Strat Tuning Machines

[Fresh_Start]

I’m putting a new neck on a Warmoth Strat body. Blank peg head so I don’t need to worry about matching hole size, pins, etc.  Locking tuners make sense for a guitar with whammy bar IMHO.


So I could spend $50 on some Fender brand locking tuners, $100 on Sperzels, or about $150 on Schallers. I have the Sperzels on another guitar and like them fine except for looks.


Is there an advantage to machine heads secured with 1 or 2 posts instead of a tab with screw?


Is a 12:1 ratio good enough or is a 16:1 or 18:1 really an improvement?


Are 2 post heights - one for wound and shorter for unwound strings - good enough or would 3 staggered heights be an improvement?


Are the Schallers worth the premium price?  I don’t mind paying more for actual quality but don’t care about brand name.


Thanks in advance,
Chip

[acheld]

I've got Schallers and Fender locking tuners on several Warmoth necks.  Both are great, but I actually prefer the Fender tuners.   Can't really say why . . . normally I prefer the expensive stuff, but in this case the Fender locking tuners are quite a bit less . . . and they work great.

Have no experience with Sperzels.  I do have a guitar with Phase III PRS locking tuners which are very nice indeed, but I've never seen them on other guitars.

I don't think there is any advantage to the mounting systems. 

I used to think the high gear ratios were better, but I don't really think that is true for me.

Staggered posts make sense on 6 in-line necks.

Bottom line, the Fender locking tuners are a bargain and work great.

[mresistor]

Hip Shot locking tuners are pretty nice for not much coin,  most are 16:1 ratio or better.  You can check most of them out at SportHitech..


Example:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/303412260094?epid=1353221113&hash=item46a4c7acfe:g:ki0AAOxycmBStN36