10 Best Grover Tuners – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Grover Tuners – Guide & Comparison

 

Are you looking for the best Grover tuner around? If you answered ‘yes’, you’ve come to the right place. We have here all the information required for an informed decision. Our research team looked at the most popular items available and compared their sales figures and customer feedback. The conclusion is that the Grover 135N Guitar Tuner is the product you should choose. It sports a vintage look with nickel plating that will catch your eye right away. The die-cast housing ensures that the tuner will be sturdy and precise for your maximum convenience and satisfaction. You will also appreciate the 14+1 gear ratio that guarantees that you will be able to fine-tune your instrument. In the event that this model is out of stock, we also recommend the Grover 406C Rotomatic Mini Machine Heads as a solid second-best option.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Grover Tuners (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Finding the perfect tuners for your guitar can be a challenging task, seeing how there are so many models available. If you want to get a set of tuners from Grover, we have here an excellent selection of critically acclaimed models that will help you choose.

 

1. Grover 135N Guitar Tuner 

 

This affordable Grover tuner offers multiple benefits to musicians tired of their stock models. Superior to what even reputable brands can offer, this set of 6 tuners from Grover is dependable and does a great job tuning your guitar.

One thing that will surely catch your eye is the vintage design of the housing. Made from two die-cast pieces, the housing is a guarantee of the exceptional strength of this design. At the same time, it is precise and will allow you to tune your instrument without encountering any obstacles. One element you will surely notice is the bearing surface.

This design served to rigidize the strings once you tune them, to provide perfect alignment between the gear and the worm. A well-tuned guitar will sound great, too, and that’s a very good reason to use tuners like these. The gear ratio is 14:1 and serves for fine-tuning.

 

Pros

The die-cast housing provides excellent durability and precision and ensures that you get a good quality product that will not let you down.

You may appreciate the vintage design that works well for a wide variety of instruments, regardless of brand and manufacturer.

If you want fine-tuning, you got it, as the 14:1 gear ratio ensures that you will be able to find the perfect spot for your strings to sound as crisp or mellow as you want.

Perfect alignment between the gear and the worm is achieved by the precise bearing surface that makes it easy to keep the strings in place.

 

Cons

One minor issue is the knob color, which has a greenish tint and is not white, nor cream, as you might feel tempted to believe from the pictures.

The bushings and washers employed on the tuners make them a bit on the heavy side, something to bear in mind when purchasing them.

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2. Grover 406C Rotomatic Mini Machine Heads 

 

These could be considered cheap Grover tuners, seeing what great benefits they offer for the price. First of all, they are faithful to the original Rotomatic design with all that entails, but they are mini machine heads, to allow you freedom of movement when playing your guitar. Because of their design, they lock automatically, which saves you the pain of minor adjustments.

Another thing these Grover Rotomatic tuners have is an excellent gear ratio. At 18:1, you can hardly get any better, and fine-tuning is a breeze. You’ve never had as much control as you do when using these tuners.

Small details can make a world of difference, and they are worth mentioning. For instance, the self-locking heads are made from chrome, an upgrade from the nickel used by the manufacturer on other models. Also, the in-line design makes them ideal for Ibanez guitars, as well as Fenders.

 

Pros

The excellent resistance offered by the self-locking mechanism present on these tuners ensures that your strings will always remain in place.

Overall, these Rotomatic tuners are well-designed, well-made, and provide the user with superior durability and accuracy.

Their in-line construction allows you to mount them with ease on Fender and Ibanez guitars, for maximum convenience.

As they allow you to change the strings quickly, they are more practical than other models available on the market.

You will appreciate that they come with a lifetime warranty, a solid proof of the manufacturer’s trust in their reliability.

 

Cons

Be aware that the string locks have a cam style that makes them tricky to work with, especially compared to a thumbwheel lock design.

Fitting heavy strings through these tuners is a real pain, so bass players should be warned of this flaw and shop around for other models.

