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.
{ 51 comments }
Your blog was absolutely full of valuable advice when it comes to repairing or replacing your machine head. I was not aware of the maintenance that could help you prolong the life of the machine head and I am not sure how many people really do. My sister-in-law plays the guitar all the time and I don’t know that she was aware that she needs to oil the machine head especially on her acoustic guitar.
I never knew there was so much to the guitar. I play the drums and I think I’m glad that I do after reading your blog. Now granted there are things you have to do to take care of the drums, but nothing like this. Thank you for posting this information I know have a new found respect for my cohorts in music. I look forward to more of your blogs in the future.
I understand how you can easily oil an acoustic guitar because it is open but how do you oil the closed head of the electric guitar? You probably mentioned that in your blog but there was so much great information in there that I probably just missed it. I’ll have to go back and read that again it was a great blog and you included everything I think you could want to know.
I knew a guy once that was so talented when it came to the guitar that he could be playing, singing and break a string and never miss a beat. I never knew there was so much to know about guitars just to take care of them properly. It’s one of those things that you see people play and set down on the stand and you just assume it doesn’t change after it is tuned.
I don’t play a guitar but this blog was very interesting. As I was reading it I was thinking about the guys that I have sat and watched play that are absolute genius’ when it comes to the guitar. Now I know that they are even better then what I thought, the things they have to know to take care of those guitars and to keep them in tune is just amazing.
Yea, I concur. No self respecting rocker would ever want to tone down their playing style just to preserve their strings or worse, to avoid pissing off the neighbors. I got a chuckle from the Pink Floyd reference in the heading of the second part of this article. And then the Terminator references in the paragraph that followed it. And finally, don’t think I didn’t notice that cryptic machine head / Bush reference in the paragraph that followed. It was a fun read.
It is obvious that you love playing the guitar and you know what you are talking about and what you are doing when it comes to taking care of them. I can not tell you how many of these I have had to replace because I didn’t know I could repair them, nor did I know about the maintenance aspect. I wish I would have had this information a couple of years ago.
I just started playing the guitar about a month ago. I am glad that I ran across this blog on how to maintain them before I bought my own and didn’t know any of this. If it so happens that you have to replace the machine heads or repair them about how much does that run? And how much is the oil that it takes to keep from having to replace or repair them?
I have been trying to make my guitar scream and bend the strings but now that I have read this I’m thinking my parents may not like the idea of having to replace or repair the machine heads if I do. Thank you for the warning you probably saved me a lecture that would have gone on for hours. One of these days though I will make it scream.
Is there a special oil that you have to use when you oil your machine heads? Can you find someone qualified to repair your guitar at any music store? I really enjoyed your blog, you put a lot of information in there and surprisingly didn’t repeat yourself once. You also put it together very well and I loved the since of humor in some of your comments.
I think for awhile I need to take the softer and more reserved approach because I just started playing and my parents would not appreciate me breaking a guitar that they just bought. Thank you for all the advice though I will print it and keep it for when this does happen and I have to fix it my self.
I know some very talented guitar players that have had this very thing happen to them so if it happens to them how do you know how often you are supposed to do maintenance on these guitars to prevent it because I would have thought they would have known that and been able to prevent this from happening but apparently I was wrong
I have heard of bending the strings and making a guitar scream but I do not know how to do it, that is probably for a different blog all together. This was very interesting though, I have heard people do this and I have seen people keep playing when they break a string etc. when they break a string is it for the same reason?
Do you have to use a special oil to oil the heads on the acoustic guitar since it is an open face? Some oils will dry out won’t they? I do find it interesting that you have to oil the acoustic more than they electric but you bend the electric far more or make it scream anyway. I don’t think I have heard some body make an acoustic scream as they call it.
This was very interesting I just started playing the guitar so I don’t think I will be doing any bending or screaming for awhile but it is good to know the maintenance part of a guitar before you actually need it. Did you know that in all the lessons I have had the teacher doesn’t teach you about the maintenance? I am thinking that this should be something that is taught in class as well.
You have done an excellent job putting this blog together you have brought things up in this blog that should be brought up when you take guitar lessons and most of the time it isn’t. You have put a lot of helpful information out there for the taking and I appreciate it. I look forward to your next blog you do excellent work.
Can you teach someone how to make a guitar scream over the internet? I would love to learn how to do this and if there is anyone that can do it I think it would be you. You seem to really know your stuff when it comes to guitars and what they can do. This was a great blog and it has a lot of information that can be used to prevent breakage.
You know this sounds very complicated and like it could get bothersome at times, I think I will just stick with the drums they are far less work. I had thought about taking up the guitar but now I am not so sure. Maybe I will look into a saxophone or trumpet or something I think they are less maintenance as well.
