Sperzel Sound Lock Tuners / Gotoh Kluson-style locking

[kp8]

re: Sperzel 6 in Line Sound Lock Tuners (not trim lock)

I have seen lots of rave reviews in geetar mags on these, but no one, and i mean NO ONE seems to sell them. The only place i have found is:

http://www.specialtyguitars.com/tuners.html

and i would prefer not to buy from them.

Here is a link that shows how they work

http://www.specialtyguitars.com/sperzel.html

They looks pretty cool and from the front do look pretty traditional
and the weight is light.

----
also Gotoh makes Kluson-style locking tuners, but i have not found these either.

I have always been a traditional style Kluson tuner type guy, but i really do yearn for quicker string changes and a better turn ratio.

Anyone here try any of these tuners? Any thoughts?

-kp8--

ps. What size tuner hole would a '66 Fender be?

 

[Guitarslinger1]

They are very cool tuners. They can also be had from TK Instruments, and directly from Sperzel. In both cases they will probably cost a bit more, and take several weeks to receive.

 

[kp8]

They are very cool tuners. They can also be had from TK Instruments, and directly from Sperzel. In both cases they will probably cost a bit more, and take several weeks to receive.

dang! That is gracious... now i feel bad.

 

[Guitarslinger1]

Not to worry. ;-)

 

[Al Nico]

FWIW, I bought my nickel plated Sperzel Soundlocks from Specialty Guitars. The first set of tuners got mis-routed by UPS. They sent a second set out to me no charge. That's service!

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kp8 - no intention to make you feel worse, just passing along some useful info

 

[kp8]

i really like the fact that from the front they look just like split shaft klusons. I also like that the string goes through. Seems like a nice update on a classic design.

-kp8--

 

[TwinReverb]

interesting concept

I have the regular locking tuners from Sperzel on my triple P-90 axe in my avatar. I don't really care for them. I do like the fact that they are locking tuners. Very easy for changing strings.
I find them less stable than my vintage Kluson style Gotoh's. They are also on the heavy side and the little "tuner wheels" can jam. I think I will try the locking Gotoh's next time. YMMV

cheers
Erik

 

[Rob DiStefano]

I'll reserve an opinion on the "new and improved" Sperzels 'til I get a set in-hand and on-guitar, but for the rest of the Sperzel lineup, NO thank you - they're just horrible tuners, IMO - super low gear ratio that goes no higher than 12:1, nothing precise about'em, lotsa gear lash, and their incessant ability to crap out and require gear rebuilds (I replace at least one set of customer's Sperzels per month) is unprecedented in the world of tuners. Yuk. These new ones look like they have a promise that I hope Sperzel lives up to, for their sake.

 

[Guitarslinger1]

nothing precise about'em, lotsa gear lash, and their incessant ability to crap out and require gear rebuilds (I replace at least one set of customer's Sperzels per month) is unprecedented in the world of tuners.

I have installed many, many sets of Sperzels over the years, and have never encountered such problems. The main gear and string shaft are machined from one piece of metal. I'm curious how one would need to "rebuild" this, or even could.

 

[dustoff]

I've had Sperzels on my Tele since 1990. I love them and have NEVER had a problem what so ever with them.

 

[Montana_Dawg]

I have Sperzels on one Tele, and Schaller lockiers on the other. I like both pretty much equally, and whole lot more than standard tuners.

 

[Guitarslinger1]

A quick FYI.

On Ebay, I have seen many sellers selling Schaller locking tuners, but labeling them as Sperzels.

If they are Sperzels they will have USA Sperzel inscribed on the back.

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The Schaller locking tuners have a much thicker thumbwheel, are quite heavy, and have nothing at all inscribed on them.

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Schaller also makes the lockers on Fender Deluxe Strats, and the non-lockers on Fender American series Strats and Tele's

I installed a set of non-locking Sperzels on my heavily gigged old Tele back in the mid 80's. They look a little worse-for-wear (as does the rest of the guitar!) but they are still going strong

 

[WrapAround]

I haven't had a problem with Sperzels, either. Granted that it's been only a couple of years since I installed them on one of my guitars. However, I have heard that people over torque the locking thumb screws leading to a premature failure.

While I like Klusons, I do have to replace them because they all develop slop as they get used. I'm still waiting for someone to make decent Kluson clones that don't develop slops.

 

[LouisianaGrey]

I've had problems with the Sperzel bass tuners but never with the guitar tuners. I still prefer the Grovers.

 

[Michael Murphy]

OK, Rob, but don't hold back- tell us how you *really* feel...

For what it's worth, I've been using locking Sperzels since '98, and I've never had any problem with them whatsoever, or heard any of the specific complaints you've voiced from any other users. The only gripe I have about them is I would like for the thumbwheel to be a little fatter. Sometimes it's a little uncomfortable and sharp-edged to get a good grip on. Other than that, I think they're a great tuner.

I actually like the fact that they have a lower ratio than most tuners. One particular set of Gotohs I had was 18:1, and it seemed like it took forever to get in tune with them.

"OK, a little flat- just turn it a smidge. Hmmm, not quite there- a little more. Ahhh, almost- just another tweak...Rats! Now I'm sharp- back it off a little... Damn! Too much- now back up a little..." (ad nauseum).

With the Sperzels, it's just all of a sudden- Bang! I'm there.

Of course everybody's mileage will vary- but they work great for me.

Next guitar I build gets the new model Sperzels. I can't wait...


-Michael
Charter Member S. Texas He-Man Emoticon Haters Local #316

 

[Sqwerl]

Sperzels

I've had satin finish non locking Sperzels on my 96 ASAT, since it came of the wall and into my hands . No problem at all with them. They stay tuned very well , just a little touch up tuning during the night, on a string or two. I would not hesitate to get them again.

 

[Lance]

Gotahs.....

I've got the gotah locking tuners on one of my parts teles. Frankly, they are a little weird to use. Maybe I don't know the tricks but I sometimes have a hard time getting them to lock. Once the strings are on, there's no issue.

I guess I really like the old style split shaft best. Maybe I'm old fashioned.

 

[nogin007]

Anyone know if you can buy replacement parts for the Schallers? I lost one of the knurled locking caps on one of mine, and can't seem to find a replacement. Thanks.

 

[Guitarslinger1]

Anyone know if you can buy replacement parts for the Schallers? I lost one of the knurled locking caps on one of mine, and can't seem to find a replacement. Thanks.

I believe that Allparts has them.

 

[Kevin]

Those Sperzels don't look particularly "vintage"-y to me...

I generally use Gotoh Klusons, though I used some 18:1 Grover Sta-Tites on my latest homebrew.

For locking tuners, though, I really prefer the Grover mini-Rotomatic lockers. They're top-lockers, which means no huge, ugly wheel on the back -- they look like regular Rotomatics -- plus they have an 18:1 gear ratio.