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Guitar Tuning Machines: The Complete Guide
Regardless of the quality of the components used to assemble your guitar kit, if your guitar is out of tune, it’s going to sound bad. As a result, there are few things more important to a guitarist than tuning stability e.g. a guitar's ability to remain in tune over time. And while there are various factors that can affect tuning stability including the condition of the strings, friction at the nut, and fluctuations in humidity (just to name a few), your guitar’s tuning machines play a vital role.
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However, with a wide variety of tuning machines available, how do you know what is best for you? Not all tuning machines are the same; each type suits different playing styles and guitar setups, and if you are building your dream guitar, aesthetics matter particularly for hardware components such as tuners.
At Guitar Kit World, we offer a variety of guitar kits that come with compatible tuning machines. Depending on your kit, your aesthetic choices, and the type of music you play, some tuners are going to be a better choice than others. With this in mind, in the following guide, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of tuning machines, including how they work, and the different types available, including open and sealed gear tuners, staggered post tuners, and vintage-style tuners.
So if you're curious about the differences between tuning machines, or are looking to improve your guitar's tuning stability, stay tuned!
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How Tuning Machines Work
While the purpose of this article is to help you decide on the right tuning machines for your guitar, it helps to have a basic understanding of how tuning machines work. In simple terms, tuning machines have two Particular roles.
First, they allow the guitar’s string tension to be adjusted (tuning the guitar), and second, they maintain consistent tension on the strings, keeping the guitar in tune (tuning stability).
They do this by utilizing a worm gear and pinion drive mechanism. When you turn the tuning button, it rotates the worm gear, which then drives the pinion gear which controls the tuning post.
This allows you to wind or unwind the string, increasing (raising the pitch) or decreasing the tension (lowering the pitch).
Gear Ratio
In terms of tuning the guitar, gear ratio is the most important consideration. Gear ratio refers to the number of turns the tuner’s button (aka peg) must make to rotate the tuning post (that the strings are wound around) by a full 360 degrees.
For example, a gear ratio of 18:1 means you must turn the knob 18 times to complete one full rotation of the tuning post. Higher gear ratios (anything over 18:1) allow for more precise tuning, while lower gear ratio tuners offer faster tuning but less precision.
Types of Tuning Machines
a. Open
Open-gear tuners expose the gears of the tuner. This means you can see the tuning mechanism (worm gear and pinion drive) in action when tuning, unlike sealed gear tuners which are enclosed in a metal casing, as per the example above.
While there are obvious aesthetic differences e.g. open gear tuners are more commonly associated with a vintage/retro aesthetic and more often seen on classic guitars such as vintage style hollow body guitars, and small body acoustic guitars, there are more than just aesthetics to consider.
For example, open-gear tuners are lighter. While this may not be a major factor for many, introducing extra weight to the headstock can affect the balance of the guitar to a small degree.
It’s also true that open gear tuners, by virtue of the fact that the gears are exposed require additional maintenance e.g. cleaning and lubrication. As the gears are exposed, dirt and grime accumulate over time affecting the performance of the tuners. I’ve experienced this first-hand, and while I love the classic look of an open-gear tuner, they tend to degrade over time unless regularly maintained and lubricated.
b. Sealed Gear Tuners
Sealed gear tuners on the other hand feature a sealed mechanism that protects the gears from dust, dirt, and moisture, ensuring smooth and stable tuning. Their durable construction provides enhanced longevity and consistent performance, making them a popular choice for both professional musicians and hobbyists. The sleek design also contributes to a clean aesthetic on the instrument.
My recommendation, unless you particularly want that classic look, sealed gear tuners are going to be a better option in the majority of cases. They typically have a higher gear ratio (allowing for more precise tuning) and require less maintenance. However, open-gear tuners offer a classic aesthetic that appeals to many.
c. Locking Tuners
Locking tuners are designed to minimize string slippage.
