A system comprising a kit for mounting a multiplicity of tuning machines to a stringed musical instrument, each tuning machine including a tuning knob disposed along a shaft axis , the kit comprising: a primary mounting element including a multiplicity of post apertures , the post apertures being distributed along a mount axis , each post aperture being configured to receive a string post of a respective tuning machine therethrough when the string posts are secured in an axial direction in respective head stock holes of the instrument, and wherein at least one of the post apertures is elongated to accommodate variable positioning of its respective string post therein along the mount axis , the primary mounting element including one or more alignment detents associated with each post aperture ; and a plurality of tuning machines , each tuning machine having a string post and a gear housing, each string post defining a post axis , wherein: the mounting element is adapted to being placed in an assembled configuration with the instrument and the tuning machines ; each string post is secured by way of threaded engagement between a threaded hub of the tuning machine and a respective barrel nut ; and when the string posts are received by their post apertures and are secured in the axial direction, the alignment detents substantially prevent rotational movement of the respective shaft axes with respect to the instrument by engaging with a portion of a gear housing of a respective tuning machine . a primary mounting element including a multiplicity of post apertures , the post apertures being distributed along a mount axis , each post aperture being configured to receive a string post of a respective tuning machine therethrough when the string posts are secured in an axial direction in respective head stock holes of the instrument, and wherein at least one of the post apertures is elongated to accommodate variable positioning of its respective string post therein along the mount axis , the primary mounting element including one or more alignment detents associated with each post aperture ; and a plurality of tuning machines , each tuning machine having a string post and a gear housing, each string post defining a post axis , wherein: the mounting element is adapted to being placed in an assembled configuration with the instrument and the tuning machines ; each string post is secured by way of threaded engagement between a threaded hub of the tuning machine and a respective barrel nut ; and when the string posts are received by their post apertures and are secured in the axial direction, the alignment detents substantially prevent rotational movement of the respective shaft axes with respect to the instrument by engaging with a portion of a gear housing of a respective tuning machine . the mounting element is adapted to being placed in an assembled configuration with the instrument and the tuning machines ; each string post is secured by way of threaded engagement between a threaded hub of the tuning machine and a respective barrel nut ; and when the string posts are received by their post apertures and are secured in the axial direction, the alignment detents substantially prevent rotational movement of the respective shaft axes with respect to the instrument by engaging with a portion of a gear housing of a respective tuning machine . <EOS>