Machine heads, or tuning pegs, are the geared hardware on a guitar headstock that sets string tension and pitch, made in 3+3, 6-in-line and 4-in-line layouts.
Pre-OrderAbout Guitar Machine Heads
Machine heads, also called tuning pegs or tuning machines, are the geared pegs on the headstock that hold string tension and set pitch. Worn or loose machine heads are a common cause of tuning drift, and upgrading to a quality set is one of the cheapest ways to improve the tuning stability of an affordable guitar.
The range covers every common layout: 3+3 sets for acoustic and classical guitars, 6-in-line sets for electric guitars and 4-in-line sets for bass, with GT open gear and sealed designs, Alice classical, steel string and ukulele sets, and SWAMP locking tuner upgrades in chrome and gold. They are an easy upgrade for a DIY guitar kit build too. Browse the wider guitar accessories range for the rest of the job, grab guitar maintenance tools for the changeover, and note that if you are after a device that tells you when a string is in tune, you want our clip-on guitar tuners instead.
Machine Head FAQs
Are machine heads the same as tuning pegs?
Yes. Machine heads, tuning pegs, tuning machines and tuning keys all refer to the same geared hardware on the guitar's headstock. The term guitar tuner is also used, though that more often means the clip-on electronic device used to check pitch.
What are locking tuners and do I need them?
Locking tuners clamp the string inside the post, so it needs less than a full wind to hold tension. That means faster string changes and better tuning stability, especially on electric guitars with a tremolo or heavy string bending.
How do I choose replacement machine heads for my guitar?
Match the layout first: 3+3 for most acoustics and classicals, 6-in-line for many electrics and 4-in-line for bass. Then check the headstock hole diameter and screw positions against your existing tuners, and pick open gear or sealed housings to suit the look of the instrument.
