BTR#38 Kluson Deluxe Tuners: Review, Dating, History

If you have a classic American guitar, either acoustic or electric, chances are that it came with Kluson Deluxe tuners, whether they are vintage originals or contemporary replicas.
It has been said: “you either love Klusons or hate them” but, before we take sides, are we sure that we really know them? This video is a comprehensive review examining the structure of Kluson Deluxe tuners and their basic elements. Also we are identifying the different types and illustrating the variations through the years, for an accurate dating. Furthermore, it is important to recognize the different reissues. Finally a few useful technical tips are explained, to get the best out of your vintage style tuners.
00:00 - My personal experience with vintage Kluson tuners
02:50 - History of the original Kluson company
04:24 - Structure of Kluson Deluxe tuners
04:55 - Different types of Kluson Deluxe tuners
05:55 - Evolution of features and dating of vintage Kluson Deluxe tuners #VINTAGEGUITARS
11:20 - Revival of the Kluson brand and reissues
14:04 - Gear ratio explained #GUITARTECH
15:06 - Technical tips for tuning stability and maintenance
-English subtitles available
-Sottotitoli in Italiano
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FAIR USE DISCLAIMER: This video may involve transformative use of short excerpts of copyrighted material, strictly and solely intended for informational, educational, research, commentary, and criticism purposes.

[@PeterJRadomski]

I learn something new with every video. I still don't understand why more people don't know about this channel. Keep up the great work, Bob!

[@BobsToneReview]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words Peter, I'm happy that you appreciate my videos!

[@alfredoauriemma]

In con-Kluson.... sei sempre il migliore ! Complimenti e grazie per le perle di Storia che ci sai regalare ad ogni Tuo video.

[@BobsToneReview]

Grazie Alfredo!

[@Caziolin]

Ciao Bob! Ogni video è più di una perla,è un diamante!!! Stima INFINITA! Hai raggiunto i 1000 iscritti,sono felicissimo per te! Grazie per la Storia e tutte le nozioni!

[@BobsToneReview]

Grazie tantissimo Lorenzo! Essì, sono felice, da oggi il canale ha raggiunto i 1000 iscritti e la nostra comunità di "guitar friends" per gli standard di KZbin diventa "maggiorenne"!

[@pasinomariamocellin6894]

Bob, è davvero un piacere ascoltarti e guardare i tuoi video. Sei sempre sul pezzo e la quantità di informazioni che ci regali è preziosa e poi hai un modo di comunicare dal quale traspare passione e simpatia. In conkluson: grazie

[@BobsToneReview]

Grazie tantissime Pasino, le tue parole mi incoraggiano sempre tanto!

[@stefanosala8186]

Fantastiche le tue foto "da ragazzino"!!! TOP!!! Grazie per gli approfondimenti appassionati e fondamentali, come sempre!

[@BobsToneReview]

Ha! Ha! : ) Grazie per le parole gentili Stefano, ti ringrazio per l'incoraggiamento!

[@hgostos]

Thanks for the video. I have a relevant story here: I needed some lightweight tuners for my 2001 Epiphone Korina Explorer so I looked for some Kluson types to replace the heavy, zinc-metal ones that came stock. Easier said than done as I couldn't find any 6-in-line in gold tuners with plastic tips. Gotoh don't make them under their name or for Goldo (AKA "German" Klusons). Alas! I love Gotoh tuners. Eventually, I found some under the name Kluson made in Korea for WD Music for the US market for about $70. So I ordered a set but I'm not sure after I watched your video (I don't like slack). Anyways, I hope my WD- Klusons are decent because they are the only ones I can find... at least the box looks vintage cool! LOL I wonder who makes the Epiphone Deluxe tuners featured in the new, Chinese-made Epi Explorers?

[@BobsToneReview]

Best wishes with your tuners project Hgostos, I'm sure your set won't be bad will. You will find a satisfying solution. Make sure the nut is perfect, it's usually the main cause of tuning stability issue.

[@hgostos]

@@BobsToneReview Grazie mille!

[@Walks-With-Pride]

Bob, you are a true scholar. Stay strong, brother!

[@BobsToneReview]

Thank you so much for your nice words Buffalo Lodge, be well brother! : )

[@michaelpacinus242]

I’m trying to have you as our best man at the wedding

[@bee.normal]

Amazing video, as always a very interesting subject. The "shake test" was a revelation! Who knew?

[@BobsToneReview]

Thank you so much Jo, your kind support and feedback is always much appreciated!

[@colinw4935]

Great advice and a brilliant history lesson. I will oil my Kluson tuners tomorrow.

[@BobsToneReview]

Thank you so much for your attention and your kind feedback Colin! Please feel free to subscribe and keep an eye on the channel! : )

[@Si-Toecutter]

Awesome thanks

[@BobsToneReview]

Thank you for your kind feedback Si, please feel free to browse among the other content of the channel!

[@pascalgalipeau8881]

Thanks for sharing!

[@BobsToneReview]

You're welcome Pascal! Please feel free to browse among the other content of my channel, hopefully you will find more episodes of your interest : )

[@bluewolf7572]

Great!

[@BobsToneReview]

Thank you for your kind feedback Bluewolf! Please feel free to browse through the other content of my channel.

[@paolospadaro]

Ciao Bob, spero tu faccia uno speciale anche per i knobs delle chitarre ed ampli, Gibson Fender, Gretsch, etc..... Paolo.

[@BobsToneReview]

Grazie Paolo, la tua è una bella idea, la tengo sicuramente in considerazione!

