Gotoh 6-String Locking Tuners – 6 in line gold

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Gotoh SG381 MGT Magnum Lock Traditional — 6-in-Line Locking Tuners, Gold (SG381-MG-T-GOLD)

The Gotoh SG381 MGT Traditional (SG381-MG-T-GOLD) is a set of six 6-in-line locking guitar tuners in gold finish, featuring Gotoh's Magnum Lock Traditional thumbwheel locking mechanism, 16:1 gear ratio, 07 style button, non-staggered post height, 10mm bushing diameter and compatibility with headstocks up to 14mm thickness. The SG381 is the tuner standard-fitted to most Japan-made Ibanez Prestige models — a professional benchmark that reflects the quality and precision of the Gotoh SG381 platform. Includes screw-in bushings, washers and fixing screws.

Angkor Music — The Magnum Lock Traditional Thumbwheel System, the Ibanez Prestige Connection and Why Ratio Matters

Three things define the SG381 MGT Traditional. First, the thumbwheel locking mechanism. The Magnum Lock Traditional uses a thumbwheel at the rear of each tuner — accessible without tools — to clamp the string in place once wound to pitch. Turning the thumbwheel tightens an internal collar around the string post, locking the string at that tension and preventing slippage under playing. Unlike top-locking systems that clamp from above, the Magnum Lock engages from behind the headstock, keeping the front face of the tuner completely clean. The "Traditional" designation refers to the thumbwheel position and operation — consistent with Gotoh's established MGT locking approach that players who service their own guitars are already familiar with. Second, the Ibanez Prestige connection. The SG381 series is the factory-fitted tuner on most Japan-made Ibanez Prestige guitars — the manufacturer's professional tier, built in Nagano with tighter tolerances and premium hardware throughout. Standard fitment on Prestige models places the SG381 alongside the specifications of instruments selling at significantly higher price points. For players upgrading an Indonesian or Mexican-made instrument, or replacing worn tuners on a Prestige, the SG381 MGT Traditional is the correct factory-spec replacement. Third, the 16:1 ratio. The gear ratio determines how much rotation of the tuning button produces how much movement of the string post — 16:1 means 16 full rotations of the button moves the post one full turn. Higher ratios give finer control over pitch adjustment, making small incremental tuning movements easier to execute precisely. 16:1 is Gotoh's standard ratio for the SG381 and provides the fine adjustment resolution that locking tuners in particular benefit from. For full detail on Gotoh's manufacturing standards and locking tuner installation, see the SG381 MGT Black product page. We stock Gotoh tuners at Angkor Music — contact us if you need help confirming fitment compatibility for your specific guitar.

Magnum Lock Traditional — How the Thumbwheel Locking System Works

The Magnum Lock Traditional locking mechanism operates through a thumbwheel on the rear face of each tuner — the side of the headstock that faces the player when holding the guitar. The process is straightforward:

  • Feed the string through the post hole and wind to approximately correct pitch
  • Turn the thumbwheel clockwise to tighten the internal locking collar around the string
  • Fine tune to pitch using the tuning button as normal
  • The locked string cannot slip or shift from the post, maintaining tuning stability through bending, vibrato and aggressive playing
  • To change strings, turn the thumbwheel anticlockwise to release — no tools required

The rear-mounted thumbwheel keeps the front face of the headstock completely uncluttered — the locking hardware is invisible from the front of the instrument.

Ibanez Prestige Standard Fitment

The SG381 series' status as standard equipment on Japan-made Ibanez Prestige guitars makes it one of the most thoroughly validated locking tuner platforms in production. Ibanez Prestige instruments are built for professional players with exacting expectations — the tuners on these guitars must perform at a level consistent with premium necks, fretwork and electronics. The SG381 MGT meets that standard as a factory choice, not an upgrade recommendation.

For players whose guitars left the factory with SG381 tuners and who are replacing a damaged set or the full bank, the SG381-MG-T-GOLD is the exact factory specification replacement in gold finish. For players upgrading from generic tuners on a non-Prestige instrument, it is a professional fitment upgrade.

Gold Finish — Colour Variants Available

The gold finish coordinates with gold-hardware guitar configurations — bridge, strap buttons, control knobs and input jack. For players whose instruments carry mixed or chrome hardware, the SG381 MGT Traditional is also available in chrome and black finishes. All finish variants share identical mechanical specifications.

Fitment and Installation

  • Hole diameter: 10mm (13/32") — confirm existing tuner holes before ordering. If replacing Gotoh SG381 tuners this will be correct. If replacing other brands, measure the existing holes
  • Headstock thickness: Fits up to 14mm. Standard electric guitar headstocks are typically 12-14mm — measure at the thinnest point if uncertain
  • Post height: Non-staggered — all six posts are the same height. Most appropriate for headstocks with a straight string pull or when string trees are used for break angle on the high strings
  • Configuration: 6-in-line — all six tuners on the same side of the headstock. Not suitable for 3+3 headstock configurations
  • Includes: Screw-in bushings, washers and fixing screws — everything required for installation

Specifications

SKU SG381-MG-T-GOLD
Brand Gotoh
Model SG381 MGT — Magnum Lock Traditional
Configuration 6-in-line
Post Height Non-staggered
Locking Magnum Lock Traditional — rear thumbwheel, no tools required
Gear Ratio 16:1
Button Style Gotoh 07
Finish Gold
Bushing Diameter 10mm (13/32")
Max Headstock Thickness 14mm
Includes Screw-in bushings, washers, fixing screws
Standard Fitment Japan-made Ibanez Prestige models
Made Japan

Expert Advice at Angkor Music

At Angkor Music Melbourne we stock Gotoh tuners across the SG301 and SG381 range in multiple finishes and configurations. If you need help confirming the correct tuner model for your guitar — particularly for Ibanez Prestige or other Japanese instruments — contact us before ordering.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the "Traditional" in Magnum Lock Traditional mean?
The "Traditional" designation refers to the thumbwheel locking mechanism positioned on the rear face of the headstock. The thumbwheel is tightened by hand without tools to lock the string in place. This is Gotoh's established Magnum Lock approach and is what distinguishes the MGT from other locking tuner formats that use different locking mechanisms.

Will these fit my Ibanez Prestige guitar directly?
The SG381 MGT is standard fitment on most Japan-made Ibanez Prestige models, so in most cases yes — a direct drop-in replacement. However Ibanez has used different tuner specifications across different Prestige models and years. Confirm that your existing tuners have a 10mm bushing hole and that your headstock is no thicker than 14mm before ordering. If you're unsure, contact us with your model and year and we can advise.

What is the difference between non-staggered and staggered posts?
Non-staggered tuners have all posts at the same height. Staggered posts have progressively different heights — typically lower posts toward the high strings — which creates a downward string angle over the nut without needing string trees. Non-staggered posts are appropriate for guitars that already have string trees or whose headstock design creates sufficient break angle without them.

Are chrome and black versions available?
Yes — the SG381 MGT Traditional is available in chrome and black finishes with identical mechanical specifications. Contact us for current stock across all finishes.

How many tuning rotations does 16:1 ratio require to change pitch significantly?
At 16:1, one full revolution of the tuning button moves the string post 1/16th of a turn. In practice this means pitch changes require more button rotation than lower-ratio tuners, but each incremental movement produces a smaller and more controllable pitch change — making fine tuning and small adjustments more precise. For locking tuners where the string is clamped in place, this fine control is particularly useful when making adjustments from locked pitch.

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Additional information

Weight 0.25 kg
Type

tuning peg