Schaller M6 135 Locking 3L/3R BC

I got a set of these to go on a Peavey SC-2 which I'm using as a platform for upgrading. They fit the existing holes very well and were really straightforward to fit. I put them on at the same time as a String Butler (the V3 model) and didn't have any problems fitting both together.

Installing new strings was really easy and quick. I didn't wrap the strings round the posts at all, just threaded them through the post, tightened the locking screw on the back, trimmed the ends off and tuned up. I was a bit nervous about whether this would hold the strings tightly enough, especially after cutting the ends down so short. Have to say, they're holding absolutely fine.

Tuning stability is really good with these on. You'll need to allow strings to stretch for a couple of days but then they seem to hold tuning really well.

The only word of caution I have is that the black coating can be easy to scratch when you're installing the machine heads. What I found helped was using one of those spanners that fits over the nut completely (the sort that comes in Ikea kits).

Very happy with these machine heads. They feel like they're really good quality. They're not exactly stiff to tune but they don't have that loose feeling of the old tuners I had on the guitar.

These replaced very old Gotohs without any need for additional screw holes, which made life very easy. However what I had not realised is that the capstan height is shorter, leaving very little to rise above the headstock. I had a choice of either sending them back or reducing the thickness of the headstock and I did the latter, sanding about 2mm off the back of it so that when fitted the capstan holes were nicely positioned to take the strings. Quite obviously this would not have been an option for the majority of projects, so just check that capstan height before you order to make sure it is sufficient. If it is then you're good to go, if not I suggest looking elsewhere. Now they fit I am very happy with them.