PRS locking tuners, S2 to SE swap?

NY Guitarist

NY Guitarist

Power User
Not having locking tuners on the SE CU24 is frustrating.

Question 1: I'm ready to lay down the cash for a set but wonder if there is something better that I can get than the PRS locking tuners for similar-ish money?

Question 2: Is the set on a 2022 S2 Standard 24 compatible with the 2021 SE CU24? My thinking is I'd rather put something better on the S2 and move the locking tuners from the S2 to the SE.

On a side note, I finally put the SE out on the stand and am playing it daily. The budget parts are not holding up. The 3-way blade switch cuts out, the jack is flaky, and the non-locking tuners are not great.
 
I usually put the PRS SE branded locking tuners on them or either the ones that John Mann makes. At a minimum, I change the tone block to a brass MannMade one or just put a complete MannMade tremolo bridge on them. Pickups are usually changed as well as switches, components and wiring. It's still cheaper than an S2 or core and transforms into a great guitar for gigging, etc.
 
GLiDE BPM said:
I usually put the PRS SE branded locking tuners on them or either the ones that John Mann makes. At a minimum, I change the tone block to a brass MannMade one or just put a complete MannMade tremolo bridge on them. Pickups are usually changed as well as switches, components and wiring. It's still cheaper than an S2 or core and transforms into a great guitar for gigging, etc.
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This SE will make a really good player so I'll be ok with putting some money into upgrades. I already have the MannMade bridge bookmarked.

I was surprised how fast the blade switch crapped out and I'm not rough with my guitars at all. I'm thinking about a 5-way blade that will give me the same switching options as the 5-way rotary on my 1990s Custom.

Also, the S2 is quickly becoming one of my favorites so I have big plans for it. ;)
 
alan.thomas said:
I really enjoy the graphtec ratio tuners, they have different gears for each tuner so each string has the same turn ratio. That being said cheaper locking tuners are good as well
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These are on my list. My thought was install the Graphtech Ratios on the S2 and move the PRS lockers to the SE.

AlbertA said:
For super easy drop in swap I would stick to the PRS SE locking tuners.
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Still near the top of the list for an easy swap. If I decide to go for less $ I might put the Grover 406C on the SE.
 
I had ratios, disliked them immediately. Gibson, prs, fender: you probably know how much to turn to get to drop d with accuracy. Thats gone with the ratios, and it takes 3 turns instead of one. I was happy to put gotohs on that guitar.

Jack: is it just loose?

Switch: dirty?
 
Budda said:
I had ratios, disliked them immediately. Gibson, prs, fender: you probably know how much to turn to get to drop d with accuracy. Thats gone with the ratios, and it takes 3 turns instead of one. I was happy to put gotohs on that guitar.

Jack: is it just loose?

Switch: dirty?
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Thanks for that feedback on the Ratios, it's exactly why I asked here!

I have hardly had this out of the gig bag until I started playing it daily a few weeks ago.

  • I'm going to open the guitar up to look at the jack, maybe I can tweak it for better contact.
  • The switch only cuts out when I move it to the bridge(1) or neck(3) position, never in the middle(2). But you never know, and I'll try some contact cleaner.
 
Budda said:
I had ratios, disliked them immediately. Gibson, prs, fender: you probably know how much to turn to get to drop d with accuracy. Thats gone with the ratios, and it takes 3 turns instead of one. I was happy to put gotohs on that guitar.
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I frequently wish for higher ratio tuners, more precision. If I've just changed strings and have further to go, I'll deal with it, wind more. I want the finer resolution.

Do the ratio tuners end up having that greater precision?
 
Dave Merrill said:
I frequently wish for higher ratio tuners, more precision. If I've just changed strings and have further to go, I'll deal with it, wind more. I want the finer resolution.

Do the ratio tuners end up having that greater precision?
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They do, but its why it takes longer to actually tune to pitch. 15:1 or whatever “standard fare” is part muscle memory for most I bet. If its out by X turn Y amount and will be very close. If I were playing alongside keys that may be a different story?

I think Gotoh and Kluson have 18:1 and I cant recall offhand what ratios are.
 
NY Guitarist said:
Thanks for that feedback on the Ratios, it's exactly why I asked here!

I have hardly had this out of the gig bag until I started playing it daily a few weeks ago.

  • I'm going to open the guitar up to look at the jack, maybe I can tweak it for better contact.
  • The switch only cuts out when I move it to the bridge(1) or neck(3) position, never in the middle(2). But you never know, and I'll try some contact cleaner.
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PM Sent :)
 
Dave Merrill said:
I frequently wish for higher ratio tuners, more precision. If I've just changed strings and have further to go, I'll deal with it, wind more. I want the finer resolution.

Do the ratio tuners end up having that greater precision?
Click to expand...
That was one of the reason I thought I might like them. I frequently overshoot the tuning and may prefer the finer adjustment.

I don't gig anymore so I'm ok taking longer to tune up and I'm super critical. I cringe when I hear demos, some from major sources, where I'm thinking 'doesn't anyone there hear that it's out of tune?!"
 
NY Guitarist said:
That was one of the reason I thought I might like them. I frequently overshoot the tuning and may prefer the finer adjustment.

I don't gig anymore so I'm ok taking longer to tune up and I'm super critical. I cringe when I hear demos, some from major sources, where I'm thinking 'doesn't anyone there hear that it's out of tune?!"
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With modern digital tuners, like the one in the Axe, it's frustrating to turn the peg what feels like a tiny amount, and have it overshoot.

And I'm with you that i don't mind taking a little longer to tune up after changing a string.
 
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