Machine head
The geared tuning mechanism at the headstock that winds the string around a post to raise or lower its pitch.
A machine head is a small worm-and-wheel gearbox: turning the button rotates a post through a reduction ratio, so a small movement of the hand makes a small change in pitch. Good tuners are smooth, free of backlash and hold their setting, which is the single largest factor in tuning stability on an otherwise sound guitar. They are usually sealed or open-geared, and on acoustic instruments the machine heads are the visible metal plates on the back of the peghead.
Example: The metal tuners arranged three a side on the back of an electric guitar headstock are machine heads.
See also
Related
- PageTuning
- PageGear ratio
- PageLocking tuner
- PageAction
- PageArchtop
- PageB-Bender
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley