Guitar tuning machines

Choosing the Right Guitar Tuners

In summary: The right choice depends on 3 criteria: the configuration (6 in line or 3+3), the drilling of your headstock (8.75 mm or 10 mm), and the type of guitar (electric, folk, classical).

Configuration: 6 in line or 3+3?

6 in line: all tuners on the same side. Standard format for Stratocaster, Telecaster, or Jazzmaster type guitars. Common brands: Gotoh, Wilkinson, Fender, Kluson.

3+3: 3 tuners on each side. Format for Les Paul, SG, or ES-335 type guitars. Common brands: Gotoh, Grover, Schaller, Kluson.

Always check your headstock configuration before ordering.

Vintage or modern?

The often forgotten criterion: the drilling diameter.

• Vintage: 8.75 mm drilling — for vintage guitars or faithful reissues

• Modern: 10 mm drilling — standard on most current guitars

A modern tuner will not fit into a vintage drilling without reaming. Conversely, there are adapters allowing you to mount vintage tuners on a neck designed for modern tuners. Measure before buying.

Locking Tuners

Locking tuners clamp the string at the peg. Result: less slippage, more stable tuning, faster string changes. Recommended if you use a vibrato or play live.

Folk and Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic tuners have larger buttons and a higher gear ratio (often 18:1) for more precise tuning.

Classical Guitar

Classical guitars use roller tuners (or cylinder tuners), mounted on a plate. The drilling and spacing are specific, they are not interchangeable with electric or folk tuners.