I understand oiling the machine heads and keeping them from getting brittle but are you supposed to rub oil all the way down the strings as well? Otherwise don’t they get brittle and break easier? I was also wondering if that was how they slide up and down those strings as easy as they do? You did a great job with this and I look forward to any other information you may have.
Thank you for the step by step instructions on how to repair or replace the machine heads if need be, I printed it off for future reference because with the way I play I foresee this happening to me in the near future and I don’t want someone else messing with my guitar. Maybe by doing the suggested maintenance from your blog I can prevent it though.
When tuning your guitar is it possible to over tighten the strings there by causing them to break? I haven’t done this for very long so I’m still learning how to tune my guitar and get the right tones out of it, is there an easy way to accomplish this that I am missing or do I just have to keep playing it by ear so to speak. I’m always afraid of over tightening them.
I am a big music aficionado, but I am by no means a guitar player. So it was not until I read this article that I realized why Gavin Rosdale (from the rock group, Bush) wrote and titled one of my favorite songs, “Machine Head. An to think all this time, I thought the song’s title was a reference to motorcycle riders. I had no idea it was a guitar or guitar player reference. I guess I’m not as super hip as I thought.
Thanks man this explains a lot. I have been having trouble keeping my guitar tuned for quite some time now and couldn’t for the life of me figure out why, now this all makes since. I will be checking it out this afternoon to see what I can figure out off of your advice. Thank you so much for the heads up I’ll let you know if that doesn’t fix the problem.
Oh my gosh I’m so glad I ran across this blog, I was just on here looking for how to repair information and I ran across this what a stroke of luck. I just got my guitar for Christmas and I was jamming the other day really hard and something happened to my guitar. I am hoping it was something like this because my parent s will freak if I have to have it repaired.
I’ve been playing the guitar for quite some time now and this has happened to me numerous times as is expected. I can tell you this you did the best job explaining what happens and how to fix it or prevent it then any other blog or web site I have seen. The oiling technique is great advice for some one who is serious about playing and wants to prolong the life of their guitar.
Very informative blog thanks for the tips I hope that you continue to write more. Do you have any tips about other instruments and how to maintain them as well or are you just a guitar guy? Perhaps you know of someone that can give us some advice on taking care of a brass instrument? I look forward to reading your next blog I found this one very interesting.
Great job with your blog you have put together a lot of great information and tips for maintaining your guitar and prolonging the life of the strings and machine heads. You can tell that you know your stuff when it comes to guitars and I appreciate the advice. Is it a good idea to make sure it is properly oiled before you attempt to make it scream?
Guitars are precision instruments and they need to be taken care of in just the right way, from your advice I can tell that you know that and you are sharing it with music lovers around the world. What is the best way to oil the acoustic machine heads without getting the oil everywhere but keeping it on the machine heads long enough to do any good? Great blog, I learned a lot from you.
I’ve learned a great deal from your post, I have only been playing for about three months now and I’m just now learning how to speed pick and bend the strings and such, so this information is good to know. As you said If I keep playing it will happen to me but I am hoping to avoid it as long as possible by making sure everything is oiled and taken care of properly.
My brother did this to his guitar and didn’t know that it could be fixed so he trashed it. When I show him this he is going to flip out, it’s a good thing I pulled it out of the trash when he left and I have kept it for him sense to see if I could find someone to fix it. Now with this information he can fix it himself, thank you so much.
Caleb don’t feel bad I thought the same thing about that song when it first came out. It does make a lot more since now though. I am glad that I was not the only unhip one out there. I also found it interesting that I didn’t know what those parts were called until now so I am a real loser when it comes to things music.
Machine heads? I never even knew these things had names. I don’t play the guitar but it is very interesting still that they need oiled, I would have never thought that you had to oil a guitar, brass instruments yes, but a guitar? Does that mean you would have to oil the violin and other stringed instruments as well? I am going to ask my music teacher about this.
This was very interesting, I Iearned something about guitars that I never knew. There is actual maintenance that has to be done to a guitar to keep it sounding the way it does. You know you look at things and think that sounds good and looks good but you never think about what has to be done to keep it that way. This was a very interesting blog even though I don’t play.
I have an electric guitar and it has a closed machine head but I can not find where you can put the oil like you described in your blog? Is it possible that there are guitars that don’t have to have this done? My acoustic guitar is easy enough but that isn’t the one that I tend to make scream so I am a bit concerned about my other one. Is there anymore information.
