How to Identify Your Guitar Tuner Mounting Style: Screw, Dual-Pin, or Push-In?
Before replacing your tuning machines, it's crucial to know your guitar's tuner mounting type. Choosing the wrong structure could lead to misalignment, drilling issues, or even irreversible damage to your headstock. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the three most common types of tuner mounting systems — Screw Mount, Dual-Pin (No Screw), and Push-In Style — to help you find a compatible upgrade without any hassle.
1. Screw Mount Tuners: The Most Common Style
This is the most widely used mounting type. These tuners come with a small screw hole on the back, which secures the tuner directly to the headstock.
We categorize them by screw hole direction:
Vertical Screw Mount
- Screw hole located straight beneath the tuner housing.
- Aligned vertically with the tuner post.
- Common on many modern electric guitars.
- Example models: GK-D-502SP, GK-D-504SP.
Angled Screw Mount
- Screw hole sits at the lower-right corner (approximately 45° angle).
- Offers a sleek, angled alignment with the headstock.
- Often found on boutique or modified builds.
- Example models: GK-D-07SP, GK-D-05SP.
Best choice: If your original tuner uses rear screws, simply match the orientation for a direct fit.
2. Dual-Pin Mount: No Screws, Cleaner Look
Instead of a screw, this system uses two small alignment pins on the tuner base, which fit into pre-drilled holes on the back of the headstock. This design provides a screw-free appearance and easy installation.
Features
- Clean, screw-free back view.
- Quick and tool-free installation.
- Pins ensure perfect alignment and prevent rotation.
- Popular on brands such as Gotoh, Ibanez, and ESP guitars.
- Example models: GK-D-405SP, GK-D-434SP.
Recommended: If your original tuners had two small holes and no screws, choose a dual-pin model.
3. Push-In Style: Pressure-Fit Only
This mount style relies solely on a press-fit system via the front bushing and headstock hole. There are no screws or pins on the back.
How to Identify a Push-In Mount
- No screw or pin visible on the tuner base.
- Tuners are removed by pulling straight out, not unscrewing.
- Fitment depends on the exact diameter of the peg hole.
Note: This style requires precise measurements, and not all guitars are compatible without slight modifications.
4. How to Determine Your Guitar's Mounting Type
Here’s a quick checklist to identify your tuner system:
- Look for screw holes or pin marks on the back of the headstock.
- Measure the distance between tuner posts and check their alignment.
- Identify whether the tuners are secured by screws, pins, or simply pressed in.
If you're still unsure, send front and back photos of your headstock to our support team — we’re happy to help you identify the correct mount type.
5. Final Tips: Choose the Right Tuner Without Drilling
To ensure your new tuning machines are fully compatible and require no drilling:
- Confirm the mounting type (screw, pin, or push-in).
- Check screw orientation if applicable.
- Choose a model with a matching layout to avoid unnecessary modifications.
- For the easiest upgrade, select a tuner that matches your current system.
With this knowledge, you can confidently choose a Guyker locking tuner that fits perfectly — no extra holes, no extra tools, just smooth tuning and premium style.