Planet Waves Auto-Trim Locking Guitar Machines

I've been building guitars for several years now and I use these tuners on almost every one I've built. Never had a problem until a recent set would not hold the high E string. I called D'Addario & Co. and told them the problem. Well, George knew exactly what I was taking about, apparently one of their production runs made the knobs a little too short. He asked for my address and promised to send out a half dozen knobs. 3 days later they arrived in the mail. They are the correct size and hold the high E string. Plus my customers really seem to like them, they make changing strings fast and they stay in tune and look great.

despite not being the black center is not so pretty it is the best lock system!

I put a set of these tuners on a Gibson SG less than a year ago. Cool idea; straightforward string locking mechanism and built in cutter. They look very nice, too. However, right from the get-go the tuner for the high E string would often let it slip. I ended up using multiple wraps around the post just like a standard tuner to make it hold. Minor aggravation. Now, within the last month, two of the tuners have broken.

Yes, I play strings that are a little heavier than usual, and I do a bunch of string bending. Still, for what these things cost and the hype, I expected more. I ended up replacing these with Wilkinson tuners for a LOT less money. The Wilkinsons have two holes at 90 degree angles through each post. It results in a very simple, yet very effective string locking system. And the Wilkinsons are very well made. I took one apart before deciding to use them on my guitar, and was surprised and impressed at the quality of the components.

Smaller and much lighter than full size Shaller lockers....when you need lockers these don't feel so top-heavy, especially on a small acoustic. Light, tight, and smooth, they work well. The trade-off is the less polished look of the threaded post sleeve and the cutter head...and you've got to thread the string from the correct side of the post...But for the right owner, it's a good tuner.
Mark's Luthierie

Love the quality. The auto-cut feature is fantastic. The screw hole even lined up (close enough) to standard Kluson LP bottom screw hole to avoid drilling. The "but", I wish it was 21:1.

These are worth every bit the price ! Very easy install on My Gibson Les Paul.
They solved the de-tuning problem I had with the Bigsby B7 . I will buy another set for my Gibson 339 .

This is the second time that I am using these tuning machines. Depending on the gauges you are using, the tuning machines will not cut the string but this has nothing to do with the tuning precision these machines offer. Very high quality stuff indeed! -Patrick Hufschmid (

Realmente excelentes. Permiten cambios de cuerdas en segundos, y el cutter que trae incorporado deja el clavijero con un aspecto muy prolijo. Además, tienen un excelente acabado y son muy precisas en cuanto a la afinación.

I bought and installed these about 4 years ago. I also use Sperzel and Schaller and I have come to like these the best. They are still very smooth and accurate after all this time. I've been playing and repairing, (out of necessity at first) since the early 70's so I have some experience with this stuff.

These tuners are my favorite ones on electric guitar. Pay attention on the fact that are a little heavier than standard tuners so if you install them on an hollow-body the guitar will not be balanced. In this case I use the grover locking tuners