Guitar Tuner Replacement & Installation Service Melbourne

Quick Answer

Professional tuner replacement at Angkor Music Melbourne costs $70 installation plus tuner costs ($80-450) plus required setup ($155) plus strings ($18-40). Complete packages: Budget upgrade $238 (quality import tuners for guitars under $500), Gotoh SG301 package $330 (most popular - excellent value for guitars $500-2,000), Schaller M6 locking $495 (premium German engineering for guitars $1,500+ or frequent string changers). Setup essential after tuner replacement - headstock weight changes affect neck relief requiring truss rod adjustment, string angle alteration affects action and intonation requiring bridge adjustment, nut height verification needed as different string angles may reveal buzzing. Common problems fixed: stripped gears (tuner button spins but string doesn't tighten - soft pot metal gears wear from string tension), wobbly bushings (imprecise tuning feel from bushings worn after 5-10 years creating slop), constant retuning requirement (inadequate 12:1 gear ratios vs quality 18:1), tuning drift after bending (poor string clamping and inadequate friction). Gotoh tuners ($80-130) ideal for guitars $500-2,000 - industry benchmark used by professional builders, hardened steel gears, 18:1 ratio, decades reliable service. Schaller M6 locking tuners ($250-450) best for guitars $1,500+ or frequent string changers - premium German engineering, legendary reliability, smooth cam-action locking mechanism, string changes reduced from 10 minutes to 3 minutes. Locking tuners provide convenience not necessarily better stability versus quality standard tuners properly installed. Both Gotoh and Schaller use hardened steel gears, sealed mechanisms, 18:1 gear ratios. Installation includes: bushing diameter verification, hole reaming if required using proper tools, mounting screw torque preventing stripped wood, string retainer adjustment for optimal break angle, post height verification, complete setup. Mail-in service Australia-wide. Location: 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Turnaround: 3-6 days. Call (03) 8360 7799 for assessment and booking.

At Angkor Music Melbourne, our professional tuner replacement service at $70 installation fixes frustrating tuning stability problems from worn tuners, cheap stock tuners on budget guitars, or upgrades to locking tuners improving string change speed. Located at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona, tuner installation requires professional setup at $155 because replacing tuners changes headstock weight distribution (affecting neck relief), alters string break angle over nut (affecting action height and intonation), and requires nut height verification. We stock quality Gotoh tuners including the renowned SG301 model and Schaller M6 locking tuners for immediate installation without special order delays. Not every guitar justifies $450 premium tuners - budget guitars benefit from $80-130 quality tuners while expensive instruments deserve Schaller M6 or Gotoh SG381 locking tuners. Complete packages from $238. Turnaround 3-6 days. Call (03) 8360 7799.

[PHOTO: Side-by-side comparison - worn cheap tuner vs new Gotoh tuner]

Locking vs Standard Comparison

[PHOTO: Close-up of locking tuner showing internal string clamp mechanism]

Why Setup Can't Be Skipped:

• Headstock weight changes - Different tuner materials/construction affect neck relief requiring truss rod verification
• String angle alteration - New tuner post heights change string break angle over nut affecting action and feel
• Nut height verification - Different string angles may reveal previously acceptable nut height now creating buzzing
• Intonation shift - Accumulated small changes in string angle, tension, neck relief create measurable intonation change
• String replacement necessity - Since strings must be removed anyway, setup timing is optimal and economical

Installation $70 Includes:

• Bushing diameter measurement and compatibility verification
• Hole reaming if required for oversized bushings (proper tools prevent damage)
• Proper mounting screw torque (prevents stripped wood or loose tuners)
• String retainer adjustment for optimal break angle (Stratocaster-style headstocks)
• Post height verification ensuring proper string angle
• Restringing with fresh strings ($18-40 additional)
• Complete setup ($155 additional) addressing all affected parameters

[PHOTO: Completed installation - headstock showing new tuners professionally installed]

How much does guitar tuner replacement cost in Melbourne?

Professional tuner replacement costs $70 installation plus tuner costs plus required setup at $155 plus strings $18-40. Complete packages: Budget upgrade $238 (quality import tuners for guitars under $500), Gotoh SG301 package $330 (most popular - excellent value for guitars $500-2,000), Schaller M6 locking package $495 (premium for guitars $1,500+ or frequent string changers). Typical turnaround 3-6 days. Call (03) 8360 7799.

Why does tuner replacement require setup?

Tuner replacement requires setup because changing tuners affects headstock weight distribution altering neck relief slightly, changes string break angle over nut affecting action and intonation, requires nut height verification, and creates intonation shift from accumulated small changes. Since strings must be removed for tuner installation anyway, performing setup simultaneously proves more efficient and economical than separate appointments. Combined service takes 3-6 days ensuring optimal results. Call (03) 8360 7799.

Should I get locking tuners or standard tuners?

