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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1977 Gibson Bass Tuners Tuning Machines ?? Complete Set
Modesto, California, 953**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
1977 Gibson RD Standard Bass Tuners ?? Complete Set
Complete set of original tuners pulled from a 1979 Gibson RD Standard bass. Gibson-stamped plates, cloverleaf buttons, posts, bushings, washers, and screws
Complete as pictured. They will polish up nicely
Fits 70s Gibson basses that used this Schaller-style 2+2 layout (RD, Grabber, G3, Ripper)
Local pickup available
Questions welcome
... view on ebay
Complete set of original tuners pulled from a 1979 Gibson RD Standard bass. Gibson-stamped plates, cloverleaf buttons, posts, bushings, washers, and screws
Complete as pictured. They will polish up nicely
Fits 70s Gibson basses that used this Schaller-style 2+2 layout (RD, Grabber, G3, Ripper)
Local pickup available
Questions welcome
... view on ebay
Vintage 70's Gibson Bass Guitar Tuners Set by Kluson for Project Upgrade
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$95
Vintage 70's Gibson Bass Guitar Tuners Set by Kluson for Project Upgrade. Work fine. 5 / 16" post diameter. As pictured. Don't forget to check my other listings!!!... view on ebay
Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD Vintage Part
Idyllwild, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$85
Vintage original authentic gibson bass tuner! Unrestored original but turns smoothly! Nice patina.
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD Vintage Part
Idyllwild, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$50
Vintage original authentic gibson bass tuner! Unrestored and has a bend to it. Still turns with some friction. Sold as-is
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 Grabber Ripper RD Vintage Part
Idyllwild, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$85
Vintage original authentic gibson bass tuner! Unrestored original. It turns with a tight feel to it. Might need lubricant. Nice patina.
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
Vintage 1970s 80s Shaller bass tuner Gibson Grabber Ripper Replacement
Idyllwild, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$40
1960-70s Gibson Bass Guitar TUNER EB-3 EB-4 EB-0 Vintage Part
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$75
Chrome, screw on metal button, no logo, normal vintage wear with wear with patina, gear action is tight is smooth, one of the tiny stabilizing post is missing!on back plate, (1) tuner as shown, includes threaded bushing and washer, Thanks for looking!
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
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 Gibson used other types of tuner bushings as well. I have more than one set of these, so youmay not receive the exact same ... view on ebay
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 Gibson used other types of tuner bushings as well. I have more than one set of these, so youmay not receive the exact same ... view on ebay
Gibson Eb-0 Bass 60's Made In Japan Tuners
Malverne, New York, 115**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$95
Vintage Gibson EB-0 bass tuners. 2 right, 1 left... view on ebay
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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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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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!
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
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.
... view on ebay
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.
... view on ebay
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.
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... view on ebay
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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... view on ebay
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.
... view on ebay
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.
... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
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
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
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.... view on ebay
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
... view on ebay
... view on ebay
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