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How to Install Tuning Machines | Fenderplay button

How to Install Tuning Machines | Fender

Fender

collapse expand iconDescription

The Fender Deluxe Locking Machine Heads are precision-engineered machine heads designed to provide superior tuning stability for your electric guitar. Featuring a staggered post design, with taller posts for the wound strings and shorter posts for the plain strings, the Deluxe Locking Machine Heads increase the string break angle over the nut to improve tuning accuracy and sustain. The locking mechanism firmly secures the string in place, preventing slippage during heavy playing.

Precision Engineering Provides Rock-Solid Tuning

Fender is known for crafting precision parts and the Deluxe Locking Machine Heads are no exception. With eighteen-to-one gear ratios, these machine heads provide ultraaccurate tuning adjustments and tuning stability. The staggered post design, with taller posts for the lower-pitched strings, helps create the ideal string angle over the nut to keep your guitar in tune through divebombs, string bends and heavy strumming.

Convenient Locking Mechanism

The Deluxe Locking Machine Heads feature a convenient locking mechanism to prevent string slippage, a common issue with standard tuning machines. Once strings are installed and tuned, simply flip the locking switch to firmly secure the string in place. The locking mechanism holds the string taut to maintain consistent tuning and prevent detuning during rigorous playing styles.

Drop-In Upgrade for Most Fender Guitars

The Deluxe Locking Machine Heads feature Fender's standard dual-pin mounting pattern to drop directly into most modern Fender electric guitars, including the American Ultra, Elite and Deluxe series. Swapping out your standard machine heads for the Deluxe Locking Machine Heads provides an easy upgrade path to substantially improve your guitar's tuning stability and performance.

Fender Deluxe Locking Machine Heads
Fender Deluxe Locking Machine Heads
Fender Deluxe Locking Machine Heads
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.83

112 Reviews

96%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Awesome Machine Heads
Awesome Machine Heads
Solid Tuners
Solid Tuners
Excellent Quality tuners for a Great Price.
Simple, no-brainer of an upgrade
Simple, no-brainer of an upgrade
Perfect fit, but checkout all the available finishes.

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Excellent Tuners

These tuning keys dropped right in my Made in Mexico Strat without modification. Not only are they locking but they are also staggered. I did not really notice a difference in tone but they make changing strings a breeze. These are a must upgrade for any strat.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Same problem as buying hot dog buns!

"Fender locking tuners get 5 stars for quality and function, but just 1 star for the specific parts in the package. I recently purchased a brand new Fender American Pro II Telecaster, which has four (4) short post tuners and two (2) long post tuners. However, Fender only sells locking tuners in a set of three long and three short post tuners! Upon calling Fender, I was told that a single short post tuner was unavailable. THANK YOU FENDER! So, just like hot dog buns that come in packages of eight buns, there are not enough buns for the hot dog weiners which usually come in packages of ten! So, in order to get the Fender locking tuners installed with the "correct" post sizes, I ended up having to purchase two sets of locking tuners -- twice the cost -- to enable me to have four short posts! And, now, if I want to spend the time and effort to recoup part of my cost, I will have to try and resale the individual tuners, assuming there are any buyers who are looking for individual tuners. Very sorry product availability and marketing from Fender!"

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Concerts27
  2. Practicing25
  3. Back-Up14
  4. anytime on any electric guitar1
  5. Anytime1
Cons
  1. None2
  2. Not Functional2
  3. Poor Quality1
  4. Incorrect post sizes for some Fender guitars1
  5. None of the string holes were drilled completely1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced58
  2. Novice8
  3. Professional Musician8
Pros
  1. Good Quality65
  2. Easy To Use59
  3. Functional56
  4. Improves Sound20
  5. Easy to install2

Reviewed by 112 customers

  • I would buy again.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 months ago

    byDooley

    fromMinnesota

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Nice upgrade for my American Special Strat.

  • Fender locking tuners

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byJay

    fromWaynesboro, Pa.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    They work well, always do when I use them!

  • Great tuning machines!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byMark

    fromAurora, CO

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    These are such a great upgrade to the telecaster tuning pegs that require the end of the string to be inserted as you start to wind the peg, which I find frustrating. These are solid, easy to install, and are a clear upgrade to the string replacement experience. I'd definitely recommend them.

