I have a couple that would definitely benefit from these, but the one I really want to put them on is my 8-string, but the RIOT tuners won't take strings that big. .074 or so is quite a bit bigger than the .056 that is the max for these. Still want them though for my other axes!
I put these on my Gibson Firebird. They are indeed kind of awkward. BUT I do love how industrial they look and they really do work in keeping your guitar in tune. So I do love em. I’d definitely put em on another guitar. I know they said they’re working on making a version for bass. I’m actually super excited to see how those come out.
I really must warn everyone: I was so excited for these after the first video that I went and bought a set for my own Strat. I waited months to get my set, and when I received it, I could tell it was a used set-the string marks on the circles were very visible, and a piece of broken string was still in the locking set screw area. I read the instructions very carefully and attempted to string and tune my Strat for literally 8 hours. After having to open 12 packs of strings because they kept breaking or slipping, I was fed up and had to cut my losses. I tried every imaginable adjustment to the set screw I could manage, and it always ended in frustrating failure. I was so crushed because of how excited I was for these. I thought about giving them away, but I simply can’t bring that curse to someone else. It needs a major re-design before I would recommend it.
I bought a set for a customers guitar and it took hours/day to stretch the string then loosen the set screw pull it tight lock the set screw and stretch some more (until I ran out of threads) then repete... Total pain in the ass and I couldn't bring myself to sell them to my buddy/customer, so I took the 110$ loss. I would never recommend these to anyone!!
This is almost exactly my experience to a T. I've had these things chew through their value in strings. It's a Shame, because they seem like such a cool design.
Yeah, Darrell said in his original video that they would look awesome on a Kiesel or an Ormsby. I can confirm that they look great on a Gibson Firebird too.
Hi Darrell, I think the best thing about this tuners is that (like Steinberger ones) you do not need to shape the guitar head standard way. Head might has ANY shape and you can fit them on any place (on the head). That really can open new doors for the creative minded guitar builders.
I bought a set the day after your original video and I absolutely love them. My only real complaint if you can call it that is they added a little more weight to the head stock. Not excessive but I did notice it right away. At least compared to the cheap Chinese crap that came on the guitar from the factory. But that ended up being a positive because the extra mass made the tone improve and a noticeable change in sustain. And the price is $15 more than Fender lockers so that’s a wash. I have them on all my electrics now. And yes when you change strings you will see the severe angle the string has where it breaks over the top barrel. And there’s no straightening it out. It’s kinked for good
A locking tuner is supposed to do 2 things: keep your strings in tune and facilitate the string changing process. I've even seen people install locking tuners on a guitar equipped with a Floyd for this reason. So this is a no-go for me.
Yeah, the style seems to fit with a V. I wonder if the V headstock tilts back though, maybe like a LP, which might make it tricky to put a V with these in a hard case. I don't have a V myself - just wondering.
I don't want to have to have an Allen wrench to change a string, and I don't want a bunch of unused screw holes left exposed in the back of my headstocks. Meh.
I like the design and the functionality looks interesting. I have 2 major issues - it takes longer to change strings and worst of all, it requires a separate tool (hex key) whereas traditional locking tuners don't.
Outside the slightly more involved stringing process, I really like that they are practical, and that they work so well as locking tuners seeing that that is their purpose. They have a cool look to them on the front, but the back is a bit busy. Lastly, at $100, they really don't cost much more than most good quality sets of locking tuners, which I usually see in the $70-$90 range. Especially when you consider the materials and how they are made. There's a lot of machining involved in these, and I would say given that fact, they are very reasonably priced. Definitely more suited to a more modern guitar, but I am definitely interested in trying some out in the future. Thanks for the update!
I recently got a Guild StarFire I Jet 90 with 3 P90 Alnico2 pickups plus Bigsby for under $699 US. Amazing semi hollow guitar with great fit and finish. I think your Guitar community would love to see one in your reviews and it’s something very unique. Has a six way rotary switch which is super cool for tonal options.
These are remarkable, my man. I've been looking everywhere for information on whether or not people have done this. This reminds me of the Thunderbird I because of the banjo tuners on the back of the headstock so that they're hidden and you just see the headstock itself.
I can see several fundamental problems with the design of these that concern me. They inspire me, though. Maybe I should patent the solutions to all those issues... 🤔
It’s worth noting the Riot tuners have changed since Darrell first showed them last year. The new ones have knurled thumb knobs, which makes them look more like the Steinberger tuners. Also makes them easier to use; smoother to the touch.
