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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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Gibson Bass Tuner Screw Set Ripper Grabber G3 Nickel Vintage 70s Part

Gibson Bass Tuner Screw Set Ripper Grabber G3 Nickel Vintage 70s Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$49

Nickel finish, round Phillips head, normal vintage wear with patina, matching set( 16 screws total )original 1970s USA Gibson thanks for looking!
... more
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Two Vintage 1970s Gibson Bass no screw TUNERS EB-3 EB-4 EB-0 MISSING SCREWS

Two Vintage 1970's Gibson Bass no screw TUNERS EB-3 EB-4 EB-0 MISSING SCREWS

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$60

This listing is for two Gibson Bass tuners. These tuners came on some (but not all) 70's Gibson basses. Both tuners are missing the screws that hold the gear and shaft together
... more
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LATE 1970s-80s Gibson Nickel  BASS Tuner BUSHINGS Grabber G-3 Ripper RD EB

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
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Gibson Kluson Firebird Banjo Guitar Tuner Head Peg Gold B Bass

Gibson Kluson Firebird Banjo Guitar Tuner Head Peg Gold B Bass

State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$65

Up for sale is a single Gibson Kluson Firebird banjo guitar tuner. B Bass string. Gold finish. Turns smoothly. Most of my items ship the next day if purchased before 8pm EST. Thanks for looking and please ask any questions
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One Gibson NO Logo ear. 1970s Treble Side TUNER EB-0 EB-3 Grabber G-3 Ripper #2

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
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Guitar Parts Lot ~ Vintage Japan Bridge, Tuners, Brass Bass Saddles, Gibson Knobs

Guitar Parts Lot ~ Vintage Japan Bridge, Tuners, Brass Bass Saddles, Gibson Knobs

Fredericksburg, Virginia, 224**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$54

Up for sale is a lot of assorted guitar parts including vintage Japan bridge parts, someone's brass bass saddle project, some rather beat-up genuine Gibson knobs, other knobs, tuners, pots and more. Includes everything shown.

~ All of the proceeds from these sales go to support the band Sing for Sol in our musical endeavors ~
Check out our store Veins To Wires for more musical instrument parts.... more
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One 70s GIBSON Bass TUNER Bent Les Paul Flying V Marauder S-1 some L6-S ES335

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
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One Sticky+Bent Gibson 1970s-80s Treble Side TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD #1

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
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60s Gibson Bass Tuning Machines, Tuners and bushings by Schaller 2x2, EB0

60's Gibson Bass Tuning Machines, Tuners and bushings by Schaller 2x2, EB0

Healdsburg, California, 954**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$200

60's Gibson Bass Tuning Machines, Tuners and bushings by Schaller 2x2, EB0there is some plating ware on the string shafts. in good working condition. 14 33 mm .564 in tuner shaft diameter. 18 74mm .738 in outside bushing diameter 70 28mm 2 767mm tuner paddle length.... more
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Gibson Bass No-Screw Tuners

Gibson Bass No-Screw Tuners

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$99

Gibson Bass no-screw tuners. 2X2. Used on various Gibson basses in the 70s... more
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1970s Gibson Schaller Bass Guitar Tuners for Ripper G3 & EB Models Vintage

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
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Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB Grabber Ripper RD Vintage 70s Part

Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB Grabber Ripper RD Vintage 70s Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$59

Nickel finish, Gibson logo, heavy weathered patina, gears, operate nicely, one tuner as shown , thanks for looking
... more
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Vintage Old 1960s Single 1 Bass Guitar Tuner Low Side Yamaha Fender Gibson

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
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Gibson Logo In-Line (Left-Hand) Bass Tuners (Lefty)

Gibson Logo In-Line (Left-Hand) Bass Tuners (Lefty)

River Forest, Illinois, 603**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125

Four Gibson Logo In-Line (Left-Hand) Bass Tuners. These are for a left-handed bass, and not reversible. You could also characterize them as four treble-side tuners for a right-handed 2+2 bass. These tuners have two pins for basses using a new screw installation. Please see photos to ensure that these will fit your bass. I purchased this in a listing that did not indicate that they are from a left-hand bass, and I didn't catch that in the photos. I will promptly ship by FedEx. Thanks for looking.... more
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One Gibson Logo 1970s-80s Treble Side TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD #2

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
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Vintage 1970s Gibson Bass no screw TUNERS EB-3 EB-4 EB-0  Pitted

Vintage 1970's Gibson Bass no screw TUNERS EB-3 EB-4 EB-0 Pitted

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$170

These tuners came on some (but not all) 70's Gibson basses. This set is complete and fully functioning. Two of the 4 tuners show substantial wear and pitting on the chrome plate.
... more
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Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD Vintage Part

Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD Vintage Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$89

Made in Germany, nickel finish, Gibson logo, normal vintage wear with patina gears operate nicely, one treble side tuner as shown original 1970s 1980s USA Gibson, thanks for looking!
... more
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1969 GIBSON EB 1 VIOLINE BASS TUNER

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
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Meccaniche Basso Elettrico Vintage Anni 80 - Set 4 Tuner Open Gear Stile Gibson

Meccaniche Basso Elettrico Vintage Anni '80 - Set 4 Tuner Open Gear Stile Gibson

Torino, 10***, ITALY

€120

Meccaniche Basso Elettrico Vintage Anni '80 - Set 4 Tuner Open Gear Stile Gibson.
Set completo di 4 meccaniche per basso elettrico ?? stile Gibson vintage anni '80
Vendo questo splendido set di meccaniche open-gear in ottime condizioni, perfette per restauri, upgrade o progetti custom
Caratteristiche
Tipologia: Open-gear (ingranaggi a vista)Chiavette: Clover leaf (trifoglio) cromatePiastrina: Quadrata con 4 fori di fissaggioConfigurazione: 2 Left + 2 Right (per headstock ... 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
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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