SE Tuners, which button size?

[Watersilk]

Does anyone know which tuner buttons fit the standard SE tuners on an 2003 SE Soapbar?

The tuners seem to work well, I just find the buttons too large, and smaller nickel or ivory plastic might look better.

Would they be the same size as Grovers, or Schallers? I tried one of the buttons from my Mc Carty's Phase 2 locking tuners and they have a larger hole.

Or... should I replace the tuners with Grover Mini locking Rotomatics? Is it worth the expense just for quicker string changes, or is there more to gain from fitting these Grover's? Such as staying in tune longer, better feel... or even a tone improvement?

Advice here will be much appreciated

 

[ChrisCst22]

I can only speak of my '13 Angelus Custom SE, which I believe uses the same tuners as the electrics. I used the Schaller replacement buttons from Stew Mac. Same ones that I also have on two sets of Phase 2's.

I'm kinda surprised your McCartys didn't fit, technically that should have worked. I guess it's possible that they used a different size back in 2003. That was some time ago.

As far as replacing them altogether, the general consensus seems to be that the stock tuners work fine. With that said, it's extremely common for them to be replaced. I think PRS players as a group have a much larger portion of people who want to maximize their guitars potential, and are willing to put the money and effort into it.

 

[Watersilk]

I can only speak of my '13 Angelus Custom SE, which I believe uses the same tuners as the electrics. I used the Schaller replacement buttons from Stew Mac. Same ones that I also have on two sets of Phase 2's.

I'm kinda surprised your McCartys didn't fit, technically that should have worked. I guess it's possible that they used a different size back in 2003. That was some time ago.

As far as replacing them altogether, the general consensus seems to be that the stock tuners work fine. With that said, it's extremely common for them to be replaced. I think PRS players as a group have a much larger portion of people who want to maximize their guitars potential, and are willing to put the money and effort into it.

The size difference of the spindle is great, the SE ones are much smaller, pop a Phase 2 button on an SE tuner spindle and it's very lose, the hole is much larger..... I thought the Schaller's might be the right size because I think early PRS' had Schaller tuners... therefore I thought Schaller might have 'designed' the SE tuners, to be made in Korea.... ?? So, if the Schaller's are the same size as the phase 2's then they are also too large. I think PRS somewhere advised that the Grover Rotomatics are the preferred replacement, if locking tuners are required on an SE.

Yes, I would go along with the general consensus, the SE tuners are fine, plus I also like the fact that they have PRS written on the back.

I agree with you, PRS players do seem more particular about getting the best from their guitars, the odd thing here is that we do have some pretty decent equipment to begin with, compare an SE with an Eppiphone..... the hardware and electrics on the SE are really good for a 'budget' guitar. As far as my Mc Carty is concerned, I'm in awe of it, for æsthetic reasons, I changed the tuner buttons and control knobs.... but I can't even contemplate changing anything else, it's so close to perfection as it is! It was this guitar that made me buy the SE equivalent, I just had to know how good the SE singlecuts are. In keeping with your stereotyping of PRS players, I changed all the hardware and electrics, with just the pickups to go.... !

 

[StevenS]

I can only speak of my '13 Angelus Custom SE, which I believe uses the same tuners as the electrics. I used the Schaller replacement buttons from Stew Mac. Same ones that I also have on two sets of Phase 2's.

I'm kinda surprised your McCartys didn't fit, technically that should have worked. I guess it's possible that they used a different size back in 2003. That was some time ago.

As far as replacing them altogether, the general consensus seems to be that the stock tuners work fine. With that said, it's extremely common for them to be replaced. I think PRS players as a group have a much larger portion of people who want to maximize their guitars potential, and are willing to put the money and effort into it.

Did you chose the larger Schaller ebony buttons or the smaller from Stew Mac?
The tuners work great but cosmetically I prefer the ebony. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Steve

 

[StevenS]

Did you chose the larger Schaller ebony buttons or the smaller from Stew Mac?
The tuners work great but cosmetically I prefer the ebony. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Steve

Did you chose the larger Schaller ebony buttons or the smaller from Stew Mac?
The tuners work great but cosmetically I prefer the ebony. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Steve

Did you chose the larger Schaller ebony buttons or the smaller from Stew Mac?
The tuners work great but cosmetically I prefer the ebony. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Steve

ps This is for a ‘19 Angelus A55e Black Gold