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 (1) Single Schaller Bass Guitar Tuner Kramer Bass Gibson EB0 Low Side
Port Charlotte, Florida, 339**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$33
This is a Single Vintage Schaller Bass Guitar Tuner from 1 1970s Kramer Bass Guitar Also used on some Vintage Gibson EB0 basses Made in Germany There is some normal vintage wear as seen in the pictures Please look at all the pictures Sold As Is All Sales Final No Returns Buyer pays shipping, thanks... more
Vintage 1960??s GIBSON EBO BASS Guitar Tuners parts! ????
Freeport, Illinois, 610**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$165
These tuners are for an early 1960??s Gibson EBO short scale bass guitar
The two for the low bass side are missing the pegs and gears
The two for the high side work and look good
4 peg ferrules included
No mounting screws.... more
The two for the low bass side are missing the pegs and gears
The two for the high side work and look good
4 peg ferrules included
No mounting screws.... more
Vintage Gibson Firebird Bass Guitar / Banjo Tuners by Kluson for Project
Portland, Maine, 041**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$200
Vintage set of four Gibson Firebird Bass Guitar / Banjo Tuners by Kluson for Project two have the "T" on the back and the other two hava "B" on the back I added the Nickle grommets / bushings that fit the shaft but non original... more
Vintage Original 1960's Gibson EB-3 Tuners Complete set includes Nuts & Washers
Ellenville, New York, 124**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
This Vintage Original 1960's Gibson EB-3 Vintage Original 1960's Gibson EB-3 Tuners Complete set includes Nuts & Washers comes from my Vintage 1969 -1970 EB-3.
I purchased this bass in 1989 from the original owner, who told me he bought it new from the music store as a teen, in the 1960's. The item and accompanying pieces are exactly what were on the bass when I bought it in 1989. My friend who worked for Gibson for many decades confirmed the year of the bass was most likely 1965 - ... more
I purchased this bass in 1989 from the original owner, who told me he bought it new from the music store as a teen, in the 1960's. The item and accompanying pieces are exactly what were on the bass when I bought it in 1989. My friend who worked for Gibson for many decades confirmed the year of the bass was most likely 1965 - ... more
Original Vintage 1964 Gibson Bass Tuner Bushings
Lubbock, Texas, 794**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$99
Original Vintage 1964 Gibson Bass Tuner Bushings==Ships worldwide==
If you are considering a purchase, please take a minute and read our feedback !!!
We strive to achieve 5 star service !! PLEASE contact us if there are ANY problems (SEE RED BELOW)!! THANKS !!
Payment within 3 days please==We pack extremely well and ship quickly as possible!
PLEASE NOTE: Normal handling time is 3 business days or less, but we are out of town on buying trips once or twice a month which might result in... more
If you are considering a purchase, please take a minute and read our feedback !!!
We strive to achieve 5 star service !! PLEASE contact us if there are ANY problems (SEE RED BELOW)!! THANKS !!
Payment within 3 days please==We pack extremely well and ship quickly as possible!
PLEASE NOTE: Normal handling time is 3 business days or less, but we are out of town on buying trips once or twice a month which might result in... 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
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
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 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
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
... more
... 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 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
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
Gibson Bass Mechaniken (Tuners) Satz 2+2, 70er Jahre
Krumbach, 86***, GERMANY
€110
4 Gibson Bass Mechaniken aus den 70er Jahren, für EB 0, EB 3, Les Paul Studio und Recording Bass etc
2 links und 2 rechts, Typ Schaller M4 (Made in Germany) für Gibson USA
Guter gebrauchter Zustand
Weitere Infos im Netz.... more
2 links und 2 rechts, Typ Schaller M4 (Made in Germany) für Gibson USA
Guter gebrauchter Zustand
Weitere Infos im Netz.... 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