12-String Tuners

[randyz]

Hi guys. I've been away for a while. I was wondering if anyone knows when Rickenbacker changed tuner types on 12-string guitars. I've got an '80 620/12 that came with nickel Kluson tuners, just like the 60's guitars. From my experience with 6-string models, I thought that the nickel Kluson tuners on my '80 320 were about the end of the line before they updated the tuners. Well today I bought an '85 360/12 that came with Kluson-style chrome Schaller tuners. They appear to be original to the guitar like the ones I have on my vintage series guitars from the late 1980's and early 1990's. I'm very happy to have the vintage-style tuners on a standard deluxe guitar because I like the reduced head weight and the look. Is it unusual for an '85 360/12 to have these tuners? If so, I'm wondering if the factory substituted the tuners due to a shortage of correct parts. What do you guys think?

[doctorwho]

I have a December 1984 325v59 JG that has factory-original Kluson tuners. IIRC, it was 1984-1985 when the existing stock of Kluson tuners started running out at RIC, so yours is in that era.

[libratune]

I have an April 1986 360-12 with factory Grovers:

[doctorwho]

I have an April 1986 360-12 with factory Grovers:

The attachment 12-fullsize.jpg is no longer available

My September 1986 320 has black Grovers: