Source for replacement Klusons?

Vintage, Modern, V & C Series, Signature & Special Editions

Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4

Post Reply
User avatar
chronictown
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 791
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2000 12:09 pm

Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by chronictown »

I'm looking for a set of (relic'd, if possible) replacement nickel single-line oval metal button 3X3 Klusons that would actually fit my '64 460 without any need for modification...been looking at a variety of sites and my head is starting to spin. As I'm, for now, somewhat illiterate in terms of hole size, shaft length, adapter bushings (man, this is starting to sound dirty) I thought I'd ask the vintage experts here and hopefully save a little time. Anyone have a source / site where I can get these little fellers?
Thanks!
User avatar
collin
Senior Member
Posts: 6992
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:28 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by collin »

The reissues aren't quite like originals, the embossed logo is different, among other details.

Originals are often $300 a set though (for single lines). I don't know of anybody that offers relicked tuners, but reissue Klusons are available all over and you could easily relic them yourself.
User avatar
chronictown
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 791
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2000 12:09 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by chronictown »

Thanks Colin. So to clarify, the reissue Klusons should fit just fine in the 460, with no unsavory drilling, etc. needed?

BTW, what's a good way to relic these tuners? I can think of lots of nasty procedures but I'd be concerned about the potential to impact their subsequent performance.
User avatar
jingle_jangle
RRF Moderator
Posts: 22679
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:00 am
Contact:

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by jingle_jangle »

collin wrote:The reissues aren't quite like originals, the embossed logo is different, among other details.

Originals are often $300 a set though (for single lines). I don't know of anybody that offers relicked tuners, but reissue Klusons are available all over and you could easily relic them yourself.
He said "relicked"! :D :D :D :D :P :P :P :P
User avatar
Grey
Advanced Member
Posts: 1659
Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2010 4:10 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by Grey »

chronictown wrote:Thanks Colin. So to clarify, the reissue Klusons should fit just fine in the 460, with no unsavory drilling, etc. needed?

BTW, what's a good way to relic these tuners? I can think of lots of nasty procedures but I'd be concerned about the potential to impact their subsequent performance.
IMO, get the Gotoh Vintage Style tuners. They look the exact same as vintage Klusons minus the logo, but work just as good and are way cheaper than the so-called 'Reissues'. (Which arn't reissues at all, since as it's been stated theres a world of things different about those too)
User avatar
chronictown
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 791
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2000 12:09 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by chronictown »

I saw those Gotoh tuners on the Windfield Vintage site...they listed the price as $35, which I assumed to be for each tuner but perhaps that is for the entire set after all, if they are indeed cheaper than the reissues. I've seen the reissue Korean-made single line Klusons on eBay for around $35-40 for a set. If the Gotohs are a superior brand then I'll probably grab a set of those. Thanks!
User avatar
Grey
Advanced Member
Posts: 1659
Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2010 4:10 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by Grey »

chronictown wrote:I saw those Gotoh tuners on the Windfield Vintage site...they listed the price as $35, which I assumed to be for each tuner but perhaps that is for the entire set after all, if they are indeed cheaper than the reissues. I've seen the reissue Korean-made single line Klusons on eBay for around $35-40 for a set. If the Gotohs are a superior brand then I'll probably grab a set of those. Thanks!
I replaced the original Kluson's that were on my Rick with the Gotoh's. With the reissues... you're paying money for a brandname that has almost no similarities with the original Kluson keys.
User avatar
collin
Senior Member
Posts: 6992
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:28 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by collin »

jingle_jangle wrote:
collin wrote:The reissues aren't quite like originals, the embossed logo is different, among other details.

Originals are often $300 a set though (for single lines). I don't know of anybody that offers relicked tuners, but reissue Klusons are available all over and you could easily relic them yourself.
He said "relicked"! :D :D :D :D :P :P :P :P

That was ALL for you, bud....true story. :D

+1 on the gotoh or RIC tuners, go for functionality over logo or number of lines
User avatar
chronictown
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 791
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2000 12:09 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by chronictown »

Thanks muchly, guys - I'll take your advice on opting for functionality.

Now I just need to look into relicking my set :wink:
User avatar
johnhall
RIC
Posts: 3926
Joined: Tue Sep 26, 2000 11:17 am
Contact:

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by johnhall »

chronictown wrote:Thanks muchly, guys - I'll take your advice on opting for functionality.

Now I just need to look into relicking my set :wink:
Wipe them off please.

For functionality you simply can't beat the Schaller ST6K key which drop right in. They also have a new key:

Image

Schaller ST6B

This one is great and we're switching over to these (with a RIC Deluxe marking) fairly shortly.
User avatar
teb
Advanced Member
Posts: 1536
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by teb »

Gee, I've been sitting here with the Dremel and a tiny buffing wheel de-relicking (unrelicking?) a set of Klusons. Maybe I could collect all the tarnish that comes off of them and send it to you. You could glue it on.:) If the Schaller minis that I have sitting around would have fit in the same holes, I probably would have dumpstered them. They look like they were stored on the bottom of the ocean. Guess I'm just not into the whole relic thing.
Attachments
tuners-001a.jpg
User avatar
chronictown
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 791
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2000 12:09 pm

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by chronictown »

The two original single-lines that are on there now are moderately tarnished, so in replacing the other four non-original, non-period tuners I simply wanted everything to match, aesthetics-wise. Guess I'm like Rain Man.

But de-relicked tarnish with glue...bring it on! Sounds like a fun way to pass the afternoon.
User avatar
sys700
Member
Posts: 290
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 12:47 am
Contact:

Re: Source for replacement Klusons?

Post by sys700 »

1964 FireGlo 330S (domestic 1997 w/trapeze)
1966 FireGlo 330/12 (Paul W. 360/12OS conversion)
1968 FireGlo 360F
1972 FireGlo 4001
1973 FireGlo 4001
Post Reply

Return to “Rickenbacker Guitars: by John Simmons”