I put a set of Riots on my Gibson Firebird to replace the original crap-tastic banjo tuners after my failed experiment with installing Steinberger tuners on the guitar. The Riots are perfect direct replacement tuners for a Firebird in my opinion. Just a couple of notes: you'll have to remove the original bushings to install the Riots, and I would recommend a pro to do that. Also, if you want to drop tune with the Riots, don’t screw them all the way to the mounting nut; the string will snap as you tune it up & down that way. I think starting the tuners halfway through their range might work, but I still have to test that; I'll report back. Overall, I also love the Riots, especially for a Firebird. I'm gonna install them on my other Firebird which has Grover Rotomatics that hang down from the bottom of the headstock; Gibson intended to have the headstock look seamless with the banjo tuners. Thanks again for showing the Riots, Darrell 🎸👍🤘
I was wondering how the drop d experience/experiment is going? I just bought a set to put on my epiphone firebird & I never thought about tuning changes, I use open e too.
I bought two sets and installed one on my strat and one on a Ibanez s. They work great. String changes are a little bit longer but no biggie for me. Cost is high especially when shipped internationally due to customs taxes
I bought 2 sets of these for my electric 12 after your last video and returned them because they are such a pain to use with the allen key and the strings do not stay in tune at all! Even using light gauge strings they would reverse wind when getting close to pitch! These would only be good for a guitar that is never played! They were nice enough to take them back though. Which is the only positive thing I can say about these.
I don't have them but will be looking for something along this line for a build in the near future. I think they're close, but two issues make them a no-go for me. First, the edge radius where the string enters the tuner needs to be similar to a classic post tuner. This will reduce any kinking, string breaking, etc. that will plague some users. Second, the hex key lock needs to be swapped for another solution. There are 3-ball mechanisms which clamp/release when turning an outer ring (similar to the tuning mechanism). This would be more secure than the set screw, much easier to use, and it would allow for super-quick string changes. Trem use seems like it would be a pain. There is binding at the tuner and potentially binding at the nut depending on how it was cut.
I think about using these on a Gibson and drilling new tuner hole placements towards the middle of the headstock to fix the string angle on the nut. Thanks for the vids Darrell!
Those tuners have a bit of a "Steam Punk" type of vibe to them, maybe in the future if you were going to put a wild steam punk style parts guitar together, they would be more suited for it... Cheers.
Great review, of course, and glad they worked for you. To my eyes, these are the most elegant looking tuners on the market (front on), and removing the need for the tuning pegs takes the elegant curves of the Strat up a notch to a new level - I think they look great - but not so from the back, where they look chunky and mechanical. And the 40:1 gear ration is really appealing. So far, I'd have them on all my guitars in a heartbeat. But the string kink with a retune (eg to Drop D) and more importantly the experience of string breakage of listeners in the Comments (and on video reviews) is a terminal disincentive. I'll investigate Steinbergers, and would like to see you review them (and other 'interesting' tuners).
Like with most things guitar related, there is nothing perfect ...it’s all about finding a balance...I would definitely try those tuners ...I think they are pretty cool!!!!
Also hanging this guitar on a single wall hanger will cause it to hit the wall and may put little dents in your wall but also the guitar sits forward more putting extra strain on the wall hook so make sure the wall hanger is secure.
Have fun putting a guitar equipped with these tuners in a case. String change requires a tool. So...cool idea but not really practical. Yet! Maybe they come up with some improvements someday, who knows. Speaking of odd tuners I was a big fan of what Yamaha put on some of their RGX guitars back in the day. The tuner buttons were not flat but round and knurled for better grip. Those were more bump-resistant, couldn't accidently turn in a case or bag and, with the modern RGX design, looked super cool. They also had a toolless locking nut.
A tuner that's flat on the front and not locking could be probably done, but it would be fundamentally different design. I see no way how this mechanism could be anything but locking.
It’s going on the Peavey Predator AX with a brand new pickguard, choice pickups and the vega trem. But I have not put it on yet. Soon though. I bought it immediately after your video. It was just so cool and different.
Got these and am putting them on an Anygig travel guitar. Hopefully, will help in lay better against my body and I won’t bump them out of tune as much.
I have a set on my wolfgang build. They work well. I recommend not to cut the E, A, D strings excess until strings have fully stretch. I find my self having to reset tuner to lowest position, hold on tight to string, relock, retune. Sure they are locking tuners, but you loose the advantage of a locking tuner with these.
I have multiple guitars, only one of which has locking tuners, so these aren't a high priority for me. Beyond that, however, they seem to function well, lock well, hold tune well, and look interesting. A bit more weight at the far end of the neck might be an issue for some. Just because they look different is no reason to say "no." Cost, however, might be. More than I'm willing to spend on tuners, but I think they look pretty cool. Let me add that non-guitarists (i.e., most people) won't notice or care that these are "different" from more conventional tuners.
It seems a great solution for studio guitars, keeping them in tune for longer and avoiding some recording issues. For live use, they might not be so great, especially if a string breaks mid-show.
In my head, 'weird' doesn't leap out. They look really clean (at least front on) and - to my eyes - suit the Strat well. Not traditional, but they accentuate the sweeping lines and contours that I associate with Strats. My vote would be to leave them on. But hey - it's your guitar! And I really like the 40:1 aspect, should make precision tuning easier. I'd like to see them as standard issue on guitars - and despite the expense, am thinking of fitting them to some of my guitars (the relived Tele stays as is!)
