EPI 59 LP and locking tuners

[Deepintheblues]

Hi.

Next week I’m trying out a 59 in iced tea.

If I buy it I’ll be swapping the stock Kluson style tuners for locking ones. Any recommendations on what drop straight in?

 

[BlueSquirrel]

Could you remove thelow E string and tuner to tell us what the hole's diameter and the post's diameter are, please?

 

[Deepintheblues]

Could you remove thelow E string and tuner to tell us what the hole's diameter and the post's diameter are, please?

I’ve not bought it yet…..looking at Google the specs for the Epiphone deluxe tuners (stock with the 59) are

• Required Neck Mahince head Hole Size: 0.354"(9mm)

 

[SEMiller]

If this helps, I put Kluson revolution locking tuners in my SG, they were a direct fit.

 

[BlueSquirrel]

I’ve not bought it yet…..looking at Google the specs for the Epiphone deluxe tuners (stock with the 59) are

• Required Neck Mahince head Hole Size: 0.354"(9mm)

Some Gotohs might work but it also depends on the post's diameter (Gotoh offers several models that are close but not exactly the same sizes).

 

[Deepintheblues]

Thank

Some Gotohs might work but it also depends on the post's diameter (Gotoh offers several models that are close but not exactly the same sizes).

Thank you

 

[Deepintheblues]

Some Gotohs might work but it also depends on the post's diameter (Gotoh offers several models that are close but not exactly the same sizes).

Thank you

 

[Deepintheblues]

If this helps, I put Kluson revolution locking tuners in my SG, they were a direct fit.

Thank you

 

[Kostas Kritsilas]

HIpshot Locking Tuners (open back: 18:1 tuning ratio, closed back 15:1 tuning ratio) with UMP plates. With the UMP plates, there is no reason to drill the head stock, nor do the original tuner holes even need to be filled in. If you decide to move the guitar on, take the Hipshot tuners off, put back the original tuners and move the guitar on. Take the Hipsot tuners and move them to another guitar (as long as its a 3X3 tuner arrangement).

From personal experience, the Hipshot tuners (open back in my case) are quite nice, very smooth, the locking function works well, hold tune well, and are quite solidly made). They were also much less expensive than the "name" brand (Gotoh, Kluson, etc.), and have a small boatload of tuner button options.

 

[Johnny Dubs]

I’ve had my 59 for about 3 years, and have never wanted for locking tuners.

I’d save the cash for at least a few weeks, let the new strings you install settle, and see how you feel.

Full disclosure: I installed lockers on all my MIM fenders and a few electromatics, and it is definitely my inclination.

My 59 and jr IBGs both seem fine.

 

[BlueSquirrel]

HIpshot Locking Tuners (open back: 18:1 tuning ratio, closed back 15:1 tuning ratio) with UMP plates. With the UMP plates, there is no reason to drill the head stock, nor do the original tuner holes even need to be filled in. If you decide to move the guitar on, take the Hipshot tuners off, put back the original tuners and move the guitar on. Take the Hipsot tuners and move them to another guitar (as long as its a 3X3 tuner arrangement).

From personal experience, the Hipshot tuners (open back in my case) are quite nice, very smooth, the locking function works well, hold tune well, and are quite solidly made). They were also much less expensive than the "name" brand (Gotoh, Kluson, etc.), and have a small boatload of tuner button options.

Yes, I agree with you, they are wonderful (I have a set on my Squier strat), however, have you seen the holes' diameter? If I remember well, Hipshot offers "vintage" size (8.5 mm) or "modern" size (10 mm). But here, OP wrote 9 mm which would be more in Gotoh's territory or Kluson Revolution.

 

[Stillsour]

Guyker locking tuners will drop in, and are only about 35$. I've used 2 sets now, with 0 issues.

 

[BGood]

Guyker locking tuners will drop in, and are only about 35$. I've used 2 sets now, with 0 issues.

You were lucky, it's a crap shoot with those.

 

[Winnie Thomas]

I don't understand the need for locking tuners. If the strings are wound properly onto the tuner they should be fine. I've done that since the 60's with no trouble.

 

[BGood]

I don't understand the need for locking tuners. If the strings are wound properly onto the tuner they should be fine. I've done that since the 60's with no trouble.

Laziness ...

 

[Kostas Kritsilas]

Yes, I agree with you, they are wonderful (I have a set on my Squier strat), however, have you seen the holes' diameter? If I remember well, Hipshot offers "vintage" size (8.5 mm) or "modern" size (10 mm). But here, OP wrote 9 mm which would be more in Gotoh's territory or Kluson Revolution.

I did, and what was quoted is from a spec. page, not a measurement. I could be off base, but I am under the impression that being an imported guitar, it would have 10mm holes. If not, then I would be really surprised that the 8.5mm tuner with a bushing did not fit properly. At most, it would necessitate a wrap or two of something like capton tape around the part of the bushing that fits into the hole to allow it to fit tightly and properly. Alternative is to ream out the holes to 10mm size, but I'd avoid that.

 

[Dudemeister]

Sperzel tuners have always worked for me, but for 3x3 headstocks, I now like the Grovers Rotomatic locking tuners. They don't have a locking button, just an outer sleeve that locks the string against the inner post, so it looks like a stock tuner, even though it's a locking one.

 

[BlueSquirrel]

I did, and what was quoted is from a spec. page, not a measurement. I could be off base, but I am under the impression that being an imported guitar, it would have 10mm holes. If not, then I would be really surprised that the 8.5mm tuner with a bushing did not fit properly. At most, it would necessitate a wrap or two of something like capton tape around the part of the bushing that fits into the hole to allow it to fit tightly and properly. Alternative is to ream out the holes to 10mm size, but I'd avoid that.

You find both sizes in import guitars, so it's best to take measurements before ordering anything.

 

[BlueSquirrel]

Sperzel tuners have always worked for me, but for 3x3 headstocks, I now like the Grovers Rotomatic locking tuners. They don't have a locking button, just an outer sleeve that locks the string against the inner post, so it looks like a stock tuner, even though it's a locking one.

Grover Rotomatics? Yes, for 10 mm holes.

The reference for 8.5 /8.8 mm holes' (vintage tuners) with 6 mm posts is Grover 533N (for nickel) with butterbean buttons or 533 NK with keystone buttons. It usually allows one to keep Epiphone's original bushings (so these tuners can basically be drop-ins). I have a set on my Casino Coupe. They are good tuners but their price has doubled lately (a set is now €110 to € 117).

For that price, honestly, they are okay, but they aren't stellar either.

https://www.musik-produktiv.fr/grov...8ltQu71qU0Ihux1EZVaXH9GuYbJ5LhVBoCRK8QAvD_BwE

Grover Mécaniques à verrouillage vintage, 3+3 ~ Nickel 533N https://amzn.eu/d/gXSfQRl