Locking tuners help: maybe I should learn to read before impulse-buying

Gear
#1

I impulse-bought some locking tuners for my strat on Reverb, only to realise after installation that they were “ALL SHORT” (yes it was capitalized in the advert, I just don’t read things anymore).

I can still mount the strings with them but the angle of the string reaching the nut is kinda wrong, plus the low E is touching the wood of the neck.

Can this create any problems in the long term? (beyond the low E scratching the neck a bit)?

PS: I just realised after posting that the four higher strings will be fine thanks to the guides. The only potential issues are with the A and E

PPS: why do they even sell the “ALL SHORT” version? Don’t fender guitars all need the staggered version?

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#2

I think that Fender guitars use a staggered height, but that guitars that have a tilted headstock will have a uniform height. The string tree is an obvious hack and they wanted more force pushing the nut down. I’m guessing your low size will slightly increase the forces pushing the nut into the neck, and this could be desirable… there are a few luthiers on this website, perhaps they will comment.

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#3

What is the brand of the locking tuners that you bought? This is the first I’ve heard of “all short” tuning posts!

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#4

It probably won’t be an issue at all. The break angle on your low E and A is a bit steep,but no steeper than on an angled headstock such as Gibson or Jackson. Honestly I would do some experiments.

I’m guessing you’ve had the guitar for a while, and thus know it’s ins and outs. Go nuts on the whammy bar, give it some big bends on the low strings, and see how the tuning stability is. If it’s stable, no problem!

I can’t quite see from the picture whether your low E string is touching the rosewood. If it is, you’ll end up with a mark on the wood, but that’s it.

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#5

Yeah, I think you’re getting at the only thing I’d be worried about - binding where the string touches the neck on the low strings.

I remember seeing Gibson ads back in the day arguing a steeper break angle from their backward angled headstock improved tone over a Strat. Could be true, could be BS, but I don’t think break angle alone is a concern.

If it IS binding, and you don’t want to order another two or three taller ones for the E-A or E-A-D, then is it something where you could take a file to that part of the fretboard extension behind the nut to lower it below the string?

Also, what kind of locking tuners are those, Fenders? I’m 99% sure my spare set is matte silver and not chrome, but I can check.

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#6

Hey all!

Sorry for the delay in responding and thanks for the answers!

The tuners are indeed Fender brand, but it makes sense that they would not be staggered if they are made for other types of guitar with tilted headstock — I think :thinking:

Yep that seems to be the only major issue. For now I did a stupid hack and put some insulating tape on the neck behind the nut.

Uuuh tempting! I would happily do a swap if there’s anything you could use an all-short set for. However I think the UK-USA shipping logistics may not be obvious to figure out, we might both end up re-paying the full price of the things :D!

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#7

The more points on the guitar your strings are touching the worse is the tuning stability. I don’t know how big of an issue that is, so it’s up to you whether to keep it like that.

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#8

hahaha Awesome. I have impulse bought so much stupid crap that I should have my own music store! My advice; Take those off, get the tall ones and put THOSE in lol You will be happier!

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#9

I think you meant to say, “get the staggered ones” (that have something like three heights, short, medium, and tall). I’m not familiar with Fender-branded tuners, I only know about Sperzel, but I assume Fender dose something similar.

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#10

Lol do not encourage my bad habits!

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#11

hahaha I meant “go buy more!” lol

I find if I throw enough money at a problem it eventually goes away, one way or another… hahaha

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#12

Yeah, I’m afraid in this post-tariff environment, things could get ugly. :laughing:

Worst case, the staggered set is three tall, three short, so you could just order another three and not be much worse off.