… because the locking tuners were heavy and pointless, and they sucked away tone and sustain.and I prefer the string to wrap around the post for better sustain. One wind above the string and one or two wines below. No slippage, no tuning instability.
Man I love your show I'm learning so much about guitar's every time I watch thank you so much seriously, I am 74 and a Australian pensioner, I have been saving up to buy a guitar for about 6months now hoping to have enough for one by next January ,(my BD) lol I am looking at 2 different one first a Grote Electric Guitar Matte Finish Simi-hollow Body Right Handed VS Color matte love this one looks so natural. Second is a stunning looking guitar from JAZZ Store Perfect Sound Quality Big Tremolo Electric love the look But not sure about its Quality?. these are both in the price range I should be able to manage . So could you pleas give me your opinion on them with no obligations on you strictly as a mate to mate basis thank you for all you do cheers mate .Dougie
I don’t think they would be for me, can’t get over the look. That being said at $100 they are cheaper than the Schaller staggered locking tuners I put on my Warmoth build. Also doesn’t every string that goes through any tuning machine have a kink in it? I suppose on some of the oddly shaped metal guitars these would most likely look good just not my type of thing.
Can you imagine what a master builder would think if he got an order for a custom shop Gibson or fender with these on it? Like a heavy relic Murphy lab 58 les Paul with these.
I put them on my Epiphone Firebird and totally love them. They look clean, the 40:1 is super accurate, and they hold the strings in tune quite well due to the locking mechanism.
Digging the new intro! On the RIOT tuners...just not for me. Too much on the backside and the string kink drop-tuning would bother me. I was worried at first that when you turned the tuner part, that the string would turn with it, effectively twisting the string. But when you were fiddling with them explaining how precise they are etc, I'd see the brass piece move a bit but not rotate. Is that accurate? Wouldn't want to put a couple of twists into a string tuning it up!
I found these to be the best replacement for a squier. there aren't many drop in replacements for squire... (New tele 2022) and the ones with the plate on the back for the mostly stay straight, but not happy with the word "mostly", so tried these, and like them better. yes there are some drop in replacements on amazon for $20, but yep they feel like $20 tuners... so
i literally clicked on this because i have this handmade guitar that has these tuners but i had no idea what they were called. i cannot thank you enough i was losing hope of ever finding information on them XD
They're only locking tuners because they have to be. They didn't design it with the benefits of locking tuners in mind, the lock is just how it has to be. As for the Allen key, most headless guitars and all Floyds need one, too. I do worry about slipping. One headless guitar I own slips the high E because of a grub screw "lock". Needs more kink and more positive contact like a Floyd block. Speaking of headless, bet there's a clever way to use these in a headless design.
So its a 40:1 locking tuner, but it requires an allen wrench. price, availability, and looks might be issues for some folks. 40:1 seems awfully nice... Not much else in a "regular footprint tuning key" can do that, right? Other than a micro tuner T-O-M stoptail, I suspect you'd have to go Floyd rose, Steinberger, Stranberg, etc to get 40:1. The intro would be much more impressive if we could see you playing it. A vid on a steinberger bridge (nohead, double locking, built-in hardtail blocking, thumb screw claw spring adjustment, high ratio tuners. Overlord of Music brand about $60 on Ebay) would be interesting. Other than non-traditional aesthetics, and a somewhat high mass, they seem to offer the best of everything, including the superior weight distribution of a nohead system.
They do look kind of cool in a weird way... but I change my strings too often to use a set of tuners that makes that more time consuming than necessary. Still... I don't mind seeing interesting new products. In a way, many musicians have become too stuck in the old way of doing things, myself included, so it's nice to see someone shaking things up a bit.
Entry point into the tuners is too low for my tastes and you can't change strings all that fast but I suppose you could learn how. But I haven't used them so my opinion is just based on what I've seen in your videos. I'll stick with my locking Fender tuners at this point. Thanks for showing what these tuners are and exercising them for the last couple months. Love your channel!
Worst thing I had happen with mine was the pointy Allen screw cutting one of the strings. I had to sand it round a little bit to stop it cutting the string.
But what do they do for the sound? I use Gotoh tuners because of the rock solid feature. That is that the shafts have no play in them so they don't wobble when you play a string and hence kill the sustain. I have them on my Martin guitar and have just put locking ones on my Les Paul and can confirm that it makes a difference. I suspect that these will have the same benefit to the sustain because the part that supports the string has no play in it. What have people found on this question.
