Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, all. I'm new to posting here, but have been an occasional lurker for a few months.

The other day, I managed to find a well-worn September 1980 production Azureglo 4001 in a local pawnshop...for $350. It plays incredibly well, but was a road warrior for quite some time judging by the wear.

One thing I would like to do is replace the Kluson (?) tuning machines, because the originals have about 1/4 turn of backlash plus bent ears and shafts. A picture of the back of my headstock is located here, and the front is locatedhere. I think the current Ric tuners will fit with no holes needing to be drilled, but I'm not completely sure.

Has anyone out there needed to replace their Klusons? Will the current production Ric open machines fit? I'm really trying to avoid drilling holes, not because I can't but because I don't want to make permanent changes.

Thanks!

Get the factory Schaller tuners ..they look similar to the Kluson tuners ,but have superior gearing.

I have changed plenty of original Kluson tuners to the Schallers .

Try it you'll like it !

Thanks, Mark! The Schallers use the same hole pattern as my original Klusons?

To wrap this up (and make it useable in the archive), Mark confirmed the new Ric tuners cover all the original holes left behind by the Klusons. Two original holes are used, and two new holes need to be drilled - but it sounds as if the final installation will look original.

I'm not a collector, but I prefer to keep the appearance of this 4001 as stock as possible.

Thanks, Mark!

My replacement 00550 keywinds showed up today from Mike Parks at The Ric Page.

As it turns out, they were a drop on - no new holes needed, and the backplate is a perfect match. They tighten "backwards" from the originals (which were "righty-tighty"), but they work soooo much better, and no more rattles, either. I did use the new chrome bushings that came with the tuners.

Anyone with a similar vintage 4001 can rest assured - the current Ric "vintage" tunes will work, and it's a simple screwdriver job.

Thanks, Mark!

And very soon a perfect Gotoh replica of the original Klusons will be available as well. We've had to work with them to tool up from ground zero in order to have accurate keys for the "C" Series.

I have a 1976 4001 and am missing the screw that holds on the gear in the back of the tuner. It has been a long unsuccessful adventure trying to find a fit. Does anyone know a good source? They appear to be nickel, not chrome, which makes the challenge greater.

Walrus; go to a good hdwe. store, and take one of the existing screws with you. try the stainless steel machine screw assortment. Find one that is real close[matching the threads is most important, followed by the head and slot style] and buy 4 of them, so all of them match.

You will most likely have to buy a longer screw than necessary ,so what ...cut it off .

I do this all the time ,or did anyway back when KLUSON USA was the maker .