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
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
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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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!
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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!
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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
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
~ 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
1960s Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Melody Maker Bass Guitar Tuner Vintage Part
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$59
Chrome finish, screw on gear cover, solid string post ( No string recess), .190??(5mm) diameter string shaft, normal light vintage wear, gears work nicely, (1) tuner as shown, right side, Thanks for looking!
GSC7
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GSC7
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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
1970's Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 EB-4 EB-0 Vintage Part No Bushing
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$49
Chrome finish, screw on metal button, normal vintage wear , light patina, gears operate nicely, No Threaded Bushing-washer-screws included ??????One Tuner as shown, Thanks for looking!
HB1
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HB1
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Gibson 1965 Chrome Logo EB Bass Tuners
Cincinnati, Ohio, 452**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$149
Gibson 1965 EB tuners - I bought them for my slotted head and they don't fit. Will fit standard Gibson eb3 or eb0
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1960s Gibson Bass Tuner EB-0 Melody Maker Epiphone Kalamazoo Vintage Part
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$69
Chrome finish, solid string shaft (no recess). .390??string shaft diameter , normal light vintage wear, gears operate smooth, (1) tuner as shown, Nice Vintage condition, Thanks for looking!
GSC7
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GSC7
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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
Gibson 4 in line black Schaller bass tuner set fits thunderbird
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 532**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$145
Gibson 4 in line black Schaller bass tuner set. Overall very good condition. All are in good working order. No screws or other parts
PayPal or M / 0 only. No wire / bank transfers of any sort. Questions about this item? Ask before you bid Also note, we do NOT send out 2nd chance offers after auctions end.
Note: If outside the USA: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or
shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please ... more
PayPal or M / 0 only. No wire / bank transfers of any sort. Questions about this item? Ask before you bid Also note, we do NOT send out 2nd chance offers after auctions end.
Note: If outside the USA: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or
shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please ... more
1970's Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 EB-4 EB-0 Vintage Part No Bushing
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$49
Chrome finish, screw on metal button, normal vintage wear with patina gears operate nicely?? NO Threaded Bushing-washer-or screws included ,, thanks for looking!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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