I have banjo tuners on my homemade electric guitar that me and my grandpa built when I was 11 i wanted the feel and look of a banjo and the sound of guitar I use Thomastik 11. Guage flatwound strings made my style is more like Luther Perkins also another reason why I went for old school banjo tuners was cause Jimmie Rodgers acoustic has banjo tuners
I had a customers USSR guitar in for a overhaul and he wanted it a player but to look as far out as possible, so when I watched your video I sent it to him right away to see if he wanted them on this already crazy looking guitar. I got a black set for 110$ and installed them. They looked really cool on this guitar but when I went to string it up it took about 5 hours just to get the strings stretched! I had to pull the unwound strings through, tighten the set screw and stretch the string until I ran out of threads and had to unlock the set screw pull the string as tight as possible lock the screw stretch the string and repeat the process until they were all stretched out. maybe buying prestretched strings would work, but I couldn't give these to my customer/buddy, He would never use me again if I did! These are the worst tuning machines I've ever seen and I've been playing and working on guitars for 43 years!
Locking tuners have no use, because even a little change of temperature make a string go out of tune. Nice check, all my guitars in the same room have the same un-tuning variance.
Didn’t see your first video about these. Just visited their site. Replacement for steinbergers they say. It looks like a set of bolts from the hardware store. Don’t like these type of tuners on regular guitars. Just as I changed the Steinbergers on my Les Paul. Never seen these before today. Design could use some finesse.
One other downside: aesthetics. On the front, they are just so plain looking, and on the back, they are ugly as sin. They look like a garage-built kludge, even if they work well.
I don't know where else to make a suggestion but a new post could work: How about a "tour" of your studio? You do a great job, come along way from standing in front of the French doors with a mic, to a pretty slick production imo. The camera work and segues are professional and your set looks very clean and simple. I'd like to see where and how you work to get the sounds and video to work. You're the best influencer I've found and the best part is you're always in tune 👍
The RIOTs are back lol!
Let me know what you guys think of these tuning machines, and if you would ever install them on your guitar!
Enjoy :)
I have a couple that would definitely benefit from these, but the one I really want to put them on is my 8-string, but the RIOT tuners won't take strings that big. .074 or so is quite a bit bigger than the .056 that is the max for these. Still want them though for my other axes!
I put brass riot tuners on my yamaha pacifica they're not bad at all
Thanks for the update, Darrell. I’m seriously considering a set of these for my Epiphone Firebird.
I put these on my Gibson Firebird. They are indeed kind of awkward. BUT I do love how industrial they look and they really do work in keeping your guitar in tune. So I do love em. I’d definitely put em on another guitar. I know they said they’re working on making a version for bass. I’m actually super excited to see how those come out.
Besides Sperzel, or the fender locking tuner, what's another good locking system for a 95' American standard stratocaster? 🤔 with no modifications?
I really must warn everyone: I was so excited for these after the first video that I went and bought a set for my own Strat. I waited months to get my set, and when I received it, I could tell it was a used set-the string marks on the circles were very visible, and a piece of broken string was still in the locking set screw area. I read the instructions very carefully and attempted to string and tune my Strat for literally 8 hours. After having to open 12 packs of strings because they kept breaking or slipping, I was fed up and had to cut my losses. I tried every imaginable adjustment to the set screw I could manage, and it always ended in frustrating failure.
I was so crushed because of how excited I was for these. I thought about giving them away, but I simply can’t bring that curse to someone else. It needs a major re-design before I would recommend it.
Where did you buy the set?
If you still had em, I'd be willing to take on that curse for my salvation army SG project lol
I had the same issue, ended up returning them for a full refund and using Steinberger tuners instead...much better.
I bought a set for a customers guitar and it took hours/day to stretch the string then loosen the set screw pull it tight lock the set screw and stretch some more (until I ran out of threads) then repete... Total pain in the ass and I couldn't bring myself to sell them to my buddy/customer, so I took the 110$ loss. I would never recommend these to anyone!!
This is almost exactly my experience to a T.
I've had these things chew through their value in strings.
It's a Shame, because they seem like such a cool design.
Those tuners BEG to be on a modern guitar not an old school strat
I'd love to see it on an angrier looking guitar like a more modern V or a BC rich warlock or something lol. Something more aggressive for sure
They ugly
On Parker Fly!
it belongs in a museum
Yeah, Darrell said in his original video that they would look awesome on a Kiesel or an Ormsby. I can confirm that they look great on a Gibson Firebird too.
Having to have an allen key is the big no go for me.
Allen keys are the best bro. But i agree, when ever i replace strings i dont want to need a tool
Hi Darrell,
I think the best thing about this tuners is that (like Steinberger ones) you do not need to shape the guitar head standard way.
Head might has ANY shape and you can fit them on any place (on the head). That really can open new doors for the creative minded guitar builders.
I bought a set the day after your original video and I absolutely love them. My only real complaint if you can call it that is they added a little more weight to the head stock. Not excessive but I did notice it right away. At least compared to the cheap Chinese crap that came on the guitar from the factory. But that ended up being a positive because the extra mass made the tone improve and a noticeable change in sustain. And the price is $15 more than Fender lockers so that’s a wash. I have them on all my electrics now. And yes when you change strings you will see the severe angle the string has where it breaks over the top barrel. And there’s no straightening it out. It’s kinked for good
The extra mass didn't help your tone.
