Are you looking for the best tuners for Les Paul? You are in the right place.
The locking tuners are among the hit accessories when it comes to guitars. Many manufacturers install these tuners, but there are many misconceptions about this tuning machine. This post will provide some of the best options for Gibson Les Paul’s tuners, along with other necessary information.
Do not worry if you are tired of your Les Paul not staying in tune. The performance increases a lot when you upgrade the guitar with the tuners. Here we are providing the ten best replacement tuners for Les Paul, so you can pick the one and leave worries aside.
Best Tuners for Les Paul – Comparison Table
1. Gibson PMMH-010 (Editor’s Choice)
The Gibson PMMH-010 features a durable closed housing construction and is made of solid nickel. The vintage period-correct styling is due to classic Pearloid buttons offering precise tuning. The Pearloid button adds a traditional classic feel to the guitar headstock.
Features
- Screwed model
- Pearloid buttons
- Vintage model
- Nickel construction
- The diameter of the bore is 9.8mm
Pros
- Excellent tuning
- Vintage look
- Simple installation
Cons
- Some may like the modern look.
2. Wilkinson WT376
Installing a Wilkinson WT376 is simple, and you need to enlarge the holes on your Gibson Les Paul as per the instructions provided by the seller. The smooth, precise action of these tuners is better than stock tuners. They are pretty easy to set up, and pre-drilling is required. These tuners hold tune effectively and work fantastic.
Features
- Hold tunes perfect for a long time
- Guitar tone improves
- Comfortable size
Pros
- High-quality tuner
- Extremely precise
- Built to last
Cons
- Pre-drill is necessary
3. Kaish T398
Kaish T398 needs no unnecessary drilling, modifications, and tools. These are known for their excellent design and offers stability to your gear. Once installing this tuner on your guitar, it will undoubtedly sharpen the tuning strength. You can quickly change the string. This aftermarket tuner comes with a 15:1 tuning ratio.
Features
- Post diameter: 6mm
- Bushing Diameter: 9mm
- 15:1 tuning ratio
Pros
- Hold tune much better
- Simple installation
Cons
- None
4. Grover 102-18N
Grover Rotomatic tuners feature a precision ratio of 18:1 and are made to be mounted with three in the bottom and three in the top position. The set of tuners is modeled on the Rotomatic original heads that match housing. The tuner has a 10mm tuning shaft and provides a high ratio giving precise control on the tuning.
These Grover Les Paul tuners wind smoothly because of the parts’ accuracy, and they come with wood screws and washers that make the installation easy.
Features
- High ratio gearing
- 18:1 precise ratio
- Great stability and fine-tuning
- Backlash elimination
- Exact original housing
Pros
- High-ratio
- Superior quality
- Includes mounting instrument
Cons
- None
5. Wilkinson K1403
Wilkinson K1403 has a long shaft that reduces string angle and keeps the strings in tune. These tuners maintain the pitch for a longer time. The tuner features a two-hole design that serves improvement over stock tuners. These tuners’ compatibility is excellent and fit for 10mm holes, which are common in a range of guitar sizes. You do not have to worry about the colors as they are available in various colors. You can upgrade the guitar with these locking tuners.
Features
- E-Z post tuners
- 15:1 tuning ratio
- Height posts non-staggered
- Tulip button and sealed housing
Pros
- Simple installation
- Cost-effective
- Long shaft
- Same height posts
Cons
- None
6. Grover 106C
The Grover locking tuners are easy to use as any standard tuner. You can insert the string in the string hole and pull it for tuning. The locking cam turns as the tune starts, and once the string locks, the post turns to bring the pitch. The gear ratio of this tuner is 18:1.
Features
- Chrome finish
- Excellent tuning capacity
- Headstock drilling is necessary in some cases
Pros
- Enhanced stability
- Fine-tuning
- Improved ratio gearing
- Built well
Cons
- The installation process is tricky.
7. Gotoh SD9105MNM3
The SD series solves the issue observed by machined heads without a sealed gear for not providing the efficiency, performance, and durability offered by closed gear tuners.
