Guitar Machine Heads
Taming the Ghost in the Machine.
Do you like to make your guitar scream? Do you like bending the strings so high that they create a new level of squeal? How about slapping the whammy bar for that added “zazz” that makes a guitarist stand out the way that they’re supposed to?
If you don’t; keep playing and you will, eventually. For those of you that like to push your axe to its limits and then push it some more: have you ever gotten through pulling off an epic bend only to find that your E-string is now out-of-tune? It’s only halfway through your encore performance and now you either have to avoid the detuned string or bend it every time you play it, until the song ends.
Or, of course, you could always play through it and see how many people cover their ears, get up and leave, or worse, start pegging you with empty beer bottles and pool balls.
Now, whether or not you have encountered this problem (the detuning, not playing ‘dodge the projectiles’)before; keep playing and you will, eventually. So what can be done? Are there any “strings of destiny” that won’t fall out of tune? That would be awesome. If you come across them; we’d love to know where we can pick some up at.
So, maybe there’s a technique for avoiding the issue? Well, you could play softer and more reserved…; but, in the immortal words of Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers, Wayne’s World): “Shyeah, right.”
But, believe it or not, it may not be the strings that need to be changed. And it isn’t necessarily your technique that’s causing your guitar to sound like the local music shop’s ‘everyone-can-pick-it-up’ floor model. There is another vital guitar organ that may require surgical treatment or replacement: the machine head.
“No. Way.”
“Way.”
Welcome My Son, Welcome to the Machine
The machine head, or tuning machine, is one of the most essential parts of the guitar. All stringed instruments use some type of tuning mechanism in order to both hold the strings taught and adjust their tuning. However, there is another indispensable function that machine heads perform. This aspect is perhaps the most important role of the machine head and it is, (drumroll), keeping the strings in tune.
A guitar’s machine heads are located on the headstock and each string is threaded by its own tuning machine. The entire contraption, from the peg that you thread the string through to the finger-spun crank that is used to loosen or tighten the string, is the machine head. In case your last math class consisted of trying to get the girl behind you to come see your band play; that means there are six different machine heads on a six-string and twelve on a twelve-string. If you have a seven-string, count the machines and see if this is adding up correctly.
Rise of the Machines
Your tuning machines are as important as your bridge for getting the right tone and action from your strings. And not only is it essential for getting the right tone; it’s necessary for keepingthat tone; and, of course, the tune. So, what makes the machines do what they do? Well, they haven’t become self-aware (yet); so their ability to hold your strings in-tune starts with their construction and ends with the maintenance that is performed on them.
Breakdown, Go Ahead Give it to Me
By tightening the machine head, tension keeps the string in tune. Broken machine heads can be an occurring problem with acoustic guitars. Lack of humidity and warm temperature can cause the button to crack. Lack of lubrication in the machine head can also lead to cracking. A bump again a wall or chair can damage the tuners causing your out of tune noise.
Somebody Put Me Together!
So you’re tuning machines are broken? Guess you better throw away the guitar; we will take them off your hands; if you’d like. Not falling for it? Well, okay then what are you going to do? There are a few options other than buying a new guitar when your machines begin to fail.
-Learn how to fix or replace your tuning machines
-Have a professional fix or replace them
-Try “winging” it and possibly break something else on your guitar
If you decide to do the repairs yourself, and you can’t find the exact replacements for your guitar; it’s possible that you may need to fill the holes left by the faulty machines and drill new holes into your headstock to install your replacements. As many players enjoy repairing also, this may be an exciting process for many guitar players. However, if you’re planning on a quick-fix, this may not be what you have in mind. It is highly possible (and probable) for other issues to arise; such as another part breaking.
If you don’t want to break anything and you aren’t sure that your ready to learn“how-to” using the only guitar that you own for practicing surgery instead of scales; it is advisable to seek out a professional. Find a repairer that has a good reputation and have him/her fix it for you. If the tuning keys are beyond repair; then replacements are in order.