@@gavinw5469 damn,you beat me to it lmao
Dig the new intro and and your presentations. Well done! 🎶
I remember the first video you posted about these. They look cool but $100 is a bit steep when most locking tuners are under $80
Really like the new intro. Thanks for keeping us up to date on new items in the world we love
I like the old one with the acoustic guitar getting tossed aside onto the roof full of snow,
A locking tuner is supposed to do 2 things: keep your strings in tune and facilitate the string changing process. I've even seen people install locking tuners on a guitar equipped with a Floyd for this reason.
So this is a no-go for me.
Yeah, I have locking tuners on my Floyd equipped guitar too. Just for easier restringing.
@@raytorvalds3699 sure, makes sense. With a tuner such as this riot thing, if a string breaks during a gig, you’re just dead
They look like they'd be perfect for a Flying V, as the regular tuning machines mess up the sleek angles of the head stock.
Yeah, the style seems to fit with a V. I wonder if the V headstock tilts back though, maybe like a LP, which might make it tricky to put a V with these in a hard case. I don't have a V myself - just wondering.
Flying v or a firebird
@@timjacobs1168 Firebird for sure; I got a set on one of mine.
I don't want to have to have an Allen wrench to change a string, and I don't want a bunch of unused screw holes left exposed in the back of my headstocks. Meh.
Yeah it looks disgusting.
I like the design and the functionality looks interesting. I have 2 major issues - it takes longer to change strings and worst of all, it requires a separate tool (hex key) whereas traditional locking tuners don't.
Outside the slightly more involved stringing process, I really like that they are practical, and that they work so well as locking tuners seeing that that is their purpose. They have a cool look to them on the front, but the back is a bit busy. Lastly, at $100, they really don't cost much more than most good quality sets of locking tuners, which I usually see in the $70-$90 range. Especially when you consider the materials and how they are made. There's a lot of machining involved in these, and I would say given that fact, they are very reasonably priced. Definitely more suited to a more modern guitar, but I am definitely interested in trying some out in the future. Thanks for the update!
They look big and heavy on the rear. Look amazing from the front.
Lol
I recently got a Guild StarFire I Jet 90 with 3 P90 Alnico2 pickups plus Bigsby for under $699 US. Amazing semi hollow guitar with great fit and finish. I think your Guitar community would love to see one in your reviews and it’s something very unique. Has a six way rotary switch which is super cool for tonal options.
It's like a Floyd rose for your neck. Just imagine restringing this alongside with a Floyd.
So a living nightmare? Haha.
Yeah 😂
If you hate your self just go ahead 😂
Why does people think it’s such a big deal restringing a guitar with FR?
@@callehampe it's not a big deal it's just a pain dude
I bought mine because of your first video, installed them onto a mid-90's bright red MiM Strat and love them.
These are remarkable, my man. I've been looking everywhere for information on whether or not people have done this. This reminds me of the Thunderbird I because of the banjo tuners on the back of the headstock so that they're hidden and you just see the headstock itself.
DBG, good to see your channel evolving. Light guitars D. 2021 guitar should light better faster than ever
Gonna put em on my PRS custom 24. That will look good! I got one of those "schizoid" models. It will look sick.
Love the new intro!
Reminds me of the Hydraulic Press Channel
This is one of the many reasons your channel is top tier
❤
That they work is not a great feature. That is table stakes. Otherwise, it seems like a solution looking for a problem.
Or, perhaps designed to sell?
Nice, honest review, Darrell. A bit too funky for me, though.
I can see several fundamental problems with the design of these that concern me. They inspire me, though. Maybe I should patent the solutions to all those issues... 🤔
There's a reason no one has bothered to redesign locking tuners.
The front looks great but the back side looks too mechanical and less instrumental. Thanks Darrell for the update.
It’s worth noting the Riot tuners have changed since Darrell first showed them last year. The new ones have knurled thumb knobs, which makes them look more like the Steinberger tuners. Also makes them easier to use; smoother to the touch.
I work on conveyors for a living and I can say with confidence set screws work. I love the clean look.
I would love something like these for a bass. Very cool looking and functional.
I put a set of Riots on my Gibson Firebird to replace the original crap-tastic banjo tuners after my failed experiment with installing Steinberger tuners on the guitar. The Riots are perfect direct replacement tuners for a Firebird in my opinion. Just a couple of notes: you'll have to remove the original bushings to install the Riots, and I would recommend a pro to do that. Also, if you want to drop tune with the Riots, don’t screw them all the way to the mounting nut; the string will snap as you tune it up & down that way. I think starting the tuners halfway through their range might work, but I still have to test that; I'll report back. Overall, I also love the Riots, especially for a Firebird. I'm gonna install them on my other Firebird which has Grover Rotomatics that hang down from the bottom of the headstock; Gibson intended to have the headstock look seamless with the banjo tuners. Thanks again for showing the Riots, Darrell 🎸👍🤘
I was wondering how the drop d experience/experiment is going? I just bought a set to put on my epiphone firebird & I never thought about tuning changes, I use open e too.
