Locking tuners... - ...in my JEM7DBK

BeastofLove · #1 02-01-2002, 01:10 PM

Just a quick question:
I want to put in a set of chrome Sperzel locking tuners in my 7DBK- for me it would be worth the $59 investment, and would facilitate the speed of the whole string changing / tuning experience. I would still use the locking nuts, just that the Sperzels would be another added convenience when string changing.

ANYHOW- I wanted to know if anyone else has done this. Specifically, will the new Sperzels just pop in as a perfect replacement for the original tuners (e.g. no drilling required).

Thanks,

-Ben

**jemsite** · #2 02-01-2002, 01:13 PM

Quote:

BeastofLove on 12:10 pm on Feb. 1, 2002
I would still use the locking nuts,

Save your money is my advice. I see no benefit, including string changes. But it's your call... glen

pri0531 · #3 02-01-2002, 01:22 PM

At G3 I asked Vai why he had the locking tuners on EVO and he stated "It is some crazy thing that Thomas did and he says it easier to string up". *My advice would be to leave the stock tuners on your DBK.
Out,
GP

BeastofLove · #4 02-01-2002, 01:40 PM

Thank you for your advice...
[nerd] But to quote Bill Shatner in Star Trek III, "The word...is 'no'. I am therefore going anyway". [/nerd]

So- the question still remains: will Sperzels just pop in as a perfect replacement for the original tuners (e.g. no drilling required)?

-Ben

vaijem777 · #5 02-01-2002, 04:36 PM

Nope. *The stabilizing post on Sperzels is in a different location than on the Gotohs/DBK stock tuners. *So, you'd need to drill a small hole on the back of the headstock for each machine head that the stabilizing post will fit into (it's the small metal nub that goes against the back of the headstock-keeps the machine head from turning around). *I believe the stock tuners have a single screw that serves the same purpose. *Sperzels would not be a retro-fit, but the Gotoh locking tuners may fit directly with no modifications

CrossingStar · #6 02-01-2002, 06:07 PM

You'll probably have to widen the post holes, too. Another benefit I've heard about Sperzels is that, because they're heavier than stock tuners, you're adding mass to the headstock end of the guitar and increasing sustain, like a "Fathead".

ScottB · #7 02-02-2002, 01:27 AM

Save your $$$$$! I got this tip from Rich:

Insert the plain end of your string through the tuning post first.
Pull the string through until the ball end meets the post - voila - locking tuners!
Cut the string about an inch longer than the locking saddle on your trem.
Lock the strings into the bridge and snug 'em up.

BeastofLove · #8 02-02-2002, 11:53 AM

I totally forgot about reading that- thanks for reminding me ScreamJem7! I will be doing that from now on.

Also, after sleeping on it, the thought of closing on my 1st house on March 15th, and the desire to get LGM to inlay chrome/MOP/faux abalone pyramids on my DBK neck, I think it's best if I DON'T spend the cash on a mere convenience item like tuners.

Thanks for all your input, Bretheren of Jemsite.

-Ben