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
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
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
GROVER
Sta-Tite 98 Series
These machine heads feature a classic, round button and a heavily plated finish that creates a prominent contrast to the brass gears.
$38 street
SCHALLER
GrandTune Butterbean
With no polymer coatings used for the gear joints and fittings, these tuners claim excellent stick/slip performance and zero wear and slackening.
$99 street
GOLDEN AGE
Restoration
Designed to look like tuners of yesteryear, but tune better, these machines feature open gears and steel plates, and represent a solid option when restoring an old guitar.
$65 street
WILKINSON
WJ28NCR
These tradition-style, open-frame tuning machines are chrome plated and were designed to be an affordable yet high-quality option for Western-style guitars.
$57 street
RODGERS
Rodgers Style
These ornate tuners are available with plate material made of brass, nickel silver, or sterling silver, and with buttons ranging from exotic woods to bone to mother-of-pearl.
$792 street (starting)
SCHELLER
Sch-EO
These high-end machines are available in a wide variety of finishes, bobbins, and buttons, and are reported to run friction free, precisely, and with quick reaction.
$580 street
RUBNER
Ebony Special Series
Adaptable for unique roller-spacing situations thanks to a small, two-screw faceplate, these tuners boast Moldflon anti-friction bearings for smooth precision tuning.
$118 street
2500na-RE Aluminum
Fashioned after the classic Tune-o-matic, for guitars compatible with the ABR-1 standard, this bridge is crafted from aluminum for fast attack and flat frequency response.
ABR-style Bridge
Various vintage components were measured and inspected to craft these bridges with the same methods and materials that were used in the late 1950s.
GE104B
This modern version of the Tune-o-matic is available in a variety of different finishes and is an attractively priced replacement option for an ABR-1-style bridge.
GTM
These bridges were designed to fit all Les Paul-style guitars, feature special retainer springs to prevent rattles and buzz, and come without pre-slotted saddles for custom string-spacing options.
TP6G
This Nashville-style Tune-o-matic features “G Formula” notched saddles, which use a proprietary formula based on the nylon saddle material found on guitars from the ’50s and ’60s.
Babicz FCH Tune-O-Matic
Thanks to the elimination of unwanted space between the bottom of the bridge and the surface of the guitar, this design intends to offer added sustain, stability, and improved fullness and tone.
ResoMax NV2
Outfitted with the company’s String Saver saddles, this triple-plated bridge has an exclusive locking feature that secures the unit magnetically, without the need for tools.
Tone-A-Matic
This bridge’s aircraft-grade aluminum construction offers increased sustain and tone, while its unique saddle design is intended to eliminate saddle rattle and more effectively transfer string energy.
Tune-O-Matic Powerbridge
This drop-in Nashville-style bridge delivers acoustic-like sounds thanks to its piezo-loaded design, and it can be run solo or in combination with a guitar’s existing pickups.
Radiused Tune-o-matic Bridge
This U.S.-milled bridge easily adapts from an 11" radius to either a 10" or 12" radius, and features a lightweight aluminum body, brass screws and saddles, and stainless-steel clips.