Replacing Fender Stringmaster tuner

Jim Rossen · Post by **Jim Rossen** » 7 Oct 2012 7:27 am

I am undertaking a similar project on a Rickenbacker with pan mount tuners. Originals are Kluson Deluxe and appear similar to those on some Stringmasters.

Kluson makes a tuner that appears to be a perfect replacement but it is out of stock and I could not find it via internet search. Note slot headstock style string shaft.
http://www.wdmusic.com/kluson_3_plate_m ... stock.html
My query to the mfg about timing of availability got a vague reply. Perhaps queries by others would hasten their plan to restock.

Gotoh makes a suitable appearing slot headstock tuner that has a different style metal knob.
http://www.lmii.com/carttwo/thirdproduc ... lot%2DHead

Gotoh also makes a different kluson style tuner with correct knob but incorrect string shaft. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Guit ... &xsr=77833

Perhaps parts from the (currently available) Gotoh tuners could be combined to get the right part.

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 7 Oct 2012 8:11 am

Dina Janzen wrote: Perhaps parts from the (currently available) Gotoh tuners could be combined to get the right part.

Going back through this post I think you'll find that the exact parts have changed even though the appearance is the same... that's what all that machining and fitting is about.

I believe your best bet is to repair the one broken key... Klusons with that button style are not that scarce, although they might be pricey. If you can deal with a plastic or otherwise button then any old Kluson can provide the part for the repair. Good luck on your quest!

Jim Rossen · Post by **Jim Rossen** » 7 Oct 2012 8:26 am

A (perhaps) new twist is the notion that a correct looking new tuner can be made by combining the Gotoh parts without the need to swap gears- Knob shaft from one, the rest from another. The knob shaft with worm gear falls out of the original Kluson tuner when removed from the plate.

Butch Pytko · Post by **Butch Pytko** » 7 Oct 2012 5:35 pm

After reviewing my own lengthy post, you may be right about exchanging parts. But, the reply from Mark, reminded me that his replacement tuner wasn't an EXACT COPY of the original Kluson--slightly shorter in height, case slightly smaller, and the tuner shaft was tapered. The part about the tuner height being shorter, may mean it's knob/stem is shorter than what you have. Since I'm a stickler for only having the correct size parts, I elected to repair, rather than settle for a mismatched tuner. If you're not concerned about the Vintage factor, then any old knob/stem will do. If you are concerned, then you'll need an exact measurement of the knob/stem length when you contact or are contacted about a possible replacement, so you'll get the correct HEIGHT. I ended up being lucky--a well meaning forum member after seeing my post, sent me the correct size brass gear for my repair. He also gave me a lead as to where to buy the Kluson tuners that have the correct size gear, so I went ahead and bought some extras, in case this happens again. Hopefully, you'll have the same luck.

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 7 Oct 2012 5:59 pm

Butch Pytko wrote:He also gave me a lead as to where to buy the Kluson tuners that have the correct size gear, so I went ahead and bought some extras, in case this happens again.

Well... are you gonna hook a brotha *up*, or what?

(please share the source!)

Butch Pytko · Post by **Butch Pytko** » 8 Oct 2012 8:30 am

Cowell, I'm tired of your WISE MOUTH!

Brad, I want my topic CLOSED!

Alvin Blaine · Post by **Alvin Blaine** » 8 Oct 2012 9:14 am

Butch Pytko wrote:Cowell, I'm tired of your WISE MOUTH!

Brad, I want my topic CLOSED!

I think all he was asking is where did you find "the Kluson tuners that have the correct size gear"?
There are a few of us looking for tuner parts, and could use help finding parts.