I bought two sets and installed one on my strat and one on a Ibanez s. They work great. String changes are a little bit longer but no biggie for me. Cost is high especially when shipped internationally due to customs taxes
They'd look good on a Flying V, Explorer or other similar type guitar.
Is this a new intro? I liked seeing you fall in the snow. It was hilarious. LOL
I bought 2 sets of these for my electric 12 after your last video and returned them because they are such a pain to use with the allen key and the strings do not stay in tune at all! Even using light gauge strings they would reverse wind when getting close to pitch! These would only be good for a guitar that is never played! They were nice enough to take them back though. Which is the only positive thing I can say about these.
I don't have them but will be looking for something along this line for a build in the near future. I think they're close, but two issues make them a no-go for me. First, the edge radius where the string enters the tuner needs to be similar to a classic post tuner. This will reduce any kinking, string breaking, etc. that will plague some users. Second, the hex key lock needs to be swapped for another solution. There are 3-ball mechanisms which clamp/release when turning an outer ring (similar to the tuning mechanism). This would be more secure than the set screw, much easier to use, and it would allow for super-quick string changes.
Trem use seems like it would be a pain. There is binding at the tuner and potentially binding at the nut depending on how it was cut.
Love the yngwie Malmsteen inspired intro!
✌😎🇸🇪
Miss the falling over in the snow!
I think about using these on a Gibson and drilling new tuner hole placements towards the middle of the headstock to fix the string angle on the nut. Thanks for the vids Darrell!
My RIOTs went on my Ibanez 7 string RG7421 and ... it just works. Makes the head look even more pointy.
They look very futuristic. Needing an Allen wrench kinda sucks though
A couple of things come to mind.
The kink might cause premature breakage if you tune down often.
They would be interesting on a headless guitar.
Then the 1-inch back would be against your belly
New intro animation and music is amazing!
Those tuners have a bit of a "Steam Punk" type of vibe to them, maybe in the future if you were going to put a wild steam punk style parts guitar together, they would be more suited for it... Cheers.
Great review, of course, and glad they worked for you. To my eyes, these are the most elegant looking tuners on the market (front on), and removing the need for the tuning pegs takes the elegant curves of the Strat up a notch to a new level - I think they look great - but not so from the back, where they look chunky and mechanical. And the 40:1 gear ration is really appealing. So far, I'd have them on all my guitars in a heartbeat. But the string kink with a retune (eg to Drop D) and more importantly the experience of string breakage of listeners in the Comments (and on video reviews) is a terminal disincentive. I'll investigate Steinbergers, and would like to see you review them (and other 'interesting' tuners).
Like with most things guitar related, there is nothing perfect ...it’s all about finding a balance...I would definitely try those tuners ...I think they are pretty cool!!!!
Also hanging this guitar on a single wall hanger will cause it to hit the wall and may put little dents in your wall but also the guitar sits forward more putting extra strain on the wall hook so make sure the wall hanger is secure.
It would be nice to see them DEMONSTRATED! I went the their site. The only video there is of an unboxing :(
Have fun putting a guitar equipped with these tuners in a case. String change requires a tool. So...cool idea but not really practical. Yet! Maybe they come up with some improvements someday, who knows. Speaking of odd tuners I was a big fan of what Yamaha put on some of their RGX guitars back in the day. The tuner buttons were not flat but round and knurled for better grip. Those were more bump-resistant, couldn't accidently turn in a case or bag and, with the modern RGX design, looked super cool. They also had a toolless locking nut.
If they have this tuner without a locking mechanism, I'd be interested in trying it out
A tuner that's flat on the front and not locking could be probably done, but it would be fundamentally different design. I see no way how this mechanism could be anything but locking.
@@jan7751-o4w how would it be different?
@@SpellsandCurses The way these tuners work is by locking. Without it locking, it wouldn't work.
Cool. I was waiting for this. Thanks! =)
It’s going on the Peavey Predator AX with a brand new pickguard, choice pickups and the vega trem. But I have not put it on yet. Soon though. I bought it immediately after your video. It was just so cool and different.
40:1!?! Heavens to Merghatroid!!!!!! I’ve been very happy with the Wilkinson E-Z-LOK. $40, 19:1, smooth and solid, no extra mechanism for the lock.
Got these and am putting them on an Anygig travel guitar. Hopefully, will help in lay better against my body and I won’t bump them out of tune as much.
I have a set on my wolfgang build. They work well. I recommend not to cut the E, A, D strings excess until strings have fully stretch. I find my self having to reset tuner to lowest position, hold on tight to string, relock, retune.
