The tuning keys / machine heads fitted to various Gibson bass guitars changed over the decades of production, with numerous different types used. On the surface some of these look pretty similar, but there are often subtle differences. If you are replacing a part have a good look at what you have. Most Gibson bass tuners were made by Kluson (particularly in the 1960s) or German company Schaller (particularly in the 1970s) - but (as is always the case with Gibson) there were exceptions. If a particular tuner was not available on the day the bass was assembled, another part would often be used.
Many of these tuning keys are branded with a Gibson logo. But Schaller and Kluson made keys for numerous brands, including with their own branding. If your part is damaged, it may not be necessary to replace the whole thing. Vintage Gibson branded parts are expensive, but if, (for example) your Schaller-made key is slipping as you tune it, it is worth looking for an identical (and significantly cheaper) Schaller branded part, and swapping over the worn cogs. Follow the links below to look at some of the disassembled tuning keys.
EB banjo tuners Gibson part number MH-570-P (1965). Sealfast 12 to 1 ratio, as used on 1950s EB/EB1, and EB2 basses and the melody maker style slap body EB0. more
Kluson 538 'elephant ear' tuners Gibson part number MH-538 (1965), 82536 (1971). The 1960s open gear Klusons were used on most EB0, EB2 and EB3 basses throughout the 1960s. Until 1965 they were plated in nickel, and chrome thereafter, as pictured, with a hole rather than a split post. This tuner had a 3/8" diameter post with a 7/16" hole, and unlike similar from the 1970s did not feature the word Gibson. A one disadvantage (from Gibsons point of view) of this tuner was its requirement for headstock routing. No longer used after 1969. more
Kluson 546 'large elephant ear' tuners Gibson part number MH-546 (1965). The 1960s large open gear Klusons were used on the Gibson Thunderbird. more
Closed gear Japanese tuners These machine heads were used primarily on Gibsons budget models, the Kalamazoo KB bass, and the Melody Maker bass. They did also find their way onto some EB0 models between late 1965 and 1969. more
Schaller M-4-C classic, for split headstock Gibson part number 14746 (bass side), 14747 (treble side), 82535 (set). This variant of the M4 has a uniformly cylindrical post with a hole, rather than a split post (see below). With 'Gibson' on the gear cover. 1970-1971. more
Schaller M-4 Gibson part number 14671 (bass side), 14672 (treble side), 82534 (set). The M4 has been very widely used, from around 1967 and throughout the 1970s, on the Les Paul bass and LP Triumph, SB series the reissued EB1 and occasionally EBO, EB2 and EB3 basses, (particularly around 1969). Usually with 'Gibson' or a 'G' on the gear cover. Towards the end of the 1970s they were used on some of Gibsons newer basses: the earliest RD basses in 1977, and on the Grabber and G3 basses from late 1978 until early 1980. more
Schaller M-4-S Gibson part numbers 14575 (bass side), 14576 (treble side), 82510 (set). 1971-73. As used on EB-0, EB-3, EB-4L and SB series. There are no screws attaching this tuner to the headstock, it just screws into place - with two tabs that fit into depressions to prevent it from turning. Post diameter: 1/2"; hole diameter: 11/16". more
1973/74 open gear tuning key This tuning key, looks rather like the Kluson 538, or Schaller BM, but is subtly different to both, and neither will work as a replacement. As they are not definitively described in Gibson part lists or similar literature they remain unidentified - although they may be a newer version of the Kluson 546. As used on early Gibson Ripper, Grabber and 1973/74 EB0 basses. Possibly other models too. Post width 9/16" (cf Kluson 538 (3/8") and Schaller BM (14mm)). The post hole is 1/16" larger at 5/8". Note the indented footprint. 1973-74. more
Schaller BM The seventies (split-post) BM had a 14 mm post; wider than the 60s Kluson tuners and roughly the same as the 1973/74 open gear tuners. The post hole is 17mm. Schaller, being a European company, worked in the metric scale rather than the imperial, so measurements are quoted accordingly. Note also the word 'Gibson' on the base of each tuner. As used on EB, Grabber, G-3, Ripper, Les Paul Signature, RD series. 1974-80. more
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. Initially Gibson literature suggested that these keys were for the Victory Standard only, with the Schaller keys (below) for the Artist. In practice the use of both types has been much more mixed. Post diameter 13mm, post hole 17mm. more
Early eighties Schaller tuners part number 14110. As used on the Victory Standard, Artist and Custom basses from 1982, though the Gotah keys above were still in use at the same time. Also the Gibson Explorer bass. more
Gibson bass tuning keys for sale
1960s Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuning Gear Tuners 1950s EB1 Bass 70s Bicentennial
Buffalo, New York, 142**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$50
All items sold as is where is. No returns exchanges or refunds
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1969 GIBSON EB 1 VIOLINE BASS TUNER
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£222
* fits ONLY E or A string
* 1 tuner ONLY
* chrome finish has wear
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VINTAGE 1982 USA GIBSON VICTORY BASS GUITAR TUNER
Monza, 20***, ITALY
€50
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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I'm looking for machine heads for a 4/4 size Cello. I prefer the set of 4 machines heads. The pegs must go all the way through the peg box. If I have to deal with those wood pegs for another day, I just might take a sawzall to remove them. Any help with with is greatly appreciated. Mr. Brown Gainesville, Fl 4-10-16
Great info & very helpful reference guys. I own a '75 Grabber & am looking to buy a '72 SG. Love Gibsons!
Hi Shaun, sounds like the 73/74 open gear tuning keys. So far I have been unable to find a reference to them in Gibson literature, so they remain unnamed. I have no part number. A hard tuner to find, and an odd size but widely used on the earliest Rippers, plus a few Grabbers and EB-Os. Maybe you'll need to find someone parting out one of those?
Hi I have an early G1 Gibson grabber bass that has the elephant ear tuners. These tuners do not have Gibson stamped on them. When removed from the neck, the neck is routed so that the tuners fit into these two slotted holes. The bass is made in 1975 and I am told all original. Did these early grabber basses have two types of tuner fitted? Are these tuners the correct part? I can't tell from the information posted. If so can you please tell me the part number as I need to find one of the fixing screws that has been lost from the back of the gear wheel. Many thanks Shaun