Guide to Classical Guitar Tuning Machines, the different types and review of the various brands.
Need for Better Guitar Tuners
Here are some of the reasons why guitar players choose to go for this:
- The standard tuning machines are not smooth to operate
- They don’t work as desired and aren’t precise
- They don’t complement the looks of the guitar
Classical Guitar Tuning Machines
Most good-quality Tuning Machines are 3-left/3-right tuners, and provide smooth and accurate operation. You also have options of 6×1 (six individual basses), 2×3 (flat base) and 2×3 (figured base).
Here are the important features of these machines:
- These provide silky smooth operation, are precise, and aesthetic in looks
- Precisely engineered with nylon worm post bearings in a compact cast aluminum base, and adjustable knob tension.
- Usually the cogwheel is made of a special type of bronze
- Most feature genuine polished ebony fitted with brass internal shaft bushings for durability, and eye-catching un-plated brass crown gears.
- Most models have brass parts coated with gold.
- These are usually meant for use with nylon strings only.
Depending on the user’s requirements, the materials used for the buttons could be: ivory, ebony or rosewood (some may use other type of wood also).
Here’s a video that gives a brief history of Classical Guitar Tuning Machines:
Can You Replace String with Nylon?
There are several guitar students who are tempted to replace the tuning machines from their steel string guitar to Classical guitar or vice-versa.
However, the fact is that steel and nylon strings have different tensile strengths and require different mechanics for tuning, and as such its not possible to inter-change them.
Brands
Some of the popular brands that make these Tuning Machines include Rodgers, Graf, Schertler, and others.
You can choose from a variety of options, as these make these machines for several stringed instruments.
However, some of them can be expensive for use with normal guitars, so choose as per your requirements.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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