Graph Tech Ratio locking tuned machine heads - Gimmick or worth a shot?

[elgravos]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has given these a shot yet?

http://www.graphtech.com/products/brands/ratio/product-detail/prl-8341-c0-ratio-locking-tuned-machine-heads---electric-3-3-vintage-chrome-2-pin?id=20ffbc2b-e6dc-4d11-8e7f-389975c18cc0

Don't care all that much about the tuning ratio part, though it would probably be pretty cool once you get into it if it works...  I am on the other hand excited about locking tuners that I can retrofit on a vintage Kluson set up LP without drilling extra holes in the headstock thanks to their "invisomatch" mounting plates (sounds a bit like something you'd put on your teeth - but I digress)... so the big question: is this a gimmick or a solid product.

Appreciate feedback from any early adopters on the forum.

Cheers as always.

 

[mayfly]

Don't know about that one, but there's always these:

http://g-gotoh.com/international/product/sd90.html

Available in locking versions and all kinds of options.  gotoh has always been a pretty rock solid manufacturer.

Go to JapParts (http://www.japarts.ca/) if the regular suppliers don't stock the exact one you want.

Update:  the locking one looks a little, er, funny.  Might not appeal because of that:

 

[elgravos]

Indeed.  Looks like kluson are makjng some as well. Look very similar to the gotohs. I wonder if there is some contract manufacturing going on here.

http://www.kluson.com/revolution.html#g-locking-plastic

 

[Ace Flibble]

RE the Graph Techs, I've installed them on a few guitars already. (Not my own, friends/clients'.) they work perfectly if you're using a fairly standard gauge, tuning, and scale length. To give an example of where they worked fine and where they didn't, one guitar I've put them on is 25.5" scale, using 0.0095 strings tuned to Eb, and they work perfectly; another was 24" scale with 0.0105 strings tuned DADDAD and, unsurprisingly, that one didn't work out at all well. When you go for an unusual combination with those graph tech tuners, you basically get the opposite effect, with any 'odd' strings jumping very sharp or flat.

I'd recommend them for people using a very standard set up, but for anybody who likes an unusual combination, or simply wishes to change tune often, I'd recommend the Tronical systems instead. (a.k.a. The automatic retuning system Gibson ships on 2014, 2015, and HP 2016 guitars.) It locks just as solidly and all your tuning concerns are taken care of better.
And if you're not keen on the Tronical system—objectively it is the best option, but I understand some people don't like the aesthetic—then I'd save your money and go with whatever regular locking tuners you like. The Graph Techs are nice, but not really worth the premium they ask for.

I mean, I've not considered putting them any of my own guitars, as if I'm spending that much I'd rathr put on a Tronical system, or I'll just go for Planet Waves' auto-trim locking tuners, which are more stable than the Graph Tech ones.

 

[elgravos]

I can see where that would be an issue - especially as this is my open / experimental tuning guitar.

Think I will go with the locking Klusons for this one - they are the closest looking to the originals and most likely to fit without further tweaks.  The electronic system just isn't for me.

Might try the Graph Techs later on a new build that doesn't require retrofitting.  I still like the idea.

Cheers.