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Kluson 538 open gear tuning key (1960s)

Gibson bass guitars | Part descriptions | Tuners | Kluson 538 open gear tuning key (1960s)

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.

Some basses fitted with these tuners

1961 Gibson EB3
1962 Epiphone Newport Deluxe
1964 Gibson EB-0 bass
1965 Epiphone Newport
1966 Gibson EB-0
1967 Epiphone Rivoli

List of Gibson bass guitar tuners

Gibson bass tuners for sale

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FENDER 1959 KLUSON NICKEL BASS TUNER FERRULES AND BONUS STRING TREE

FENDER 1959 KLUSON NICKEL BASS TUNER FERRULES AND BONUS STRING TREE

Berlin, New Hampshire, 035**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125

FREE USA SHIPPING!
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
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1960s Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuning Gear Tuners 1950s EB1 Bass 70s Bicentennial

1960s Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuning Gear Tuners 1950s EB1 Bass 70s Bicentennial

Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

. Out of an old collection of parts See pictures ask questions


All items sold as is where is. No returns exchanges or refunds
... more
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GIBSON EPIPHONE ++ Vintage Bass E-Gitarre Guitar ++ 2x Korg Tuner

GIBSON EPIPHONE ++ Vintage Bass E-Gitarre Guitar ++ 2x Korg Tuner

Augsburg, 86***, GERMANY

€349

GIBSON EPIPHONE ++ Vintage Bass E-Gitarre Guitar ++
voll funktionsfähig
Optisch sehr guter Zustand, nur leichte Gebrauchsspuren, kleinere Macken im Lack, siehe Bilder
Es fehlt eine Saite und ein Schraubteil oben am Kopf, siehe Bilder
Zustand wie abgebildet siehe Bilder
Bitte beachten Sie die Bilder, diese sind Teil der Artikelbeschreibung
Lieferumfang wie abgebildet inklusive Tasche (stark gebraucht) , Kabel und 2 Korg Tuner
Ohne weiteres Zubehör! Keine Anleitung! ... more
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VINTAGE 1982 USA GIBSON VICTORY BASS GUITAR TUNER

VINTAGE 1982 USA GIBSON VICTORY BASS GUITAR TUNER

Monza, 20***, ITALY

€50

Early eighties Gotoh tuners part number 14102.
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
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casca72 Comment left 14th August 2012 21:09:13 reply
I need a Kluson 538 set in gold.. any help appreciated