The SD series combines Rock Solid technology and Self Center guide present on gear’s base plate. That allows perfect alignment of the post with the bushing that attaches gear and headstock. The tuner button gets steady rotation by torque balancer, which provides excellent functionality and superior sound performance.
Features
- Torque balancer for steady rotation
- Uses rock-solid technology
- Superior sound
Pros
- Vintage look
- Superior tuning stability
- Simple installation
Cons
- Some may dislike the modern look.
8. Gotoh AN7103-C
Gotoh AN7103-C locking tuners are fantastic for Gibson Les Paul and perfect for those who do heavy string bending. The Rock Solid technology reduces backlash and eliminates looseness for more excellent tuning stability. The use of string trees is eliminated with the two post heights. The Lubricoat electro coats with a particular polymer layer remove the need for oil and provide lubrication when required.
Features
- Thumbscrew locking style
- Perfect for Gibson Les Paul
- 18:1 gear ratio for tuning
- Mounting hardware included
Pros
- Superior quality design
- High reputation
Cons
- None
9. Kaish K1388
Kaish K1388 features a 14:1 gear ratio, and string through posts makes it perfect to use in most Les Paul guitars. These are three left and three rights for 8.1mm small tuner holes, but they require conversion bushings with 10mm tuner holes. These feature a self-locking system and keep the guitar in tune without slipping off and breaking of string. It features a traditional thumbwheel style lock and comes with screws and bushings.
These are some of the best Les Paul replacement tuners, in our opinion.
Features
- 14:1 gear ratio
- 8.1 tuner holes
- Includes screws and bushings
- Self-locking system
Pros
- Strong build quality
- Attractive design
- Smooth action
- Works effectively
Cons
- Conversion bushing required for 10mm tuner holes
10. Gotoh AN7103-G
Gotoh AN7103-G features thumbscrew traditional locking style functionality. These are perfect for Gibson Les Paul. The tuners have rock solid string posts that improve stability and eliminate looseness. It has an 18:1 gear ratio for practical tuning and includes six tuners (three right, three left). All the mounting hardware accessories like six bushings, screws, and washers are included.
Features
- Thumbscrew locking style
- Improved tuning with rock-solid posts
- 18:1 gear ratio
- Six tuners and mounting hardware included
Pros
- Perfect design
- Excellent tuning stability
- Superior quality
Cons
- Pricey
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tuners for Gibson Les Paul
Who Makes Gibson Les Paul Tuners?
Gotoh makes stock Gibson Les Paul tuners, and there is no wrong with them. Many of the tuners are made in Asia, and companies sell them to foreign customers.
Can we say that they make the best locking tuners for Les Paul or blame them for the poor quality of stock tuners? I don’t think so
For many years Gibson has made use of Kluson, Grovers, and Schaller tuners. However, most of the tuning problems are not because of tuners. So if there is a tuning related issue, it is better to examine the root cause deeply before buying the one.
Why Do Stock Les Paul Tuners Need a Replacement?
Sometimes your guitar can be out of tune because of the tuners. Most of the time, replacing the tuner will make no difference if your guitar tuning slips.
However, some cheap stock tuners are not acceptable and thus need a replacement. Terrible tuners can fail to get your gear in tune, but they don’t often slip once you change them.
New tuners can work amazingly and can be a superb investment, providing incredible pleasure, smoothness, and accuracy.
Are Grover Tuners Good for Les Paul?
Grover tuners are perfect to use, and it makes a super improvement to this guitar. Grover tuners have a sparkling and prestigious reputation in the guitar industry as they are famous for their stability and design. Moreover, Grover tuners also sharpen Les Paul’s strength.
Les Paul Replacement Tuners: Our Verdict
The tuners mentioned above are all worth it, and you will not go wrong with any of them. The purchase decision always depends on the requirements and the product features such as performance, ease of installation, and cost. The price can be one of the significant factors in deciding what you want from your guitar.
Regardless of the most budget-friendly tuners available, we recommend Gibson PMMH-010 tuners as they offer precise tuning and add a classic luxurious feel to the gear’s headstock.