The Kluson 538 open gear tuning key is reliable, hard-wearing and easy to maintain. No wonder they were used so widely. Gibson part MH-538 (1965), 82536 (1971). Gibson used them throughout the 1960s. on the EB-0, EB-2, EB-3, Epiphone Newport and Epiphone Rivoli basses. Note the footprint has the characteristic indentations, something not present on the similar looking Schaller BM tuners that Gibson used in the seventies and eighties. This required extra routing of course, and was most likely a factor in their discontinuation in 1969.
The post diameter is just 3/8" (approx 9.5mm), post hole 7/16" (approx 11.1mm); smaller than the BM.
Note also the characteristic clover leaf shape of the buttons. Early versions of the 538 were nickel plated (as seen in the first pictures below), later chrome.
List of Gibson bass guitar tuners
Gibson bass tuners for sale
1960s Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuning Gear Tuners 1950s EB1 Bass 70s Bicentennial
Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$50
All items sold as is where is. No returns exchanges or refunds
... more
FENDER 1959 KLUSON NICKEL BASS TUNER FERRULES AND BONUS STRING TREE
Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$125
Yes, these are from a 1959 Fender Precision Bass and are correct for basses from 1957 thru 1962. You can tell because they have the very fine knurling around the outer edges. This is a great set with nice, even wear and aging consistent for the period. These ferrules can be considered correct for any pre-CBS Fender bass. The string tree shows the same matching patina as the ferrules and the screw is the original and not a recycled pickguard screw! FREE USA SHIPPING, I will ... more
VINTAGE 1982 USA GIBSON VICTORY BASS GUITAR TUNER
Monza, 20***, ITALY
€50
Gibson used these on the Victory Standard and Victory Artist basses from 1981, and occasionally the Victory Custom later in 1982
Hard to find, very rare and no longer produced
Very good condition, see pictures
Price for one tuner, available 4 tuners
Private auction, non guarantee
European bidders please email me for postage costs
... more
I need a Kluson 538 set in gold.. any help appreciated