Schaller Tuning Machines

**Engine207** · #1 09-25-2010, 08:43 PM

I'm looking at buying some keywinds for my fretless neck that will be arriving shortly. I found a decently priced set that I'm told are older Schallers, but without the familiar "Schaller" script on the gear housing.

Were M4S tuners ever manufactured without the logo? The only photos I've been able to find, look like these:

The ones I'm looking into are identical otherwise. They also have two small prongs that would need holes on the back of the headstock to keep secure.

Thanks in advance...gt

SMILEYSIXX · #2 09-25-2010, 08:49 PM

I'm not an expert when it comes to tuning heads, but I've never seen a set of Schallers without the logo.

**Engine207** · #3 09-30-2010, 12:23 AM

I checked with Schaller in Germany and got a response from Dr. Lars Brünning. He said the same thing: without the familiar logo with the script "S", it's not authentic Schaller.

The seller says he took them out of a name-brand bass that uses Schaller, therefore they didn't carry the logo.

Poppycock I say....I ain't buying them.

elgecko · #4 09-30-2010, 12:28 AM

FWIW, my Peavey Dynabass came from the factory with a Schaller (marked) bridge and what appear to be unmarked Schaller tuners, very similar to your picture.

**Engine207** · #5 09-30-2010, 12:46 AM

I suppose they could be authentic, but if I'm paying Schaller money, I want to be certain. They have excellent customer service and back their keywinds forever, so I think it's worth getting the real thing.

**Engine207** · #6 10-02-2010, 11:55 PM

officially:

No, without Schaller-logo it is not Schaller.

Kind regards
Lars Bünning

Schaller Electronic GmbH
Dr. Lars Bünning
Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter
Managing Director - Owner

An der Heide 15
92353 Postbauer-Heng
Deutschland/Germany
Nbg. HRB 22913
Steuer-Nr.: 201/138/00055
USt-IdNr.: DE 250 628 367
Tel.: 0049/(0)9180 910 0
Fax: 0049/(0)9180 910 55
e-mail: Lars.Buenning@schaller-electronic.com
www.schaller-electronic.com

Hamerguy · #7 10-03-2010, 02:29 PM

I think he's wrong. The man is the head of Schaller for a few years only. But the Schaller M4S tuners have been used on instruments since the early 70's and they have been without Schaller branding on old Gibson, Guild and other brands. But Gotoh and Grover also have similar products out, and the Gotoh also came without logo at times. New Schaller always have brand logo on them.

Hamerguy · #8 10-03-2010, 02:34 PM

Here's proof that they came without the logo:
http://www.flyguitars.com/gibson/bas...hallerM4S2.php

**Engine207** · #9 10-03-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamerguy

Here's proof that they came without the logo:
http://www.flyguitars.com/gibson/bas...hallerM4S2.php

That's damn near what they looked like, down to the two prongs that go into the headstock.

My issue is that without branding, the could be anything...even cheap counterfeit Chinese keywinds. As I noted above, I've heard many stories about dudes who have bought basses with Schallers that were somehow broken. They contacted Schaller about purchasing the replacement, but instead were sent free of charge. That may not have been the case if the owner couldn't prove their authenticity.

I wound up gettin' me som'a these for just $60 from Warmoth (only $15 more than the used no-names):

Hamerguy · #10 10-03-2010, 03:39 PM

The BM are great tuners. They still get used on MusicMan and Rickenbacker while other companies now use different tuners because they can get them cheaper (Hipshot, Grover, Ping or Gotoh).

**Engine207** · #11 10-03-2010, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamerguy

The BM are great tuners. They still get used on MusicMan and Rickenbacker

I replaced the Klusons on my '80 Ric 4001 with these and they're very nice. They actually have the "Rickenbacker" logo and drop right in - even the screw holes lined up.

I'm still getting used to the reverse tuning direction, but I hadn't played my Ric in about 3 weeks and I broke it out the other day...StroboStomped it and didn't even need to touch the keywinds. That's good enough for me.

I like the look of the closed gear better, but that's not nearly as important as holding the tuning.

mmbongo · #12 10-09-2010, 10:49 PM

Where did you see those non-branded Schallers? Schaller or not, they are exactly what I'm looking for!

**Engine207** · #13 10-09-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Where did you see those non-branded Schallers? Schaller or not, they are exactly what I'm looking for!

They were on my local CL. If you want, I can hook you up with the dude and maybe he'll ship...

trunkshope6 · #14 10-11-2010, 03:02 AM

those tuners that were in the first post are straight out exactly what ud find on a peavey t40

Zacbass · #15 10-11-2010, 07:26 AM

Did You buy them? If not I will because I have a Great Maton Bass with those Schallers and 2 of the screws have broken. I cant find a set of 5 3 bass and 2 treble side for a fair price with shipping to Australia. So I was chasing a cheap second hand set so I can Bludge the screws out of them. Other than the broken screws the tuners are in great condition. So please put me onto them if they are still available. Thanks in advance.

Zacbass · #16 10-11-2010, 07:51 AM

Or if there is anybody out there who has 2 spare M4S tuners I would be keen to buy them Just for the 2 screws but a full set would be good incase another one snaps.

**Engine207** · #17 10-11-2010, 07:58 AM

Dudes...I emailed the cat who has them and he said it was ok to give out his email. PM me for his email address.

**Engine207** · #18 10-11-2010, 07:08 PM

These might work, too...

Peavey T-40 tuners - N.O.S.

armadillo bass · #19 10-12-2010, 11:00 AM

these are Schaller tuners, but from the first production in the first year.
Since then we produced only with Schaller-Logo.
This version we don`t have in stock anymore, but feel free to buy our “M4S”, it is the same with logo.
Kind regards
Lars Bünning

Schaller Electronic GmbHDr. Lars BünningGeschäftsführender GesellschafterManaging Director - Owner
An der Heide 1592353 Postbauer-HengDeutschland/GermanyNbg. HRB 22913Steuer-Nr.: 201/138/00055USt-IdNr.: DE 250 628 367Tel.: 0049/(0)9180 910 0Fax: 0049/(0)9180 910 55e-mail: Lars.Buenning@schaller-electronic.co...electronic.com