Tuners

Fender tuners are have some significant changes over the years. The changes are subtle and since the style of the tuners did not change to the untrained eye they all look the same.  Kluson was Fenders main supplier for more than 40 years.

We will go into some detail on the classic Kluson for Fender guitars. Fender did use on certain models Grover and Schaller  tuners but for this brief description we will just focus on Kluson tuners which account for 90% of the guitars produced.

The first run of Kluson for Fender guitars featured a closed back case with the name Kluson deluxe in a single line down the middle of the case. These do not have the shaft protruding out the other side of the case. these were nickel and had patent applied for  stamped in under side of tuner. These were in use between 1949- 1950.

Around 1951 Fender Klusons had a single line down the back with no name  on case back an the shaft also did not protrude case side and had patent applied for under tuner. These were used form 1951, some may be found on early 1952 guitars.

In 1952 the kluson tuners had the same single line with no name down the middle. This years the shaft came through the case out the other side.  The tuners still had patent applied for on the bottom of tuner.

In 1956 Fender Kluson tuners had a single line down the back of the case with the name Kluson deluxe down the center. The shaft comes through and the back of the tuners say patent applied for. By 1957 the tuners were the same but had the numbers pat number d-16400 on bottom of tuners. These were to continue as such until 1965.

In 1965 Fender Klusons went to a case back with double lines saying Kluson Deluxe. the shafts protrudes and the bottom of the tuner Say pat number d-16400. These were used until around 1967 . In 1967 you can find both Kluson tuners and the new F-style tuner made by Schaller. Some other lower end models like Mustangs and Duosonics had the Schaller tuners as early as 1966 .

A brief note on the Schaller F-tuners. from 1967 -1974 the tuners were the same. they were a toal different shape and style than kluson and are easily identified by their shape and a large F on the back of the tuners cover. 

A very important note in 1975 the sting shaft of the tuners  that goes  through the headstock  had a major change. A large collar was added to the base of this shaft on bottom of the tuner. These will NOT  fit on pre 1975 guitars. You would have to rout the headstock out and modify the guitar . This would ruin the value of the guitar.

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