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3. Grover 102-18C Rotomatic Side Tuners 

 

You know you cannot go wrong when you choose Rotomatic tuners over others. These affordable Grover tuners present all the advantages of the original design and yet still succeed in making it better by employing a few upgrades. The most important is, without a doubt, the 18:1 gear ratio that is above the 14:1 gear ratio offered by original Rotomatics.

Otherwise, the same precision cut design that accommodates the gear, worm, and strings is available so that you can make sure that they fit perfectly on your instrument. With your purchase, you will get all the hardware needed for mounting them, including the wood screws.

They are complete with bushings and washers, and they are made for 3×3 headstocks. Adjusting the tension of the strings is easy as a breeze, and you’ll be pleased with how easily you can install them. Now there’s no need to take your instrument to the shop for the simplest maintenance work.

 

Pros

The upgraded gear ratio of 18:1 gives you more control over the finest adjustments you need to make to your instrument.

For optimal bearing, the original Rotomatic housing will do its job of keeping in perfect alignment the gear, worm, and strings.

Backlash elimination is performed with ease, and you will notice a significant improvement in how you play your guitar when using these tuners.

Even more, the precision-cut elements make sure that you won’t experience any slippage so that your performance is always flawless.

The machine heads come lubricated, and they don’t need any maintenance, an aspect that makes them practical.

 

Cons

Keep in mind that these side tuners will not remain tuned for a long time, and regular maintenance is required.

When turning them, you will notice that they are not as smooth as others, but that may change as you continue to use them.

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4. Grover Roto-Grip Tuners 

 

If you opt for this model, you will get a set of 6 gold Grover tuners that will make an impression, no matter where you go. Using a roto-grip mechanism patented by Grover with its Rotomatic technology, these tuners are among the most dependable you can find at the moment. Although they feature an upgraded gear ratio, they are similar to the original design and share the same benefits.

The thumbscrews will lock each string in place so you will not experience any slippage and backlash, as it happens when using inferior tuners. One significant benefit is the lightweight design that ensures that you get more freedom of movement. In line and small headstocks will take advantage of the slim profile of these tuners.

You will find all the mounting hardware needed in the package. With the help of the 18:1 gear ratio, you can rest assured that tuning your guitar is a breeze.

 

Pros

One of the most significant advantages presented by this design is the presence of the thumbscrew mechanism that makes sure that each string is kept correctly in place.

Faithful to the original Rotomatic design by Grover, these tuners are sturdy and dependable, and they will last for a long time.

With a gear ratio of 18:1, they ensure that tuning your guitar is an easy process, and you won’t have to retune as often as you might have done it before.

These tuners can easily replace almost all the standard machine heads, so they are pretty much universal.

 

Cons

Without a doubt, these Rotomatic tuners are a bit on the expensive side, and they are even double the price of regular models from Grover.

A lighter feel is nice to have, but that might raise the suspicion that these tuners are not that great when it comes to heavier strings.

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5. Grover 502BC Rotogrips Machine Heads 

 

Some people like their tuners to be chrome-plated or nickel-plated, or even gold-plated. However, if you belong to neither of these categories, you will find these black Grover tuners right up your alley. First of all, it must be mentioned that this set is created for an electric guitar, and contains three tuners for the left side, and three for the right side.

Another thing that must be mentioned is that these are closed tuners, so they are particularly sturdy and will serve you for a long time. Using the superior 18:1 gear ratio, they make it easy for you to fine-tune your instrument to obtain the perfect sound.

The Rotomatic design shows in various aspects of these tuners. The thumbscrew feature lets you wrap each string and pull it tight so that there’s no slippage or backlash. You will receive a complete package with everything you need to install them on your instrument.

 

Pros

The black finish makes these tuners stand out from the crowd and makes them ideal for anyone who is looking for a badass look.

An improved gear ratio of 18:1 delivers excellent smooth operation and extra convenience for musicians.

Notice the thumbscrew mechanism that ensures that the strings will remain in place while lowering the risk of slippage and backlash.

Another thing you will surely like about these tuners is that they are easy to install; all the mounting hardware is delivered with your purchase.

