Guitar Gear Forum

Hey all. I’m going through a string change on my 85 Les Paul and the tuning keys feel super loose until I get some proper string tension on them. I figure these are probably near end of life. I’m not worried about replacing them as far as guitar value because this guitar is pretty much mine and only mine unless I sell it back to my friend or his family (it was his step dads and his step dad sold it to me. Dude can’t play anymore due to rheumatoid arthritis). Which, to be honest, they’re pretty happy with me keeping up the instrument. Plus I’d keep the OG tuners in a bag in the case.

So these are stock Gibson Kluson style tuners. I know straight replacements can be fairly inexpensive. I’m also considering Kluson locking tuners. Or Gotohs. Any input on those or other locking tuners would be appreciated. I do NOT want to have to drill new holes. And tuning stability isn’t my issue. The nut on the guitar is cut well so I would also be perfectly happy with non locking tuners but having a few guitars with locking tuners, I do appreciate the convenience. And that’s all this is. Convenience.

Grovers, Gotohs should fit in the standard Gibson hole pattern, except that you would only use one screw on. The bottom hole. But they fit right in without modifications.
I prefer Gotoh hardware above just about anything but the Grovers are fine too.
Hipshot has that mounting plate system that doesn't require any screws so no new holes.
Kluson also has some drop in locking tuners.
I'd go with locking tuners just for the ease to change strings. And the difference between a set of locking tuner vs standard tuners is 10-20 bucks so

Yeah I’m thinking the Kluson Revolutions would be the best bet. I looked at the gotoh SD90s too. Just need a different push in bushing that they sell separate. The Klusons will be the easiest I think so that’s probably what I’ll do.

I would also recommend the GraphTech Ratio tuners, which come with six sets of mounting plates, depending on the guitar. They are locking, and they take a single turn to tune a whole tone.

I’ll look into those too.

Get the Klusen Supreme 18:1 replacement tuners. They are an awesome upgrade yhat makes getting perfect tuning easy. Also they hold tune so much better than OE. Direct no extra added or exposed old screw holes either.