Sure they are locking tuners, but you loose the advantage of a locking tuner with these.
I have multiple guitars, only one of which has locking tuners, so these aren't a high priority for me. Beyond that, however, they seem to function well, lock well, hold tune well, and look interesting. A bit more weight at the far end of the neck might be an issue for some. Just because they look different is no reason to say "no." Cost, however, might be. More than I'm willing to spend on tuners, but I think they look pretty cool. Let me add that non-guitarists (i.e., most people) won't notice or care that these are "different" from more conventional tuners.
It seems a great solution for studio guitars, keeping them in tune for longer and avoiding some recording issues. For live use, they might not be so great, especially if a string breaks mid-show.
Evertune?
@@popysanchez Aren't they more expensive and require routing in the body? And as far as I know, they don't have bridges with tremolo.
In my head, 'weird' doesn't leap out. They look really clean (at least front on) and - to my eyes - suit the Strat well. Not traditional, but they accentuate the sweeping lines and contours that I associate with Strats. My vote would be to leave them on. But hey - it's your guitar! And I really like the 40:1 aspect, should make precision tuning easier. I'd like to see them as standard issue on guitars - and despite the expense, am thinking of fitting them to some of my guitars (the relived Tele stays as is!)
I personally despise locking tuners. I just purchased a brand new guitar and remove the locking tuners for standard ones.
Why?
Interesting. May I know why ?
Why ?
… because the locking tuners were heavy and pointless, and they sucked away tone and sustain.and I prefer the string to wrap around the post for better sustain. One wind above the string and one or two wines below. No slippage, no tuning instability.
If you want some good quality innovative tuners I suggest you go with the staggered ratio tuners by a major manufacturer out there instead.
Man I love your show I'm learning so much about guitar's every time I watch thank you so much seriously, I am 74 and a Australian pensioner, I have been saving up to buy a guitar for about 6months now hoping to have enough for one by next January ,(my BD) lol I am looking at 2 different one first a Grote Electric Guitar Matte Finish Simi-hollow Body Right Handed VS Color matte love this one looks so natural. Second is a stunning looking guitar from JAZZ Store Perfect Sound Quality Big Tremolo Electric love the look But not sure about its Quality?. these are both in the price range I should be able to manage . So could you pleas give me your opinion on them with no obligations on you strictly as a mate to mate basis thank you for all you do cheers mate .Dougie
I'd like to see a long term update on those Joe Barden pickups you put in your ultimate Ibanez build
I don’t think they would be for me, can’t get over the look. That being said at $100 they are cheaper than the Schaller staggered locking tuners I put on my Warmoth build. Also doesn’t every string that goes through any tuning machine have a kink in it? I suppose on some of the oddly shaped metal guitars these would most likely look good just not my type of thing.
I also guess that there is no such thing as a 6 in-line vs a 3+3 set of keys. That is sort of a plus for the guitar tinkerer.
I really like the 40:1 gear ratio-that is fine tuning.
Can you imagine what a master builder would think if he got an order for a custom shop Gibson or fender with these on it? Like a heavy relic Murphy lab 58 les Paul with these.
I wonder how the Riots would be on a Gibson Firebird. Better, lesser, or equal to the Steinberger tuners?
I put them on my Epiphone Firebird and totally love them. They look clean, the 40:1 is super accurate, and they hold the strings in tune quite well due to the locking mechanism.
I think these would look great on a fan fret or baritone but the thickest gauge they take is a 54.
Digging the new intro! On the RIOT tuners...just not for me. Too much on the backside and the string kink drop-tuning would bother me. I was worried at first that when you turned the tuner part, that the string would turn with it, effectively twisting the string. But when you were fiddling with them explaining how precise they are etc, I'd see the brass piece move a bit but not rotate. Is that accurate? Wouldn't want to put a couple of twists into a string tuning it up!
How in blazes do you fit the guitar in the case with those? I wouldn't want those on my guitar I don't think.
they'll suit perfect on Firebirds
I found these to be the best replacement for a squier. there aren't many drop in replacements for squire... (New tele 2022) and the ones with the plate on the back for the mostly stay straight, but not happy with the word "mostly", so tried these, and like them better. yes there are some drop in replacements on amazon for $20, but yep they feel like $20 tuners... so
i literally clicked on this because i have this handmade guitar that has these tuners but i had no idea what they were called. i cannot thank you enough i was losing hope of ever finding information on them XD
Hey d.u save us money and provide wonderful info.much needed info.thank u.
Might be real nice with an aftermarket neck like Warmoth that doesn’t have predrilled screw holes.
They're only locking tuners because they have to be. They didn't design it with the benefits of locking tuners in mind, the lock is just how it has to be. As for the Allen key, most headless guitars and all Floyds need one, too.
I do worry about slipping. One headless guitar I own slips the high E because of a grub screw "lock". Needs more kink and more positive contact like a Floyd block.
