Gotoh auto locking-tuning instability

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C1-ocaster

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My new ESP E-II came with Gotoh auto locking tuners.
I HATE these things. Too finicky.
They do work at auto locking, so I gave myself some time to see if I could adjust to them.
NO!

I was starting to really hate this new ESP. Tune so a D chord sounds right and a G chord would be off.
Tune for the G and other basic chords were off.
Lots of intonation setting sessions in every possible way and still this guitar played out of tune.
When playing a basic E chord, non barre/bar, the low E would go flat.
New strings would take forever to stabilize and even after 2 weeks of playing if I tugged on one of the strings it would got way flat.
These Gotoh's can hold tune, and on hard strums strings would go flat. I think the mechanism that creates the auto lock must be messing with the actual tuning part.

I got a new set of Planet Waves thumb wheel locking tuners, put on a new of strings and tuning stabilized within about 10-15 minutes of playing. I could swear that that guitars tone is even better, though I don't see how the tuners could add anything.
But proof is in the pudding.

I've read here and other places that players like the Gotoh auto lockers, but this is my second set that I've had experience with and both sets fail in the same way.
Anyone else have this problem with their Gotoh auto lockers?

I LOVE the Planet Waves locking tuners. I may get my 4th set to put on the Strat.
 
oh yeah they SUCK...i thought it was only me having problems, i was using heavy gauge strings, but replaced them with schaller locking and problem fixed...i cant believe they still put those things on what is supposed to be a professional instrument.
 
I hate those things. Why ESP stopped using Sperzels on some models, I'll never understand.
 
I honestly don't think i can ever remember ever actually tracing a tuning problem back to tuners. I've had the Gotoh style and the cheapest ones known to man that either flop around like a fish or ones you need pliers to tighten.

Most always my problems are traced back to heavy gauge bottom strings binding in those crappy nuts that come on cheap guitars. Anything over .042 usually spells trouble.
 
nah bro, believe us, its these dang tuners, they cant take any bending without going flat....i cant believe they get past QC
 
I knew it was just my ESP.

I've emailed ESP about these CRAP tuners, but I don't expect to hear back. :)

BTW, I lube the nut slots and bridge saddle string contact points.
It's not string friction problem, it's those damn "tuners".
 
glassjaw7":1tlzokqz said:
Are these crappy tuners? http://www.ebay.com/itm/231155850674?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I need new tuners for my strat with 8mm holes.

I put the "ping" manufactured Fender lockers on my tele and I'm really happy with them, but they won't fit on the strat.
Click to expand...

I can't comment on those as I don't know.
I'm not a big fan of actual "vintage" tuners.
But modern tuners that look vintage work quite well.
Gotoh makes really great tuners, so I'm sure those are nice.

I don't know that you'll have much luck finding a good variety of modern tuners that fit 8mm.
But it's not that difficult to open those holes up and then you'll have a bigger choice of tuners.

My '91 American Strat Plus has locking Schaller's and they are very good tuners.
They've been very used over the years and there is a bit of play when transitioning up to down or the other way, but they still hold tune very nicely.
I'm thinking of putting a set of Planet Waves on the Strat, but I don't want to drill set screws in the head, so I'll probably just get a new set of Schaller's or Sperzel's.

I'm really liking these Planet Waves tuners. They are super smooth, accurate, and hold very well. They aren't the prettiest with the black post, but the rest of the tuner is solidly built and looks great.
Along with those locking Grover's are awesome. Love the feel of Grover's and they look very nice.
Locking Schaller and Sperzel's mount the same way, without a set screw.
I like the feel of Schaller's more so, but Sperzel's rock too.

Gotoh does make a manual locking tuner, and reviews on them have been very positive.
I don't have much experience with them however.
I know I absolutely HATE this Gotoh auto lockers.
If anyone wants a nearly brand new set cheap, just let me know. :)
They are chrome finished.
 
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