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
List of Gibson bass guitar tuners
Gibson bass tuners for sale
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Vintage Old 1960s Single 1 Bass Guitar Tuner Low Side Yamaha Fender Gibson
Port Charlotte, Florida, 339**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$42
This is a Single Vintage Very Old 1960s Bass Guitar Tuner from a 1960s Bass It is for Low or Bass Side E and A strings Nickel There is some normal vintage wear and tarnishing as seen in the pictures We don't know what brand or year this was from Please look at all the pictures Sold As Is All Sales Final No Returns Buyer pays shipping, thanks... more
Vintage Gibson Bass Guitar Gold Tuners by Schaller for Project Upgrade
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$110
Vintage Gibson Bass Guitar Gold Tuners by Schaller for Project Upgrade. Never been used, old stock. As pictured. Don't forget to check my other listings!!!... more
One 70's GIBSON Bass TUNER Bent Les Paul Flying V Marauder S-1 some L6-S ES335
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$35
Late 70's to early 80's. Button shaft is bent. Nickel plated and in good shape. As used on many vintage Gibson guitars in 80's and 70's.
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
LATE 1970's-80's Gibson Nickel BASS Tuner BUSHINGS Grabber G-3 Ripper RD EB
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$100
These fit the later Gibson bass tuners with the Gibson logo. Will not fit earlier ones
This is an original set of 4 Gibson nickel plated Bass tuner bushings. These were found on many (but not all) Gibson basses from the mid to late 70's to the early 80's. These have holes to fit 1 / 2-inch tuner shafts and are press-in, not threaded Please do your own research since Gretsch used other types of tuner bushings as well
Sales tax will be added by Ebay. I will ship most of ... more
This is an original set of 4 Gibson nickel plated Bass tuner bushings. These were found on many (but not all) Gibson basses from the mid to late 70's to the early 80's. These have holes to fit 1 / 2-inch tuner shafts and are press-in, not threaded Please do your own research since Gretsch used other types of tuner bushings as well
Sales tax will be added by Ebay. I will ship most of ... more
One Gibson Logo 1970's-80's Treble Side TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD #2
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$70
This one has a non-original washer. Otherwise, OK.
7 % sales tax will be added to all items shipped inside the state of Florida. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
7 % sales tax will be added to all items shipped inside the state of Florida. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
Four 1981 Gibson VICTORY Bass no screw TUNERS 4 in Line
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$230
These came off of a 1981 Victory Standard Bass. These did not come with screws. They're pretty clean for their age with some nicks and minor pitting. Original bushings and washers included. A previous owner marked them "G, D, A, E" on the underside. It shouldn't matter, but I left the markings anyway
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One Sticky+Bent Gibson 1970's-80's Treble Side TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD #1
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$60
This one has a bent paddle and sticks when you turn it. It does turn and should work, but not optimal
7 % sales tax will be added to all items shipped inside the state of Florida. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
7 % sales tax will be added to all items shipped inside the state of Florida. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
One Gibson NO Logo ear. 1970's Treble Side TUNER EB-0 EB-3 Grabber G-3 Ripper #2
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$80
This one shows wear, but it's in good vintage shape. These tuners were used on some, but not all Gibson Basses in the early 70's. The shafts are a bit wider than the later 70's tuners with the Gibson Logo.
Sales tax will be collected by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as ... more
Sales tax will be collected by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as ... more
Single Vintage Gibson EB0 EB3 Bass Tuner 70S 80S High Side D, G
Kaufman, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$90
Single Vintage Gibson EB0 EB3 Bass Tuner 70S 80S Low Side
Kaufman, Texas, 751**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$90
1966 Vintage Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 / EB-3 Bass Tuners USA 1960s
Jacksonville, Florida, 322**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$397
Up for sale is a set of original 1966 Gibson bass tuners, removed from a genuine mid-60s Gibson EB-series instrument. These are the authentic Kluson-style open-gear tuners used on classic Gibson EB-0, EB-2, and EB-3 basses ?? perfect for restoring your vintage Gibson to its original factory spec
? Details
Original Gibson USA tuners (set of 4)Correct for 1960s Gibson EB-0, EB-2, and EB-3 bassesNickel-plated finish with vintage patinaIncludes original bushings and mounting screwsSmooth ... more
? Details
Original Gibson USA tuners (set of 4)Correct for 1960s Gibson EB-0, EB-2, and EB-3 bassesNickel-plated finish with vintage patinaIncludes original bushings and mounting screwsSmooth ... more
1970's Gibson Schaller Bass Guitar Tuners for Ripper G3 & EB Models Vintage
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$275
This listing is for a complete set of Vintage 1970's Gibson (Schaller) Bass Guitar Tuners, These 2+2 tuning gears came off a late 1970's Gibson Grabber G-3 Bass Guitar. These tuning machines are also commonly found on many EB bass guitars models throughout the 1970's and 1980's
The tuning keys are in excellent condition and the complete set comes as pictured with the original mounting screws.
