GADonis
Beautifully Broken
If you know how to wrap the string around the post properly, tuning stability isn't the issue. Tuning instability is caused because something either moves when it shouldn't or sticks/binds so doesn't return to position. If the strings are overlapping on the post, there is a possibility of moving and therefore affect tuning stability - it isn't the tuners that move...
The advantage of locking tuners is mostly ease and speed of changing strings. They can help with tuning stability because you don't have the strings wrapping around the post and overlapping which is where tuning instability occurs - of course if you know how to wrap, that advantage is non-existent as mentioned above.
As someone with a 2016 PRS 594 (as well as all my other PRS guitars) that have the Phase III locking tuners, I have NEVER thought they were 'heavy' and whilst I can't compare the tonal difference that these have compared to the Vintage tuners, I would still prefer locking tuners as standard on ALL guitars for the ease, speed and convenience of string changes. Locking tuners is the one thing that I see everyone asking for with the SE's - so much so that PRS has now brought out there own locking tuners for SE's. Its considered an 'upgrade'. Vintage tuners to me is a downgrade regardless of how PRS (or others) may view it.
IF I were to buy a new 594 - I am GASsing for a 594 Hollowbody ii - I will look to upgrade the tuners to locking tuners and would sacrifice any (if I can actually detect) any tonal degradation - at most I expect it to sound very slightly different but not worse but depends on what tuners I can get that fit PRS and hopefully the existing screw holes of those hideous and cheap looking vintage tuners. The Phase III's have been used across the core range for years without any complaints (as far as I know) and I expect EVERY guitar over $1k to come with locking tuners as standard.
Whilst it is disappointing to see this change - especially from PRS who are progressive - I would still buy a McCarty but would have to upgrade the tuners. Does anyone know if there are any suitable alternatives that would fit a PRS without having to drill more holes???
I put the vintage locking tuners from John Mann on my 2009 McSoaporina. Zero modifications needed.