Locking Tuners - all pretty much the same?

[Cederick]

You're instincts are right, go with what looks aesthetically best.  Which looks best to you, I'm curious.  I like the planet waves and hip shots.  They both have a high turn ratio. The pws automatically cut your string.  The hipshots come in staggered sets with an ump plate so no holes, and the open backs look cool.  Some here have had bad luck with the pws.  Me only good luck.
Both companies are in New York State, so I could drive to the corporate headquarters to return them if I ever had a problem ... Where do you live?

What are bad luck with PWs? I'm awaiting a set for a strat I'm putting together (bright red noname strat body with Warmoth neck :laughing7: )

 

[Rick]

years ago I had a PW post fall out, I notified Planet Waves and they sent me a new one.  Excellent customer service.  Other than that they've been stellar!  If the hipshots had the string cutter they'd be super awesome.  Right now they are just ordinary awesome. 

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Do the PW's still have posts that remain the same height (no stagger) throughout the lineup?

That's the one thing that has kept me from using them, also, not fond of their buttons, but those could be swapped out I guess.

 

[SustainerPlayer]

Do the PW's still have posts that remain the same height (no stagger) throughout the lineup?

Yes.

 

[Jumble Jumble]

One option we haven't talked about is the Graph Tech Ratio tuners. At NAMM this year they announced the locking version, so they've become relevant to the thread.

I really like the idea of these - one turn is about one tone, whatever string you're tuning. Haven't used them, but I think I might get a gold set on my next build.

 

[Cederick]

I know these. But it's stupid not being able to match it with the rest of the hardware 

Think of the awesome visual possibilities with for example a chrome red Floyd Rose and matching hardware on a graffiti yellow guitar  :icon_biggrin: