Best staggered locking keys for a strat

[Slobrain]

Hey Folks,

I wanted to get opinions on different staggered locking tuning keys for a strat? I have used the Fender staggered keys on a few strats and like not having to use string trees but I want to start using the trems on my strats and wanted a good key that is locking and staggered.

Which brings up I see many cheap locking keys on Ebay that are under $20.00 a set. but a bit afraid to install cheap keys on my guitars.

any opinions appreciated.

Cheers

[Sweetfinger]

Personally I have never felt the need for locking keys on a Strat (or any other guitar), but in the interest of answering the question, the Fender locking tuners work well. IMO as long as you properly string and stretch your strings, have your nut properly slotted and lubricated, and have your bridge properly set, you should be able to whammy away without any less tuning stability than locking tuners. I will only use one string tree and will switch the tree out for a Fender USA standard if it isn't already.

[Slobrain]

Personally I have never felt the need for locking keys on a Strat (or any other guitar), but in the interest of answering the question, the Fender locking tuners work well. IMO as long as you properly string and stretch your strings, have your nut properly slotted and lubricated, and have your bridge properly set, you should be able to whammy away without any less tuning stability than locking tuners. I will only use one string tree and will switch the tree out for a Fender USA standard if it isn't already.

Thanks for the info Sweetfinger,

I Agree about the nut and string tree. I use one string tree on some of my strats, some use staggered tuners so on them no string tree. I have always been able to keep my guitars in tune by using fine grit sand paper in the string slots but also some graphite in the slots too, an old trick shown to me back in 1982 while in a club and having one of my guitars go out of tune.

The reason I ask about the locking tuners is due to wanting to not have any slack past the nut so that I can go back to using strat trems instead of using the floyd rose. Years back I was able to keep a strat in tune fairly well without any mods but the hassle was a pain in the setup.

I've read about guys raving on how well a strat stays in tune with locking tuners and it makes some sense since the Floyd Rose works on the principle of locking the strings at the nut and bridge. I think Fender used to make an american bridge that you could lock your strings in the saddles, not sure if they still make that model trem.

Anyway, I thought I would get opinions about all who have used or tried the staggered locking tuners.

Thanks

Slo