Locking tuners provide string change convenience (3 minutes vs 10+ minutes) rather than necessarily better tuning stability versus quality standard tuners. Quality standard tuners like Gotoh SG301 maintain tuning as reliably as locking alternatives when properly installed. Locking tuners cost $120-150 extra versus $80-130 standard. Players changing strings monthly may not justify extra cost. Players changing strings weekly or for every gig benefit from time savings. Call (03) 8360 7799 for recommendations based on playing habits.

What's better - Gotoh or Schaller tuners?

Gotoh and Schaller both deliver excellent performance with minimal practical difference for standard tuners. Both use hardened steel gears, sealed mechanisms, 18:1 ratios. Gotoh SG301 costs $80-130 ideal for most guitars $500-2,000. Schaller M6 locking costs $250-450 premium choice for frequent string changers or guitars $1,500+. Choice depends on locking preference, aesthetics, and guitar value. Both brands proven reliable through decades professional use worldwide. Call (03) 8360 7799 for brand recommendations matching your guitar.

Will new tuners fix my tuning problems?

New tuners fix tuning problems from worn tuner bushings creating wobbly imprecise feel, stripped gears where buttons spin without tightening strings, or inadequate gear ratios causing slippage. However, not all tuning instability results from tuner failure - nut issues (binding or worn slots), bridge problems (saddle slippage), or setup needs (neck relief, intonation) also cause tuning drift. Bring guitar for free tuning stability assessment determining actual problem source. If tuners are culprit, replacement fixes problem permanently. Call (03) 8360 7799 for assessment.

Can I install guitar tuners myself?

DIY tuner installation possible though professional installation at $70 ensures proper bushing fit (diameter verification, hole reaming if required using proper tools preventing damage), secure mounting (appropriate torque preventing stripped wood or loose tuners), string retainer adjustment for optimal break angle, post height verification, and setup optimization. Common DIY problems: wrong bushing diameter creating loose wobbly mounting, stripped screw holes from over-tightening, improper string retainer adjustment, skipped setup creating playability issues. Combined with required setup at $155, total professional service $225 labor plus tuner costs. Call (03) 8360 7799.

How long does tuner replacement take?

Tuner replacement with setup typically requires 3-6 days turnaround allowing proper installation, setup optimization, and quality verification. Actual installation work takes 1-2 hours though multi-day timeframe ensures optimal scheduling and thorough quality control. Combined tuner installation and setup proves more efficient than separate appointments requiring duplicate string removal. Priority servicing available adding 50% rush fee. If combining with other services, allow same 3-6 day combined turnaround. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss specific timing requirements and schedule service.

Are expensive tuners worth it for cheap guitars?

Tuner investment should match guitar value avoiding imbalanced spending. Budget guitars under $500 benefit from $80-120 quality import or basic Gotoh tuners without excessive investment. Guitars $500-2,000 justify Gotoh SG301 at $80-130 delivering excellent performance. Expensive guitars $1,500+ justify premium Schaller M6 locking tuners at $320-495 complete package. Installing $495 Schaller package on $400 guitar proves questionable economics. Our honest assessment considers guitar worth recommending appropriate tuner tier. Call (03) 8360 7799 for honest recommendations matching your guitar value.

What causes guitar tuner failure?

Common tuner failure causes: worn bushings from 5-10 years normal use creating wobbly loose mounting in headstock holes, stripped pot metal gears in cheap tuners from string tension stress (buttons spin without tightening strings), loose button press-fits from vibration, general wear from inadequate materials in budget tuners. Most guitars 5-10 years old develop bushing wear regardless of original tuner quality requiring replacement. Cheap Asian tuners using soft pot metal gears strip within 2-3 years. Quality tuners from Gotoh and Schaller use hardened steel gears lasting 15-20+ years. Call (03) 8360 7799 for tuning stability assessment.

Do you offer mail-in tuner replacement service?

Yes, our mail-in guitar repair service accepts guitars from anywhere in Australia. We provide detailed packing instructions ensuring safe shipping, complete same professional tuner installation ($70 + tuner costs) plus required setup $155, ship guitar back with comprehensive insurance coverage. Popular with interstate players needing quality Gotoh or Schaller tuners with professional installation eliminating tuning stability problems. Same pricing and complete packages ($238-495). Turnaround 3-6 days once received. View packing instructions online or call (03) 8360 7799.

Where can I get guitar tuners replaced in Melbourne?

Book professional tuner replacement at Angkor Music Melbourne, 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Installation $70 plus tuner costs plus required setup $155. We stock Gotoh SG301 and Schaller M6 locking tuners for immediate installation. Complete packages from $238 (budget upgrade) to $495 (premium Schaller M6 locking). Typical turnaround 3-6 days. Book online or call (03) 8360 7799. Our Altona workshop serves Melbourne players seeking professional tuner replacement eliminating tuning stability problems. Walk-ins welcome for tuning stability assessment. Visit 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona or call (03) 8360 7799.

Tuner Installation $70 + Setup Required - End Tuning Frustration

Gotoh & Schaller in stock. Professional installation. Complete setup included. Packages from $238. 3-6 day turnaround.

Angkor Music Melbourne | 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 | Professional Tuner Installation