I don’t play any kind of instrument yet but I was researching them for possibilities and was surprised to find that you have to do so much to a guitar. If I am getting one just to play casually to relax I shouldn’t have to worry as much about this should I? Do you have any information on other instruments or are you strictly a guitar guy?
I have book marked your page so that I can come back to it at another time. I was actually searching for something else when I ran across this and I have a guitar that I have never done any maintenance to. I am on a deadline right now but I will return to get these instructions. Great job with your blog by the way it caught my attention.
You have given quite a few options for locking machine heads in your blog. I see there are particular ones that you like better than others like the Sperzel Trim-loks. I know you said that to this day you think they are the best but what is your second choice because I am having a hard time finding these for a decent price. Where did you get yours, were they priced fairly good?
I have had issues with my guitar for awhile now, I like the idea of the TonePros locking machine heads. Have you tried these on any of your guitars? Do you like them if you have? You have a lot of great information in your blog and you really seem to know what you are talking about. Thank you for the Gear ratio information as well that is something I’ll need.
How do you figure your gear ratio? It sounded sort of complicated but I’m sure I can figure it out. You’re right when you were talking about finding replacement machine heads sometimes being hard to do if at all possible, I have been searching for replacements for mine for a long time now and I may have to go with an alternative, but who do you trust to make the alternatives and make them right?
I do a lot of sound editing with software. So I can appreciate the technical aspects of any software as well as musical instrument. I have never played the guitar, but like a lot of people, I have my share of pipe dreams about learning and mastering the guitar one day. What I do know is that like anything valuable that produces some thing of value, in this case provocative music, it must be cared for and maintained.
Thank you for sharing this information with us it has been a great help and the tips you gave about locking machine heads and Gear ratios will come in very handy. I have to replace my gear heads and I am considering one of those locking ones you spoke of if I can find one for my make of guitar. It is obvious that you love the guitar and everything about it, keep it up.
On the locking machine heads how often do they fall out of tune? And how often do they need oiled as well? You were talking earlier in your article about if we founds some machine heads that didn’t fall out of tune to let you know so obviously even the locking ones do I just want to know how often, is it worth the investment if they fall out as often as the non-locking ones.
Your blog was put together very well, I really enjoyed the down to earth humor that in injected at every turn. You have a natural knack for talking to every generation in a way that the understand and enjoy. Not only was you blog educational it was entertaining and that is a quality that a lot of people miss. I hope you continue to post more information.
I was going to try and fix my guitar myself until you mentioned that you may have to drill holes in the headstock to replaces the heads and fill in the old holes. How easy is it when drilling new holes to split the headstock down the middle? That would create a huge problem and you would most likely have to throw away the guitar then. I’m thinking a pro is the way to go.
I was reading your blog and the first thing that came to mind was this sure sounds like a costly thing to have to deal with just for a few minutes to show off how you can make your guitar scream. Maybe you should have a junk guitar to show off on and then keep your nice one intact without repairs. How much do new machine heads cost anyway. that is something you didn’t mention?
I’ve had my guitar for awhile now and I really don’t care for the oiling process that has to be done ever so often. I was reading your blog and ran across the Gotoh Tuning Machine that is permanently lubricated so it is easy to tune etc. in all actuality though when they say “permanently how long does it really last before you have to either buy a new one or start oiling them again?
Is the Schaller Tuning Machine a permanently lubricated machine head as well, it says sealed and lubricated housing, which leads me to believe you can’t oil it yourself? I like the idea of having a sealed housing with locking machine heads so you don’t have to oil it or tune it all the time. I will have to research this one some more but it sounds promising.
This will be very helpful when I take my guitar apart to try and figure out what it’s problem is. The machine heads won’t stay tight at all, I tighten the strings and the first time I run a pick of them they are loose again. Would that indicate a broken machine head? I will take it apart as I said and see what I come up with and let you know.
I took my guitar apart and bought the replacement machine heads and when I got them I could get the guitar back together, then I read your blog about the fact that you might have to drill new holes in the headstock. Is it possible to crack the headstock doing that? Should I take the pieces to a pro to put them back together? This was something I didn’t count on.
I made a huge mistake with my guitar now I have to either get a new one or foot the bill for a professional to fix it. My advice to anyone reading this blog is to make sure what you are doing before you try it. I tried it without reading this blog, I think it would have helped if I had read this first. You have some great information in your blog thank you.
I read your blog and I did what you said but it still didn’t work, the machine heads on my guitar still do not hold the strings tight for more than one song. I’m not saying that your advice was wrong I’m just saying I think there is something more wrong, so don’t freak out if you try something and it doesn’t work. I’ll take to a shop and see what they have to say.
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