[Spectre]

Does anyone have experience with locking Graphtech Ratio Tuners? I'm considering replacing the stock tuners on my MIM Telecaster with these units. Any comments on the product (other than they are expensive).

Also, would I be able to install them on my Telecaster without drilling new pilot holes for mounting, or having to bore out the post holes to accommodate a larger post?

Thanks!

 

[Axeblaed]

Just ordered a set for a Squier Affinity tele. Not sure if the holes are the same as with the MIM. Fingers crossed

 

[Budda]

I have them on my custom tele. I'm used to the ratios of "regular" tuners so extra winds to solve a half step is odd to me. Work as advertised!

IMO if you don't need that level of fine tuning, you're going to be fine with most locking tuners.

 

[Spectre]

Axeblaed:

I ordered and received the tuners, but when I went to install them, I found that none of the provided Invisomatch mounting plates fit the Fender. You need to purchase specific mounting plates to line up the tuners with the two pin hole placements for each tuner on the Fender headstock. I've ordered them and am waiting for their arrival.

On the positive side, the holes in the headstock will not have to be bored out to accommodate the shafts. They fit perfectly.

I'll update everyone once I get the mounting plates.

 

[Axeblaed]

Axeblaed:

I ordered and received the tuners, but when I went to install them, I found that none of the provided Invisomatch mounting plates fit the Fender. You need to purchase specific mounting plates to line up the tuners with the two pin hole placements for each tuner on the Fender headstock. I've ordered them and am waiting for their arrival.

On the positive side, the holes in the headstock will not have to be bored out to accommodate the shafts. They fit perfectly.

I'll update everyone once I get the mounting plates.

Thanks
Haven't received them yet, but I'll look into getting the right plates.

 

[Spectre]

I received the Fender-specific backing plates today, and the switchover from the original tuners to the new Graphtech Ratio tuners was a breeze. The whole exercise took all of 15 minutes. Never having had locking tuners before, re-stringing is really easy to do. I'm no longer poking my fingers with the high E strings while I'm replacing it. However, the reason for buying the Ratio tuners in the first place was because I found the original tuners to be too coarse - I'd regularly overshoot the target pitch on the low E and A strings and have to back off the tension and re-tune, eventually getting the string to the proper pitch.
What I'm finding with the Ratio tuners is that the 39:1 and 24:1 ratios on E and A make it much easier to tune to pitch the first time, without over-shooting and having to re-tune several times. The tuning ratios on the remaining strings are 20:1 (D), 35:1 (G), 20:1 (B) and 12:1 (High E). As advertised, amount of tuning for each string is similar to raise or lower the pitch by a full step.
All in all, I'm happy with the purchase (notwithstanding the cost - they are pricey).