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
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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Vintage Original 1960's Gibson EB-3 Tuners Complete set includes Nuts & Washers
Ellenville, New York, 124**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
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
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 need a Kluson 538 set in gold.. any help appreciated