 

Cons

The string posts appear to be a bit on the short side, so if your guitar has a thicker headstock than standard models, this could be an issue.

Locking the strings down can be a bit challenging, as it seems that there is a minor design flaw that prevents the pin mechanism from dropping correctly.

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6. Grover 106BC Locking Rotomatic Guitar Tuner 

 

Because the tuners lock the strings in place automatically, a lot of guessing work is eliminated from the start. It must be mentioned that these are Grover Rotomatic locking tuners that share all the benefits offered by the original and innovative design introduced by this manufacturer.

Available in black chrome finish, this model is good looking and practical at the same time. When changing strings, the locking mechanism makes things a breeze. You will be happy to learn that fine-tuning is possible with the help of the 18:1 gear ratio, which is an improvement over the original design.

You will only need one revolution to have the strings brought to pitch, something you don’t see in other similar models on the market. Get this set of tuners if you want to keep your guitar tuned at all times, with minimal effort.

 

Pros

Because of the automatic locking mechanism, changing the strings is a breeze, and you will encounter no issues with tuning your guitar.

Rest assured that precise tuning is possible, and you will love how easy to operate are the tuners once you have them installed.

With an 18:1 gear ratio, these tuners are a substantial improvement over the original Rotomatic design created by Grover.

Staying in tune is simple, as just one revolution of the string post is enough to adjust the tuning.

These tuners are beautiful, as they are available in an attractive black chrome finish.

 

Cons

Be aware that these tuners are only for Les Paul headstocks and won’t work on other guitars, an aspect that might be easy to skip when reading the specs.

The inner and outer pegs must be aligned perfectly, making the installation process tedious and a bit challenging.

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7. Grover 102NV Rotomatic 

 

When it introduced the Rotomatic design, Grover started a series of high-quality tuners that continue to help musicians tune their guitars with maximum ease. While they are available in a vintage style, they’re a modern version of Rotomatics, something that shows in the 18:1 gear ratio present.

The housing is the same as the one used for the initial Rotomatic design, and that means that you should expect superior durability and precision. The worm, gear, and string post are perfectly aligned, and that helps with flawless tuning, off the bat.

Another thing you can surely appreciate about this model is the precision-cut elements that ensure you will experience no slippage or backlash. One aspect of design that should be mentioned is the countersunk tension screw that allows you to customize the string tension as you see fit. You will find all the needed hardware included with your purchase.

 

Pros

The enclosed tuners are permanently lubricated, so they will require no maintenance, and they will be as good as new for years to come.

You may like the ‘milk bottle’ design reminiscent of vintage tuners, which this set tries to emulate in both function and form.

A gear ratio of 18:1 makes precise tuning a breeze and represents an essential upgrade from the original Rotomatic design launched by Grover.

Everything spells quality, from the mechanisms that keep the strings in place to the perfect alignment of the worm, gear, and string post that eliminates slippage.

Users can surely appreciate the fact that there is a lifetime warranty attached to these tuners.

 

Cons

The screws included with your purchase appear to be of inferior quality and might break when you mount the tuners on your guitar.

While some people might like the retro look, the somewhat dull silver finish may not be for everyone.

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8. Grover 305C6 Rotomatic Tuners 

 

An upgrade from the original Rotomatic tuner design from Grover, this model is a mid-size option for anyone who doesn’t want full-size tuners but doesn’t prefer mini Rotomatics, either. These Grover locking tuners are ideal in terms of performance as the 18:1 gear ratio makes sure that you will be able to adjust them to the highest level of finesse.

You will get all the needed hardware, as well as a lifetime warranty with your purchase, so you can rest assured that this model will be able to take a beating without any problems. The package contains six tuners made for in-line designs.

As far as long-term usability is concerned, you can rest assured that this model will deliver. The locking mechanism present on each of the six tuners will grip the string and help it achieve the right tension for what you have in mind.

 

Pros

The enclosed machine heads are permanently lubricated, which is a guarantee of their long lifespan and reliability.

With an 18:1 gear ratio, these Rotomatics allow fine-tuning and excellent precision, something that any guitar player can appreciate.

