Tools for the Task: Open-Gear Tuners

Rich Osweiler

June 18, 2018

Whether you need a period-correct set for an heirloom acoustic or just want to spruce up the functionality and aesthetics of a modern 6-string, swapping out tuning machines can provide a dramatic headstock makeover through a (hopefully) simple process.

WAVERLY

W16
These 16:1 gear ratio tuners are a direct replacement for Grover Sta-Tites, and feature butterbean buttons and a stainless-steel worm with nylon bushings for smooth action.
$157 street

stewmac.com

GOTOH

SXN510V
Made for a flush fit, these tuners employ a nut-mount system and can utilize the same holes to replace Rotomatic-syle machines.
$65 street
g-gotoh.com

GRAPHTECH

PRN-3411-NO
These skeleton-button tuners feature individual gear ratios, as in all of GraphTech’s Ratio line, which means each half-key turn equals one semitone change for its string.
$132 street
graphtech.com

Associate Editor Rich Osweiler started playing guitar at the tender age of 8, but over the years bass has become his main instrument. Prior to joining Premier Guitar, Rich worked at Acoustic Guitar for 10 years as associate publisher and director of marketing. He loves all types of music—from gypsy jazz to lo-fi and grindcore—provided the genre name isn’t preceded by the “contemporary” tag. Outside of music, Rich enjoys travel, skiing, woodworking, coaching baseball, and being a dad. He lives in Marin County with his 10-year-old daughter and their dog, Kiko.