Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is it possible to convert double-line Kluson tuners with white plastic buttons to metal buttons?

I have no idea how they are attached. I can't seem to find a good source for double line Klusons that aren't hundreds of dollars per set, and I need two sets of vintage klusons for a vintage 12 string..

Collin, the few times I've done this, I've actually disassembled the tuners and swapped the entire worm gear button and shaft into the other casing, to make up a matching set from oddball pieces. I know the plastic buttons remove easily by heating the shaft with a soldering iron, but I believe the shaft tangs must then be filed down a tad in order to press-fit the metal buttons.

Question: Where you gonna get the metal buttons? I wonder if the newer metal button and worm shaft assemblies will fit the older cases? Hmmm...they look the same...

jingle_jangle wrote: Question: Where you gonna get the metal buttons? I wonder if the newer metal button and worm shaft assemblies will fit the older cases? Hmmm...they look the same...

Yeah, that is a very good point. I would need to already have two sets of metal buttons, which I don't.

I guess I'll have to keep hunting

I could easily replace with new Ric Deluxes but being a vintage guitar, part of me wants to search for original vintage items (equally worn patina to the guitar is cool too..)

Well, Klusons with metal buttons of more recent vintage turn up pretty cheap now and then, and you can maybe swap 'em into the old cases. Takes a bit of care to carefully bend the tabs without breaking them, but it's worth the trouble and you get a chance to clean and lube 'em while you're at it.

If it helps, here are some aged sets for $70 each: http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/pr ... cts_id=355

Or new: http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/pr ... cts_id=488

EDIT: D'oh! 6-in-line only.

dpowell wrote:If it helps, here are some aged sets for $70 each: http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/pr ... cts_id=355

Or new: http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/pr ... cts_id=488

EDIT: D'oh! 6-in-line only.

But still a good source, as these can be taken apart and the keys flipped in about 5 minutes each, with simple hand tools.