Having a guitar in most cases is just like having a home. You keep adding things to make it better and more comfortable. If you are having a problem maintaining tuning stability with your Les Paul, then it is definitely time to consider getting a locking tuner. A guitar that goes out of tune often will jeopardize not just the fun of playing but also your tone and reputation as a guitar player. There is nothing as annoying and musically demeaning in the guitar world as playing an out-of-tune guitar. This only gets more terrible if you are also using a tremolo or “wah-wah,” or doing some heavy and drastic string bending.
The good news is that getting a guitar to stay in tune isn’t rocket science or quantum physics, it can be as easy as getting a locking tuner. Although many other factors like temperature, guitar nut, string size/quality, bridge, and pickup contribute to tuning instability, for the most part, getting a locking tuner will help solve this problem. In this article, I am going to present to you five best locking tuners for your Les Paul guitar.
 | 1. Best affordable Les Paul locking tuner: Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock This locking tuner features top-notch tuning stability, amazing aesthetic design, great feel and finish, and some sturdiness/rigidity while being surprisingly affordable. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2. Best value Les Paul locking tuner: Gotoh Magnum Lock This is an “all in one” kind of locking tuner that works just fine and also comes from a reputable brand – it features removable metal handles and mounting hardware which include six strung hex bushings, washers, and mounting screws. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best Les Paul locking tuner for aggressive tremolo use: D’Addario Planet Waves auto-trim With an auto-trim feature that eliminates the need for a string cutter, tuning becomes quick and fun; this is an amazing tuner for players who use the tremolo is a bit more often. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4. Best “Easy to Install” Les Paul locking tuner: GROVER 406C6 Instead of having a separate knob on the bottom of the tuner body that locks the string to the post, the Locking Rotomatic by Grover features a unique interlocking cam post mechanism that locks the string with the first few twists of the main knob – also very easy to install. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best Les Paul locking tuner for vintage-sized peg holes: Gotoh SD90 MG-T The perfect locking tuner for peg holes that are vintage-sized – this tuner needs no drilling or modification of any sort to the guitar neck. | Buy on Amazon |
Best 5 Locking Tuners For Les Paul Reviewed
Best affordable Les Paul locking tuner: Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock
If you are looking for a mix of effective, sleek-looking, and low cost, then you might want to consider getting this locking tune for your Les Paul. Just like other brands like the Grover, Hipshot is also a popular and reputable brand in the locking tuner world. The Hipshot 6GLO locking tuners are phenomenal. Despite the low price, its overall build quality is clean and the tuning stability it offers is top-notch.
Hipshot tuners remain one of the best locking tuners for brands like the Gibson Les Paul or Epiphone. They are not only fast but also quite a simple upgrade as they require no changes or drilling. It comes with a standard gear ratio of 18:1 which makes it just suitable for most people. Rating the tuning stability of this amazing locking tuner, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it is smooth, clean, and perfect once installed. The overall aesthetics only adds an extra layer of perfection to it. It weighs 9.1 ounces and has a dimension of 7.9 x 3.6 x 2.5 inches. Also, it has a 3+3 headstock configuration – this means it covers all your six strings/peg holes.
Pros;
- The tuning stability is top-notch
- Looks super attractive
- Built to last
- Great feel and finish
- Affordable for most players
Cons;
- Might not fit some headstocks
Best Value Les Paul locking tuner: Gotoh Magnum Lock
With a lot of good reviews from Les Paul guitar players, the Gotoh Magnum lock although a bit pricey is specially designed to fit guitars like the Les Paul. If you are looking for a “all in one” kind of locking tuner that works just fine and also comes from a reputable company, then you might want to consider this. I call it “all in one” because the Gotoh Magnum comes with everything you will need to get it working on your Les Paul right out of the pack – you don’t need to purchase any additional accessory before you can start using it. Also, it is designed to be both effective and long lasting.