If you do decide to give it shot and you are not sure what to do, we can give you some idea.
Pick the Right Type
A classic guitar frequently has 3 tuners per side attached to a metal plate and can be purchased in a left or right side. The pegs may be composed of plastic, or finished in nickel, silver or gold. Since the machine head is exposed, they will need regular maintenance; including cleaning and lubrication.
An electric guitar typically has a sealed machine head. This simply means that the machine head is enclosed in a metal case. Electrics and acoustics usually are attached to the back of the guitar’s headstock and would look rather strange any other way. If you wish to try some adjustments, they can be made by turning the screw that is on the end of the tuning peg.
Gear Ratios
Gear ratios should also be taken into consideration when replacing your machine head. Ratios will, more times than not, fall into one of three categories: 15:1, 18:1, and 20:1. These ratios will determine how many times you must turn the knob in order for the string to rotate a complete 360°.
If you seek a tighter string that is less prone to fall out-of-tune, then a higher ratio should be implemented; as this ratio allows for finer adjustments.
If adjustments don’t work and you don’t want to fix them yourself; the only thing short of buying a new guitar is buying new machine heads. However, sometimes finding specific model’s machines can be difficult; even impossible. So, if you are fortunate enough to find the machine heads that belong on your guitar; it is advisable to buy them. Many players will buy 1 or 2 extra the day the buy a new guitar; just in case.
Can’t find the machine heads for your axe? Well, don’t worry too much. There are many alternatives manufactured by leading companies.
Fender™ Machine Heads
At various prices, a set of six chrome-finished Fender tuning machines is an ideal purchase for many guitars. These can be replacements on the American Deluxe Series guitars. These are definitely a quality product. The gears have a 16:1 gear ratio*, the installation is easy and soon you will be back to playing!
Gotoh™ Tuning Machines
For a competitively priced set of machine heads, Gotoh can’t be beat. Gotoh carries their exclusive “lubri-plate” gears, which are permanently lubricated. For long-lasting precision and tune-ability, Gotoh is an excellent choice. They also carry a line of open back tuners with brass gear wheels that accent a classic or customize a late-model for vintage aficionados and guitarists that want to add some uniqueness to their appearance.
Schaller™ Tuning Machines
Another brand, Schaller™, was one of the first to use sealed and lubricated housing for their machine heads. They were the first to patent the locking machine head. If you experience issues with your strings falling out of tune, these tuners are an excellent choice.
Waverly™
If you like your strings to be held tighter and more stable; look no further than Waverly™ for your machine heads. These are highly efficient gears with top end accuracy in alignment. The stainless steel version is the choice of many guitarists; mainly due totheir durability and long-lasting quality. Both, a 16:1 gear ratio* and Waverly’spatented bushings help to eliminate any looseness issues you may be experiencing. These are very solid tuners and they have a distinguished appearance on the headstock of most guitars.
TonePros™
If you are the type of guitarist that won’t settle for anything but the best; we commend you and point you towards TonePros™ KB3L locking guitar machine heads. Theses come with a 15:1* ratio and include vintage buttons in its locking format. The machine head’s locking mechanism is easy to use and keeps your strings where they need to be: in-tune. TonePros TPKB3 series was developed in order for guitarists to retrofit newer guitar with a vintage appearance.
Sperzel USA
My first aftermarket machine heads I ever owned was a set of Sperzel Trim-loks, and to this day, I still think is one of the best machine head products available. Many guitarists consider these to be the best conventional locking tuners anywhere - at any price. Sperzel machine heads have absolutely NO string post wobble, and they are awesome for tremelo guitars. Made in the good ol' US of A with a 12:1 ratio, they are machined from solid billet aluminum to very tight tolerances. They've also got a cool drop tuner called the "D" thing that I've heard good things about.
Machine heads are a vital part of your guitar. Taking the time to learn about them and replacing them when needed will help your guitar stay in tune.
Now go ahead, grab your guitar, crank it up and remember - you can't tune a fish, but with the right guitar machine heads, you can tune a guitar.
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