  • Really great product, easy upgrade for your Fender

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byMelvin

    fromDallas, TX area

    I bought these for a Fender Player HSS Stratocaster. The installation was very easy to complete. Really like how the machine heads lock in the string ends when installing new strings which makes changing the strings a quick process.

  • Fits new Squier Stratocaster with modification

    4

    submitteda year ago

    byFrank

    fromSan Diego

    I have a September 2023 Squier Strat HSS. The old tuners and the new both have two pegs. Except the locking tuners pegs are further away from the large hole. In addition, the distance shooting from the existing two peg holes does not give enough space to drill new peg holes. You will probably have to elongate the existing peg holes away from the larger hole. I've installed these and tightened them down. They feel secure and hopefully, they won't move. If you're not mechanically inclined, let the guitar shop install them.

  • Great deal!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byPatrick

    fromDeKalb IL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Pretty awesome machines for around $65! Had to drill new guide holes but it was easy enough to do.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted5 days ago

    asked byB

    fromOklahoma

    Will these fit a 90s Jagstang? And would i have to drill them out to 10mm?

    Will these fit a 90s Jagstang? And would i have to drill them out to 10mm?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Fender Deluxe Locking Machine Heads are designed for modern Fender guitars with 10mm (13/32") tuner holes and a dual-pin mounting system. However, the 1990s Fender Jag-Stang models typically feature vintage-style tuners, which have smaller 8.7mm (11/32") holes. To install the Deluxe Locking tuners on your Jag-Stang, you would need to enlarge the existing tuner holes to 10mm.

  • submitteda month ago

    asked byMEA

    fromSaint Paul, MN

    I have a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood Fingerboard Left-Handed Electric Guitar Dark Night. The stock tuners have 4 short sting posts (D,G,B, E) & 2 long string posts (B & low E). I want to purchase your Fender Deluxe Locking tuners, with 3 short string posts and 2 long posts low E & A. Is this ok. Can I use the 3rd long post for the D string without any issues?

    I have a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood Fingerboard Left-Handed Electric Guitar Dark Night. The stock tuners have 4 short sting posts (D,G,B, E) & 2 long string posts (B & low E). I want to purchase your Fender Deluxe Locking tuners, with 3 short string posts and 2 long posts low E & A. Is this ok. Can I use the 3rd long post for the D string without any issues?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, you can use the Fender Deluxe Locking Machine Heads with 3 short posts and 2 long posts (for low E and A), even though your current setup on the American Professional II Stratocaster has a slightly different post length configuration.

  • submitted4 months ago

    asked byogcstd7

    fromundisclosed

    Will these work with the American Vintage II 1961?

    Will these work with the American Vintage II 1961?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Unfortunately, no.

  • submitted5 months ago

    asked byDoug Judy

    fromWaynesboro Va

    I have a 2024 60s Vintera II Strat, will these tuning machines fit this guitar?

    I have a 2024 60s Vintera II Strat, will these tuning machines fit this guitar?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Probably not, these are made to American specs.

  • submitted8 months ago

    asked bydoN

    fromsacramento, ca

    will these fit a Fender Jazzmaster Player 2 Series?

    will these fit a Fender Jazzmaster Player 2 Series?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, they won't.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byAlex

    fromAuburn, WA

    Will these fit a fender JA-90 Tele?

    Will these fit a fender JA-90 Tele?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    In a case like this we recommend having a qualified guitar tech look at the guitar to assure proper screw hole alignment and post width. Specs can change over the years.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byJcS

    fromundisclosed

    Will these fit in the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster

    Will these fit in the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, they will.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byPerry

    fromSeabrook TX

    Where are they made?

    Where are they made?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Fender Deluxe Locking Machine Heads are made in Germany

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byTy

    fromEvans, GA

    Will these fit on a MIM Player HHS Strat?

    Will these fit on a MIM Player HHS Strat?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    These machine heads will fit on an MIM Player HHS Strat.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byBrickharley

    fromRaleigh NC

    Will these work with a 2010 American standard strat?

    Will these work with a 2010 American standard strat?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    These tuners would work with a 2010 American standard strat.