Open Back v Closed Back

Well fret heads this week I am not talking Mrs Modern's choice of dresses but tuners. It is a generally accepted that closed back tuners are better in some way. There are some great and iconic tuners such as the Grover Imperials. I will let you into a little secret check out many of Steve Howe's guitars when next you see him performing with Yes or the Steve Howe Trio. He retro-fits Imperials to many of his Gibson's and they look and I assume perform like the very thing.

But the open back v closed back issue is an interesting one. The need for a cover to protect from dust and damage is a bit of a moot point. After all its better to have access and open backs can be easily cleaned with graphite or a non sticky lubricant. The price issue is an interesting one too. Student instruments usually have cheaper open back tuners whilst Strat's, Tele's usually have closed back Klusons or retro fitted Grovers.

One tip though twang kings and queens... if you do swap your tuners for something more aesthetically pleasing or functional don't go selling the originals on Ebay will you.

Until next time my little riffsters and "strum"pets!