As the name suggests the strings are locked, or more accurately described as ‘clamped’ in place on the tuning post. Traditional tuners rely on the string being wrapped around the post multiple times to prevent string slippage, however locking tuners use a mechanism that clamps the string in place, meaning you are not required to wrap the strings around the posts.
Once the string is threaded through the tuning post the guitarist adjusts the locking wheel on the back of the tuner (see image above) to clamp the string firmly in place.
While they are more expensive, they offer a significant advantage with regard to tuning stability, especially for those who play more aggressive styles of music (e.g. guitarists who use
a tremolo system regularly) while also facilitating faster string changes as the strings do not need to be wrapped multiple times around the tuning post.
d. Staggered Post Tuners
Staggered post tuners feature tuning posts at ‘staggered heights,’ meaning the posts are shorter for the higher-pitched strings and longer for the lower-pitched strings. They are commonly found on 6-in-line headstocks, like those on S-style and T-style guitars.
One of the main benefits of staggered post tuners is that they eliminate the need for string trees—small metal guides attached to the headstock to maintain downward pressure on the strings. The longer posts (for the bass strings) create the correct break angle, which increases downward pressure on the nut improving tuning stability, reducing friction, and may enhance sustain.
As a result, staggered tuners keep the headstock free of clutter, and eliminate additional (potential) points of failure. For example, string trees add an additional point of contact between the nut and tuning machines, increasing friction. They can also affect tuning stability as the strings may catch on the string trees unless positioned correctly and maintained.
I’d recommend staggered tuners to anyone who wants to improve tuning stability, eliminate string buzz, or simply wants a clean-looking headstock.
e. Vintage Style Tuners
Vintage-style tuners, as the name suggests, replicate the look of the tuning machines used on guitars from the 50s and 60s. Featuring a closed-gear design with a split post. The buttons are typically small, rounded, and made from materials like plastic, ivory, or nickel-plated metal.
Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/freebird_71/43616921941/
They are usually favored by guitarists wanting to maintain the authentic, classic aesthetics of a vintage guitar and are often seen on L-style guitars.
These tuners are lighter than standard tuners, however, the main difference between vintage-style tuners and modern tuners in terms of functionality is that vintage tuners require more string wraps around the post.
This can impact tuning stability to a small degree, however, for those who value traditional looks vintage tuners provide a smooth feel and a retro charm.
Quick Tips for Upgrading Your Tuning Machines
If you are considering upgrading your tuning machines, keep in mind it’s easy to order the wrong type of tuning machines. The tips below should help:
- Always keep in mind if upgrading your tuners that you must consider the layout of your guitar’s headstock and if you require 3 per-side tuners or 6-inline tuners. Consider your guitar’s headstock thickness. This is especially the case for locking and staggered post tuners, as they usually have different post heights that may not fit all headstocks. For example, if the post is too short, it may not secure the string properly, and if it is too long, it may affect tuning stability.
- Lastly, always check the bushing size and hole diameter on your headstock to ensure your new tuners will fit correctly.
Final Thoughts - Choosing the Right Tuning Machines for You
I hope the information above helps you make a more informed decision when considering your guitar’s tuning machines in relation to your guitar kit, or if upgrading your tuning machines. In my experience, while many of the differences listed above are aesthetic, there are important considerations to take into account when putting together your own kit guitar as each of the components comes together to add to the look and feel of the guitar, helping you create the look and feel you most desire.
For example, if you are aiming for a retro aesthetic e.g. one of our L-style or Hollow Body style kits consider open gear or vintage style tuners. If you favor a modern, cleaner aesthetic consider staggered post tuners, removing the need for string trees. If for example, you play metal and use the tremolo aggressively e.g. an RG-style guitar kit with locking tuners is something you should consider. Lastly, if you are new to the hobby of building or playing guitars, consider a high-geared tuner that allows you to tune with greater precision.
Of course, there is plenty of overlap in the world of tuning machines. For example, many locking tuners come in staggered post heights, and many vintage-style tuners are available as locking tuners, giving you plenty of options to explore.
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