Calling on TB's vintage Fender braintrust here - I have some old tuners that I'd like to date but don't know what to look for. They are reverse-wind tuners. Any input would be much appreciated!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Help dating vintage Fender tuners/machines
- Thread starter August West
- Start date
I don't know if there is anyway to date the old pre-CBS Klusons.
I have a real deal 1953 P Bass and it's Klusons have 4 little tiny half moon sharped holes that are really hard to see on the bend around for the tuner shaft.
Two on top and two on the bottom. (The '53 also has straight blade screws for for holding the string tuner post in place.)
Then, I have a 1962 P Bass and it's Klusons do not have those tiny half moon holes.
Finally, I have a 1966 P Bass with the vintage Klusons and I noticed that the tuning gear teeth are ever so slightly inner rounded for each tooth whereas on the '62, the gear ends are nearly flat.
I can see that your Klusons do not have the 4 tiny half moon holes and I can't see the gear's teeth very well but all in all, your tuners favor my 1962 in appearance.
I will say that over the years, there are ever so slight differences with the old Kluson.
Maybe some other knowledgeable TBer can date old Klusons.
I have a real deal 1953 P Bass and it's Klusons have 4 little tiny half moon sharped holes that are really hard to see on the bend around for the tuner shaft.
Two on top and two on the bottom. (The '53 also has straight blade screws for for holding the string tuner post in place.)
Then, I have a 1962 P Bass and it's Klusons do not have those tiny half moon holes.
Finally, I have a 1966 P Bass with the vintage Klusons and I noticed that the tuning gear teeth are ever so slightly inner rounded for each tooth whereas on the '62, the gear ends are nearly flat.
I can see that your Klusons do not have the 4 tiny half moon holes and I can't see the gear's teeth very well but all in all, your tuners favor my 1962 in appearance.
I will say that over the years, there are ever so slight differences with the old Kluson.
Maybe some other knowledgeable TBer can date old Klusons.
Last edited:
Fender started mixing in Phillips head screws with the slot head screws in 56 and by 57 they had gone to all Phillips head. That's all I got.
Edit: I guess I'm wrong, I see pics of 58-59 bass with the slot head screws. So it took a while to change over.
Edit: I guess I'm wrong, I see pics of 58-59 bass with the slot head screws. So it took a while to change over.
Last edited:
Fender used available parts even after a shift. That's why it's hard to date late seventies/early eighties by decal/serial number. If they were in the bin, they used them.
It was just product. And, cutting edge at that. No one thought about "vintage guitars." Who would care when they were made?