Please check out the pictures and message with questions.
Thanks for looking, ,... more
The tuning keys are in excellent condition and the complete set comes as pictured with the original mounting screws.
Please check out the pictures and message with questions.
Thanks for looking, ,... more
Korg TM-40 Digital Tuner Metronome & Gibson BC-650 Guitar Bass Auto Tuner Lot
Santa Clara, California, 950**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$50
This listing includes two essential tools for any musician, providing both precision tuning and reliable rhythm practice. Both units are fully tested and functional (batteries not included). Please see all photos for current cosmetic conditions
DEVICE 1: KORG TM-40 Digital Tuner Metronome
The Korg TM-40 is a versatile 2-in-1 tool perfect for musicians playing any instrument (band, orchestra, guitar, etc ).
Tuner Function: Highly accurate chromatic tuner for instruments across a wide ... more
DEVICE 1: KORG TM-40 Digital Tuner Metronome
The Korg TM-40 is a versatile 2-in-1 tool perfect for musicians playing any instrument (band, orchestra, guitar, etc ).
Tuner Function: Highly accurate chromatic tuner for instruments across a wide ... more
One Shiny Gibson 1970's-80's Treble Side TUNER For EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$80
This one is clean and looks like it could be chrome instead of the usual nickel. It's really hard to tell. Scratches and wear, but Shiny!
7 % sales tax will be added to all items shipped inside the state of Florida. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.... more
7 % sales tax will be added to all items shipped inside the state of Florida. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.... more
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
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
SINGLE Vintage 80s GIBSON Schaller Germany Bass Machine Head / Tuner, Aged Gold
St. Austell, PL26***, UNITED KINGDOM
£41
For sale is a SINGLE original vintage 1980s era GIBSON branded modern style Bass Guitar machine head with split style stringing post, in a naturally aged gold finish.
Complete with its original screw-in bushing, washer and a period gold plated fitting screw
Made for Gibson USA by Schaller West Germany
This unit is for the E A Bass side of a 2+2 Headstock, or a regular right handed style headstock
At the point of listing I have TWO of these units available
more
Complete with its original screw-in bushing, washer and a period gold plated fitting screw
Made for Gibson USA by Schaller West Germany
This unit is for the E A Bass side of a 2+2 Headstock, or a regular right handed style headstock
At the point of listing I have TWO of these units available
1969 GIBSON EB 1 VIOLINE BASS TUNER
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£222
1969 GIBSON EB 1 BASS TUNER :
* fits ONLY E or A string
* 1 tuner ONLY
* chrome finish has wear
... more
* fits ONLY E or A string
* 1 tuner ONLY
* chrome finish has wear
... more
1970's GIBSON GRABBER BASS GUITAR TUNER & BUSHING - LOGO STAMPED UNIVERSAL MOUNT
Shalvey, NSW, 2***, AUSTRALIA
AU $160
One only vintage 1970's Genuine Gibson grabber bass guitar tuner with bushing and four mounting screws removed from a damaged 1970's Gibson The Grabber Bass Guitar. It will suit numerous Gibson Bass Guitar models. In great condition with no lose or worn parts and in a nickel finish. Stamped on one side with Gibson and stamped on the reverse side with Made in Germany. This is a universal tuner and can be swapped from left to right simply by removing the screw and gear and flipping the worm drive ... more
There are 1 comments on this article so far. Add your comment
casca72 Comment left 14th August 2012 21:09:13 reply
I need a Kluson 538 set in gold.. any help appreciated
I need a Kluson 538 set in gold.. any help appreciated