

This locking tuner doesn’t have a lot of flashy features (well, I lied; it does literally shine), but it performs the job well. In this high-end tuner, you’ll find a dependable companion.

Graph Tech Electric Locking 3+3 Vintage 2 Pin Chrome

Graph Tech Ratio Locking Tuned Machine Heads - 3+3...
  • Electric Locking 3+3 Vintage 2 Pin Chrome
  • "The PRL-8341-B0 is a set of Ratio Locking Tuned Machine Heads for an...
  • It has a vintage shaped button, has a two pin casing and is finished in...

Graph Tech is one of the top manufacturers of locking tuners, because to its revolutionary and unique design processes. Instead of using traditional methods to make their tuner heads, they take a more creative and unusual approach. The gear ratio of most locking tuners is constant and consistent across all strings. This might lead to minor irregularities in the tuning heads, making them less effective.

This Graph Tech set includes a bespoke gear ratio for each tuner, allowing all of the machine heads to perform in a more harmonious and consistent manner. This may appear to be a tiny point, yet it makes a significant difference. Because of the machine heads’ distinctive shape, you can tune them by turning them the same amount. For example, if you wished to raise the pitch of a string by a complete tone, simply turn the machine head one full turn.

Another excellent feature of the PRL-8341-C0 locking tuners is their ease of installation. The InvisioMatch mounting plates that come with the tuners eliminate the need for drilling. The aesthetic of your instrument is unaffected by this invasive installation procedure. The machine heads entirely conceal the mounting plates, resulting in a low-profile, elegant appearance.

D’Addario Planet Waves auto-trim

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D'Addario Auto-Trim Tuning Machines - Locking...
  • AUTOMATICALLY CUTS EXCESS STRING WHILE TUNING: Trims excess string while...
  • EASY STRING CHANGES: The locking tuners make changing strings fast and...
  • SMOOTH AND PRECISE TUNING: The sealed gear box with lubricated gears...

The Auto-Trim locking tuners from Planet Waves are noted for their great tuning stability, ease of installation, and innovative features. The best feature of the planet waves auto trim is that it immediately cuts off abundance strings when you introduce a new string arrangement.

The D’Addario Auto-Trim Locking Tuning Machines are precise tuners that eliminate the need for bothersome string windings by removing excess string during string changes. While you’re tuning, these tuners will cut any excess strings. This eliminates the need for string scissors (or scissors in general), allowing for quick and easy string changes. Simply tie the string, secure the brace, and tune to pitch.

The 18:1 proportion worm gear development ensures greater precision than normal tuners and ensures tuning stability in all situations, even during the most strenuous playing. What’s more, the bundle includes 6 tuners as well as mounting accessories to make your life easier.