All the bushings, washers, and wood screws needed for mounting the tuners are included with your purchase.

No slippage will occur, and there is no backlash because of the precision-cut gear and worm that create a perfect alignment for the strings.

You will be happy to see that Grover offers a lifetime warranty with this set of six tuners, a guarantee of trouble-free service.

 

Cons

Keep in mind that these tuners are made only for small headstocks and in-line configurations, so don’t overlook this aspect when placing your order.

Unlike other Grover products that allow you to choose between various finishings, this model is only available in a chrome finish.

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9. Grover 133N Deluxe 3 Per Side Machine Heads 

 

Although the appearance of this design might warrant a higher price, it is actually a cheap Grover tuner that you might want to try. Like other models made by the same company, this one is mechanically engineered to abide by the highest quality standards. As they are vintage Grover tuners, they share the visual appearance of older models, but also present crucial advantages of modern technologies.

The worm and gear benefit from precision cutting to ensure that the strings will not slip or create backlash as you play. If you are looking for a product at a reasonable price, these Grover deluxe tuners are just what you need.

The self-lubricated housings ensure a trouble-free life of service. If there is one thing that might not be on par with other similar products, that would be the 15:1 gear ratio that is still reasonable and useful.

 

Pros

The overall vintage design of these tuners will catch your eye from the start, and if you prefer the old look, you’re in luck.

Several performance-oriented aspects, such as the precision-cut worm and gear, guarantee that you will get a set of tuners that will behave exemplarily.

The machine heads are self-lubricated, which is one thing that will ensure that they will work flawlessly for a long time.

You will experience no backlash or slippage due to the excellent design of the elements.

Fine-tuning is possible and decent on this particular model.

 

Cons

While the tuners offer high performance and satisfaction, unfortunately, the mounting hardware leaves something to be desired, and you might have to purchase some screws separately.

Since the gear ratio employed on this model is 15:1, don’t expect the same performance as from tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio available from the same company.

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10. Grover V97N Sta-Tite Vintage Guitar Tuners 

 

If you are looking for a set of tuners that will make your guitar stand out, these Grover vintage tuners are an excellent choice. The classic style of the Sta-Tite design launched by Grover is a guarantee that your musical instrument will not only sound impressive, but it will look awesome, too.

The gear ratio of 14:1 allows you to tune your instrument with ease, even if it’s not on par with the new models launched by the same manufacturer, equipped with a gear ratio of 18:1. In the same package, you will find wood screws, washers, and bushings, necessary for mounting the tuners on your guitar.

The configuration for these tuners is 3+3, so they’re not a fit for in-line designs. Although the vintage style might make you think that these tuners are part of a different era, they function flawlessly and make use of the new technologies employed by Grover.

 

Pros

Horizontal and vertical string post configurations are readily available, so you will be able to mount them on a wide variety of acoustic guitars.

The butter bean design is the same as the vintage style it takes after, which means that you will be happy with how fantastic your instrument looks.

You will notice that the tuners are lightweight and won’t make your instrument heavier than before.

Compared to the stock tuners provided by reputable manufacturers, these are superior and will help you tune your guitar fast.

For most guitars, there will be no need for extra drilling, adapting, and additional work to make them fit.

 

Cons

The nylon bushings used don’t appear to be particularly sturdy, unlike the housing of these tuners, which is a downside.

Compared to 18:1 gear ratio models, these tuners are somewhat inferior, with their 14:1 gear ratio.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If you are shopping around for guitar tuners, you will notice a name that pops up more often than most. That name is Grover and belongs to a manufacturer that has built a solid reputation over the years. This buying guide is intended to help you choose the best Grover tuners for your musical instrument. Follow these guidelines, and you cannot go wrong.

There are separate models for acoustic and electric guitars

The first thing you must bear in mind is that there are Grover acoustic guitar tuners and sets created for electric instruments. Those shouldn’t be used interchangeably for obvious reasons. The way your instrument is designed dictates what kind of tuners you should get. Fortunately, Grover indicates in the specs which tuners are made for what type of guitar, to help you narrow down your choice.