Speaking of headless, bet there's a clever way to use these in a headless design.
So its a 40:1 locking tuner, but it requires an allen wrench. price, availability, and looks might be issues for some folks. 40:1 seems awfully nice... Not much else in a "regular footprint tuning key" can do that, right? Other than a micro tuner T-O-M stoptail, I suspect you'd have to go Floyd rose, Steinberger, Stranberg, etc to get 40:1. The intro would be much more impressive if we could see you playing it. A vid on a steinberger bridge (nohead, double locking, built-in hardtail blocking, thumb screw claw spring adjustment, high ratio tuners. Overlord of Music brand about $60 on Ebay) would be interesting. Other than non-traditional aesthetics, and a somewhat high mass, they seem to offer the best of everything, including the superior weight distribution of a nohead system.
They look great from the front, however they are atrocious from the back side. Large and stick out really far. Not sure I would take the leap.
They do look kind of cool in a weird way... but I change my strings too often to use a set of tuners that makes that more time consuming than necessary. Still... I don't mind seeing interesting new products. In a way, many musicians have become too stuck in the old way of doing things, myself included, so it's nice to see someone shaking things up a bit.
I like when my car breaks down because it's something different from the old ways.
@@KazeAkiyama - Well, the thing about new gear and gadgets is that we have a choice. A car breakdown? Not so much.
I saw that you use a snark guitar tuner. So many to choose from. Which model do you have and which do you recommend? Thanks.
I would love to see these on a Firebird!
Noooo new intro, I'm gonna miss that part when you fall out on snow after throwing your guitar 🤣
Love the new intro nice work
Entry point into the tuners is too low for my tastes and you can't change strings all that fast but I suppose you could learn how. But I haven't used them so my opinion is just based on what I've seen in your videos. I'll stick with my locking Fender tuners at this point. Thanks for showing what these tuners are and exercising them for the last couple months. Love your channel!
Worst thing I had happen with mine was the pointy Allen screw cutting one of the strings. I had to sand it round a little bit to stop it cutting the string.
But what do they do for the sound? I use Gotoh tuners because of the rock solid feature. That is that the shafts have no play in them so they don't wobble when you play a string and hence kill the sustain. I have them on my Martin guitar and have just put locking ones on my Les Paul and can confirm that it makes a difference. I suspect that these will have the same benefit to the sustain because the part that supports the string has no play in it. What have people found on this question.
I have banjo tuners on my homemade electric guitar that me and my grandpa built when I was 11 i wanted the feel and look of a banjo and the sound of guitar I use Thomastik 11. Guage flatwound strings made my style is more like Luther Perkins also another reason why I went for old school banjo tuners was cause Jimmie Rodgers acoustic has banjo tuners
Really cool fender Stratocaster looking tuners I like it
I had a customers USSR guitar in for a overhaul and he wanted it a player but to look as far out as possible, so when I watched your video I sent it to him right away to see if he wanted them on this already crazy looking guitar. I got a black set for 110$ and installed them. They looked really cool on this guitar but when I went to string it up it took about 5 hours just to get the strings stretched! I had to pull the unwound strings through, tighten the set screw and stretch the string until I ran out of threads and had to unlock the set screw pull the string as tight as possible lock the screw stretch the string and repeat the process until they were all stretched out. maybe buying prestretched strings would work, but I couldn't give these to my customer/buddy, He would never use me again if I did! These are the worst tuning machines I've ever seen and I've been playing and working on guitars for 43 years!
Locking tuners have no use, because even a little change of temperature make a string go out of tune. Nice check, all my guitars in the same room have the same un-tuning variance.
the guitar might not fit on a Hercules guitar stand where you hang it by the headstock.
Perfect for a Firebird, or even banjo!
They look pretty cool on a PRS Darrell
Didn’t see your first video about these. Just visited their site. Replacement for steinbergers they say. It looks like a set of bolts from the hardware store. Don’t like these type of tuners on regular guitars. Just as I changed the Steinbergers on my Les Paul. Never seen these before today. Design could use some finesse.
Those would look great on a Schecter. Lambo orange Sun Valley Super Shredder.
One other downside: aesthetics. On the front, they are just so plain looking, and on the back, they are ugly as sin. They look like a garage-built kludge, even if they work well.
one of the benefits of locking tuners is quick and easy string changes. Not sure that's true for these.
The Good, the Bad, and the Weird. Nice reference.
I think a potential buyer of a used Strat would be turned off by those tuners. If I saw those on a guitar I would look for something else.
Getting ready to put them on Mahogany 2020 Gibson V then change the white pickguard....
I don't know where else to make a suggestion but a new post could work: How about a "tour" of your studio? You do a great job, come along way from standing in front of the French doors with a mic, to a pretty slick production imo. The camera work and segues are professional and your set looks very clean and simple. I'd like to see where and how you work to get the sounds and video to work. You're the best influencer I've found and the best part is you're always in tune 👍