[@fabriziomattioli6783]

In con kluson è mitica!!! Grande Bob e grazie x queste perle che ci regali.. ciao!!!

[@BobsToneReview]

Ha! Ha! Grazie per il tuo supporto Fabrizio, sempre generoso e puntuale!

[@Mitch-Master]

Yeah Mon

[@paolospadaro]

Grazie Bob!!!!

[@BobsToneReview]

Grazie a te Paolo!

[@johnbrady1211]

I had my fathers 1969-70 SG Standard returned to me after he passed away. It was stored in my Godson's basement. It was in terrible shape. But we are talking about tuning machines here. The original Kluson double ring/double line machines were totaly worn out. After forty plus years of gigging they were just worn out. My father was a machinist so he understood how to lubricate them and he would when they needed it. But mechanical things do wear out. I take issue with Bob's assesment that you dont have to change the original tuners. If they are worn out, they have to be changed. So I searched online and found that WD had bought the Kluson name and with a company in South Korea, they make excellent reproductions of vintage tuning machines. The original ones on my Father's SG were double line/double ring. The new ones looked exactly like the originals, with the exception of the color of the tulip knobs. The older ones start to get a green tint after a few decades, and the new Klusons were not aged enough to match the color of the old ones. They are tinted green, but not as much as the old ones. As for Bob for pushing the idea that the new ones are not as good as the original. In fact, they are better. In my opinion of actually using them. They look exactly like the originals but the internals are manufactured better. The WD tuners are 15:1 ratio. They are as tight as a decent set of modern sealed tuners. The screw holes fit in the original holes. They are superior to the originals. And its not like I have no experience with older Klusons. I put the old tuners in the guitar case with the original bridge which was also trashed, as was the original nut. Dont be afraid to change your worn out Kluson tuners with the new Klusons. They are designed better than the originals. I dont know about Bob shaking the "three on a stick" tuners to hear them rattle, but the ones I get from WD Kluson are tight quality tuners. And no, I'm not being paid by Kluson to push their brand. They just have a great collection of period correct and well performing parts. Or, you can go on ebay and pay an enormous amount of money for another set of worn out vintage originals.

[@BobsToneReview]

John, I'm sorry to contradict you but I have been regularly gigging for decades with 6 vintage guitars with their original Kluson tuners. 3 of them are even from the early 1950's and they are the best sets I have. I also have a couple of guitars with modern tuners, no context. The only way to have vintage hardware "trashed" or worn out is to abuse it or to have it accidentally broken; that sadly happens. I really wish in South Korea they could make Kluson tuners as great as they make their zombie movies! : ) I will buy your vintage hardware if it's not loose from abuse, oxidated or broken, no kidding!

[@BobsToneReview]

Also I forgot to mention that I gamble a lot with alternative tunings.

[@mahsidivad]

Very informative. I have a 1948 Gibson L-48 in near mint condition. The A-string tuner just became loose and is not holding it's tune. How sturdy are those tangs that hold the cover in place? I assume I can bend upward to have a look inside to tighten things up.

[@BobsToneReview]

Hi, David, I'm happy that you enjoyed the video, thank you for your comment. The operation is very delicate and dangerous but it's worth trying. Also consider washing the gear inside with lighter gas refill before lubricating, that should help. Please feel free to browse among the other content of the channel!

[@liviaontheroad]

Bob, were banjos also built with Kluson tuners? excellent video, as always : )

[@BobsToneReview]

Thank you Livia! Yes, the 1963 Gibson Firebird "Reverse" mounted Kluson-banjo tuners.

[@Anton_the_Vampire]

Great video Sir! I have an epiphone g400 (sg) from 1997 & was considering replacing the stock single ring tulips with double ring tulip klusons. Do you think this would be a worthwhile upgrade?

[@BobsToneReview]

Hello Gary, I'm happy that you liked the video, thank you for your feedback! In my opinion you have no reason to replace the original tuners; in fact double ring tips should not be considered an upgrade over single ring tips. It is only a mere cosmetic feature introduced in 1960. It's only a matter of personal taste. Most Gibsons from the "golden age" had single ring tuner tips. I have an original set of Kluson tuners from 1953 with single ring tulips which is my favorite. Please feel free to browse among the other episodes of the channel and keep in touch!

[@davidbuzzin426]

👍🇺🇸❤GOD BLESS ALL XO

[@BobsToneReview]

Likewise David!

[@paolospadaro]

Ho una j45 del 1991 che monta meccaniche cosi, e la mia Telecaster reissue 52 pure vintage del 2014. Sono delle meccaniche by Gotoh? Grazie Bob.

[@BobsToneReview]

Ciao Paolo! Difficile risponderti senza smontare le meccaniche. Andando "a naso", direi che quelle della J-45 potrebbero essere più facilmente Gotoh, in tal caso dovrebbero recare una piccola scritta "Japan" all'interno.

[@paolospadaro]

@@BobsToneReview grazie Bob!!!!

[@BobsToneReview]

@@paolospadaro figurati, dai un'occhiata agli altri contenuti del canale se ti va : ) Alla prossima!

[@danielpenaofficial4186]

How about the open back Kluson tuners?

[@BobsToneReview]

Hello Daniel, I kept the focus on the historic Deluxe models used on most any vintage American electric guitar. I had a 1959 Gretsch Anniversary with open back Grovers and they were stunning!

[@michaelpacinus242]

Let me marry u

[@BobsToneReview]

Ha! Ha! Thank you for the proposal, I'm flattered! : )