Let's be honest, there is no one single best machine head on the market. Each brand offers different function, variation of colours, and setup configurations; and all at various price points. But the Hipshot Tuner Upgrade Kit continues to be a stand-out amongst the lot, for a number of reasons...

Form

Be it the Classic or Grip-Lock, the Hipshot tuner is a pretty looking thing. The Closed version is very much like the Schaller Mini, whilst the exposed gearing of the "Open Gear" (if the naming wasn't obvious) is particularly pleasing on the eye.

Colours include Chrome, Black, Gold, Satin and Nickel. My personal favourite being the Black, which works great against the dull, brass gearing.

Function

The Closed version has a 15:1 ration, which is accurate enough for most, but the Open Gear takes it a step further by offering a slightly higher gear ratio of 18:1. Simply put: more notches on the gear equals a more accurate tuning. Either option however are smooth to operate.

Installation

The Hipshot Tuner Upgrade Kit can be installed on pretty much any guitar. Each kit includes a set of mounting plates, which sit under the tuners on the back of the headstock. Once they are all sat on the plate on the back of the headstock, the bushing is tightened from the front to fix them in place - it really is that simple.

Price

The most important factor: the cost. 

£85 is about what you'll pay for a set of Chrome, Locking. Classic versions cost a little less, and Gold almost always is more expensive.

But putting these against some of the alternatives out there, you get a great set of tuners for not a lot of cash. The most competitive for both price and quality would have to be GOTOH; and to be fair, they do make a very, very good machine head.

You can shop all Hipshot Tuner Upgrade Kits HERE