Furthermore, Grover offers many alternatives, so you might find a specific design adapted for acoustic and electric guitars and available in different sets. All you need to do is to observe the specs carefully so that you always pick the right design.

 

The gear ratio

Since the primary role of tuners is to adjust the tension of your guitar strings, the gear ratio is an essential aspect and the one that you should focus on when reading the specs and the Grover tuner reviews available from users. A typical gear ratio is 14:1, considered by many to be enough for precision tuning.

However, it appears that Grover didn’t care about stopping here, and made tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio that are currently praised for their flawless performance. You will also find intermediate designs, such as 15:1 gear ratio tuners, but those are not the norm as the others.

 

Self-locking models

Over the years, Grover has come up with innovations in the field, and one of the essential technologies was the Rotomatic design. Equipped with a self-locking mechanism, the Rotomatic tuner could keep the string in place and reduce slippage and backlash. The initial design has been improved, and now you can find Grover locking tuners black and gold versions that will look great on your guitar.

With this design, Grover introduced several important features. For instance, besides the self-locking mechanisms, these new tuners came with precision-cut worm and gear to ensure proper alignment. Such Grovers are ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to have to tune his or her guitar after each performance. The crucial advantage of these tuners is that they keep the guitar tuned for a long time.

Other aspects

Any Grover tuner review can tell you that most users consider these products superior to stock models. That happens due to the excellent lifespan and serviceability offered. It is no wonder that the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty with a plethora of products it sells.

These tuners are available in various finishing options, which is appreciated by guitar players in general. You can find Grover tuners gold versions, as well as models with nickel or chrome plating. Black chrome is also used for some models, so when you pick the set of tuners ideal for your guitar, don’t forget to check what finishing options are available.

Last but not least, aspects such as self-lubricated heads and sturdy materials make the tuners made by Grover stand out from the crowd.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How to use Grover locking tuners?

The tuners made by the manufacturer are available in various configurations. First, you need to pick the right ones for an acoustic or electric guitar. Second, you should choose the correct setup, as the tuners can be made for 3+3 headstocks, and in-line designs. Don’t forget to take a good look at the Grover locking tuners instructions provided with your purchase.

However, you should know that working with these tuners is not rocket science. Especially the Rotomatics made by this company are easy to use. First, you must turn the tip of the string posts so that they become aligned and release the strings. Loosen the knobs until the string holes are a bit away from them.

Put the new strings through the holes and pull until you feel a bit of tension. Turn the knobs to begin tuning. With the new 18:1 models made by Grover, a single revolution is usually enough to achieve the right tension.

Q: Where are Grover guitar tuners made?

Currently, the tuners in the Grover lineup are made in Taiwan and China, by the manufacturer’s factories built there. While the company’s headquarters is still in Cleveland, Ohio, the manufacturing process was moved overseas decades ago.

The company is known as a guitar parts manufacturer, and that is why many reputable brands like Gibson and Ibanez even ship their guitars with Grover tuners. These collaborations make it easy for guitar players to change their stock tuners with new sets from Grover.

With the Rotogrip mechanism launched on the market, Grover established itself as a prominent manufacturer of tuners, and today, it sells its products all over the world. Because of the superior tuning stability, lifetime service, and good looks, these tuners are famous worldwide. If there’s an innovation to be expected, it will most likely come from Grover and the research team that’s always hard at work.

 

Q: How do Grover tuners work?

One of the most significant advantages of Grover guitar tuners is that there are incredibly easy to use. First of all, they work for most headstocks, and if there are particularities, they are mentioned in the specs. For instance, you will want an in-line set of tuners for an in-line headstock design, and so on.

The way they work is clever and straightforward at the same time. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and insert the strings through the designated holes. When you turn the knobs, the gears will turn with them, and bringing the strings to pitch is a breeze.

You don’t even have to turn a lot since the strings will be pulled tight right away. The self-locking mechanisms inside the tuners will grip the strings and keep them in place, so there will be no need to retune often.