It has a special polymer layer that eliminates the need for oil and keeps the lubrication just where it’s needed. This way, you can be assured that the tuner will last for a long time. Just like the previous tuner we talked about, it has an 18:1 gear ratio and requires 10mm (13/32-inch) diameter peg holes. It also comes with removable metal knobs, threaded hex bushings, washers, and mounting screws (6 each). For a sleek look, it has a gold finish.
Pros;
- The removable metal handles make it more versatile than another locking tuner
- It comes with its mounting hardware which includes six strung hex bushings, washers, and mounting screws
- One of the best and most reputable locking tuners in the market
Cons;
- Not very affordable
Best Les Paul locking tuner for aggressive tremolo use: D’Addario Planet Waves auto-trim
Players who love using the tremolo a little more than other players understand that there is always a price to pay for that magical and mesmerizing effect – that price is re-tuning. Alright, that’s where this locking tuner comes in with so many other wonderful features. The Planet Waves 3 + 3 format Auto Trim locking tuners (Tuning Machines) are precision tuners that will automatically cut excess strings while restringing. It eliminates the need for string cutting tools. It also makes string changing a lot easier and faster.
The 18:1 gear ratio construction makes it more precise than many other standard tuners. It ensures tuning stability even during the most intense playing and tremolo usage. It comes with 6 tuners and mounting hardware. The black finish gives it some character and uniqueness in terms of aesthetics. It also has a 3 + 3 design for guitars that have 3 tuning machines on each side of the headstock.
The tuners come with a string clamp that will securely hold the string in place. These clamps eliminate the need for multiple wraps around the tuning post. All you have to do is insert the string, tighten the clamp, tune it to the right tension and allow the auto-trim feature to remove the excess string – you don’t need a string cutter.
Pros;
- The auto-trim feature eliminates the need for a string cutter
- Tuning becomes not only fast but fun
- Easy to install
- Eye-catching design
- The individual string clamps secure the string in the tuning machine, thus eliminating the need for multiple wraps around the post
- Great for players who use the tremolo more often
Cons;
- Although not the costliest, it’s not also the cheapest
- The auto-trim feature might not work perfectly on all strings
Simple Installation Les Paul locking tuner: GROVER 406C6
Grover is not a new brand in the world of guitar tuners. It has long been one of the ‘go-to’ brands, the reason being that they have an excellent reputation for manufacturing some of the finest and most accurate guitar tuners in the market. The 406C6 is a very cost-effective option for adding locking machine heads to your Les Paul. The 406C6 remains one of the locking tuners I can always comfortably recommend to guitar players, especially Les Paul players.
The 406C6 is actually a mini version of Grover’s Original Locking Rotomatic Tuners. While many other locking tuners usually have a separate knob on the bottom of the tuner body that locks the string to the post, the Locking Rotomatic by Grover features a unique interlocking cam post mechanism instead. With this mechanism, the string gets locked with the first few ‘twists’ of the main knob, after which the post starts to turn to add some tension. The amazing part is not only that it is innovative but also that it is very cost-effective.
Pros;
- Doesn’t need lubrication because it is completely enclosed
- The mini-buttons and the overall design is truly an innovation
- Very easy to install
Cons;
- You might encounter some issues with the mounting screws as they are not very strong
- You might need to drill new screw holes
Best Les Paul locking tuner for vintage-sized peg holes: Gotoh SD90 MG-T
If you don’t really dig the modern designs and you wish to go vintage, then you definitely want to check this out. These Vintage Style locking tuners are simply a retrofit design to a vintage-sized peg hole that still maintains that classic look. The amazing part is that it needs no drilling or modification of any sort to your guitar headstock.
The Gotoh SD90 MG-T ate 3 per side individual tuners (not on a plate) just like the original designs. The only difference from the original designs is the Gotoh Magnum Lock system built into the string post. It comes complete with 3 per side tuners and mounting hardware.
Pros;
- Elegant vintage look
- Tuning stability is top-notch
- Easy to install
- Comes with mounting hardware
Cons;
- Some players might not dig the vintage look as they may opt for something more modern-looking
Best Locking Tuners for Les Paul Buying Guide
What Does “Gear Ratio” Mean for Locking Guitar Tuners?
