How to choose and order when replacing GOTOH guitar pegs [Latest in 2025]

GOTOH is a popular brand of stringed instrument parts located in Gunma Prefecture. As you all know, GOTOH is used as genuine parts for a wide variety of high-end instruments.

Among them, guitar pegs are very popular.
We frequently receive inquiries from our customers because of the wide lineup of GOTOH products.

In this issue, we will introduce how to select/order guitar pegs for those who are considering purchasing GOTOH-made guitar pegs for the first time.
For more in-depth information, including questions about reverse heads, please check the following article!
Related article “GOTOH Guitar Pegs: Frequently Asked Questions!“

The names of GOTOH pegs at Sound House are unified as follows.

■ Series Comparison

First, let us introduce the differences between the series and various options.
Manufacturer's website Guitar Machine Head
Product Catalog

First, please see the comparison chart. We have picked up the important points and created this table. Please use it when you are wondering which series to choose in the first place. *Weights vary depending on options.

1. Series

For the series, the lineup is roughly as follows
・SG=Rotomatic type closed gear
・SX=Open gear
・SE=Open gear
・SEP=For slotted-head guitars
・SD=Cruson type
The most popular series are the modern SG and the Cruson-type SD.
There are minor differences among the sizes. Among them, the SGi510 is the smallest size.

Cruson-type locking pegs are only made by GOTOH! If you want to upgrade to highly convenient locking pegs while maintaining the look and feel of a vintage guitar, GOTOH pegs are the only choice.
In many cases, conversion bushings are required when replacing a Rotomatic to a vintage system. In the case of the reverse pattern, expansion of the holes is also required. If you wish to minimize the machining, it is safe to choose a peg that is similar to the originally mounted peg.
Other series such as “Luxury Mode” with a rich design are also available. This series has a one-of-a-kind artistic design with ultra-fine/high-speed mechanical engraving. The engraving is not only on the buttons, but also on the gears.

2. Gear type

The difference lies in this part at the back of the peg.
The closed gear of the rotomatic type is called a “sealed gear” by GOTOH. Compared to the open gear type, which has a bare gear, the closed gear type is heavier, tends to have a modern sound with a core, and provides sustain. In contrast, open gears are lighter and have a lighter sound with more overtones. Vintage models are often equipped with the open type.

From left to right: Rotomatic (closed gear), open gear, and Cruson type
The color of the shield part (MG-T dial part) with “510” or “GOTOH” printed on it is a little complicated and varies in detail from series to series, such as gray or white. If you are interested in the details, please check the pictures or contact us in advance.

3. Gear ratio

In the G series, a Z at the end of the series name indicates a finer gear ratio. The gear ratio is expressed as “1:△” = turning the knob (button) △ makes one revolution of the gear (one rotation of the post). The finer the gear ratio, the more times the knob needs to be turned, and the finer and more precise the tuning adjustment can be. If the gear ratio is coarse, it is easier to reduce the number of knob rotations, and tuning deviations are reduced.

4. Arrangement

This indicates the peg arrangement. This is not only used for GOTOH pegs, but also for pegs made by other overseas manufacturers. When the guitar is held up and viewed from the front, it indicates how many pegs are on the L (left) side and how many are on the R (right) side.
・L6=6 pegs on the bass string side
・R6=6 strings on the treble string side (reverse type, lefty)
・L3R3 = 3 on the bass string side and 3 on the treble string side (3 to 3)
These can also be specified, for example, L7 or L4R3 for the 7th string, L8 for the 8th string, and so on.

This is not a GOTOH issue, but some makers may have the L and R positions completely reversed. At Sound House, unless otherwise stated, the above-mentioned interpretation is used.

The Cruson type SD510/SDS510 series comes with a template called C-A-R-D.
This part is intended to assist in accurately positioning the peg posts in the center of the bushings. It also has the added benefit of closing the gap between the peg and the guitar head, allowing for smooth transmission of vibrations. Parts for SD90/SD91 are also available, but I do not recommend installing these parts on pegs from other manufacturers.

C.A.R.D. for SD90/SD91 is sold separately.

GOTOH / C.A.R.D-L3+R3

GOTOH / C.A.R.D-6

5. Screw position

This indicates the position of the screw fixing on the back of the peg in relation to the gear section. This is an area that must be checked to estimate the degree of modification that will be required. Please check it together with the dimensions.

From left to right: SGS510, SGV510, SG360

From left to right: SD90, SD91

6. color

N=Nickel
C=Chrome
GG=Gold
B=Black
CK=Cosmo Black
CS=Chrome Satin
GS=Gold Satin
BS=Black Satin
XN=X-Nickel
XC=X-Chrome
XG=X-Gold

Cosmo Black is a rich, light black-gray color.
Colors with an X are popular colors with a top-quality finish called X-Finish. It is highly durable and repels dirt and sweat. Compared to regular colors, it has a subdued, calming gloss.
The available colors differ depending on the model, so please refer to the comparison chart.

■ About Shaft Options

For the open gear type, only the standard type is available due to specifications, and no locking options are available. For other series, MG, MG-T, HAP, and HAP-M can be selected. Locking pegs are recommended not only for those who want to change strings easily, but also for those who use a lot of chalking and arming techniques.

1. MG = Magnum Lock

A locking mechanism that utilizes the tuning tension of the strings. The cap at the end of the shaft is lowered in response to the rotation of the peg button to lock the string. As the peg is turned, it locks with the correct amount of pressure, preventing problems such as over-tightening and breaking the string.

2. MG-T=Magnum lock trad

Finger-lock type with a dial on the back of the pegs. The dial is turned clockwise to lock the strings, allowing quicker string changes than MG. This option is available in a choice of shaft lengths as a special order. The length lineup includes S=Short, L=Long, and EX=EX-Long. On the Sound House product page, standard length is used unless otherwise indicated in the product name. For details of the length, please refer to each series page on the manufacturer's website.

3. HAP = Height Adjustable Post

A system in which the height of the shaft can be set to your preference through a hole in the back of the peg that can be adjusted with an Allen wrench. Some guitars are equipped with string guides to increase tension or have an ingenious shape on the head surface. This option allows you to adjust the shaft height for each string, thus optimizing the string pressure on the nut for each string. It is very effective when used on straight shaped necks with a small head angle, as it moves more in the direction of lowering the height in relation to the standard height.

4. HAP-M

A system combining HAP and MG.

■ About Peg buttons

A peg button is a knob. The lineup differs depending on the series, so select one from each series page on the manufacturer's website. Some models have a selectable wooden button called “Nature Mode”.

■ How to Search and Place an Order

Once you have decided on the specifications you would like to order, please enter the following information in the Sound House search window.

Because we have a large number of products, there may be cases where we do not yet carry a product and it will not be found in the search. In that case, please feel free to provide us with the name of the product you are looking for, and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days!
When specifying a shaft for MG-T, please specify the shaft length as well.
(ex.) MG-T L3(EXx3)R3(Lx3)
 

You do not necessarily need to purchase the product if you’re only inquiring about a product, and there is no problem if you change your mind after the product page has the item listed!
→ Sound House Contact Form

This is an introduction of pegs for GOTOH guitars.

（2021-05-24 published 2025-04-28 updated）