The gear ratio in this case refers to how many turns of the tuning key make a complete turn of the string post. To understand this, a tuner that has an 18:1 gear ratio means that you will need to turn the tuner knob 18 times to get the string post to make one complete revolution.
If you have carefully read through the specs of all the locking tuners listed here, you’ll notice the many recurrences of the phrase “gear ratio.” All the tuners mentioned here have an 18:1 gear ratio. The lower the gear ratio of a tuner, the fewer times you will need to turn the knob for the post to make a complete revolution. The fact that tuners with a higher gear ratio allow the post to rotate in smaller increments allows you to have more control over the whole tuning process. What this means is that an 18:1 gear ratio will give a finer degree of control than let’s say 11:1 gear ratio. Lower gear ratio keys make it very hard to reach a precise string tension. In most cases, the result will be you jumping past your desired note as you tune up. This explains why all the tuners on this list have an 18:1 gear ratio.
How will a Locking Tuner Improve the Sound of your Les Paul?
Locking tuners help your guitar remain in tune longer and save you from intonation (staying in tune) issues. Although some people believe that locking tuners may add more reverberation and other wonderful musical nuances, these theories are, however, unproven.
Intonation is a very important aspect of your guitar playing. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned player, if you have intonation issues, then you are probably as good as a total novice or someone who is tone-deaf. Locking tuners improve your guitar sound and enhance playability by ensuring tuning stability.
It can be such a hassle dealing with a guitar that constantly goes out of tune. Sometimes it takes the confidence away from you as a player. Imagine a situation where you just have to rush on stage without having to check if your guitar has dis-tuned – because you tuned it like some hours before. It doesn’t matter how fancy your amps or microphones are, if your guitar is out of tune, you are better off not playing at all.
How Do Locking Tuners Work? How Do They Prevent Guitars from Going Out of Tune?
Locking tuners feature a mechanism just within the eye of the tuner, that “locks” (clamps) the string down when wrapping the string around the tuning peg when you are restringing.
When using traditional tuners, you simply tighten your strings by winding the strings tight and finally tying them off in a knot. After tying them off in a knot, you then crank the tuner knobs until the string wounds around the tuner shafts sufficiently enough not to slip or stretch. The major problem with traditional tuners is that it goes out of tune very quickly when you do extreme bends or use the tremolo more frequently. This is because no locking device locks down the strings. Another issue is the speed with which you use to change the strings. String changing is quite slower on traditional tuners compared to locking tuners.
How Much Should You Spend on a Locking Tuner?
A locking tuner in the price range of $50-70 should probably be okay and will most likely offer all the basic things you need in a locking tuner. Going a bit higher to the range of about $80-100 will probably offer you additional features like mounting hardware and string auto-trim.
I would advise you not to spend your life’s savings. Locking tuners are very effective but also very cheap. The costliest on this list is not up to a couple of hundreds of dollars. These are not like guitars’ high-check stompboxes, these are shiny locking devices that will help your Les Paul maintain tuning stability. So, don’t go over the board when shopping for one – this list will help you get the best at the most affordable prices.
Conclusion and Winner(s)
After carefully reviewing all the tuners on this list and putting everything into consideration, I have chosen the D’Addario Planet Waves auto-trim as the winner. Especially because of its versatility and the fact that it was designed for heavy-tremolo usage. If it can withstand heavy tremolo usage, then it will probably withstand many playing conditions that temper with tuning stability. Another great feature is its auto-trim feature which eliminates the need for string cutters. This locking tuner is easy to install, fast, and very effective for your Les Paul. Coming second is the sleek-looking, effective, and low-cost Hipshot 6GLO Grip-Lock. Just like other brands like the Grover, Hipshot is also a very popular and reputable brand in the locking tuner world. The Hipshot 6GLO locking tuners are quite phenomenal and low-cost.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
