Kluson Tuners

**jim simpson** · May-21-2006, 8:35pm

I saw these Klusons on an Ebay listing: Gibson M-40 Mandolin, Circa 1949-1950 Item number: 7415463825
I don't recall ever seeing square buttons on Klusons before. Anyone?

**Michael Lewis** · May-22-2006, 2:25am

Probably not original. Never seen anything like that from a factory.

**barricwiley** · May-22-2006, 5:22am

Being an havc guy they look like the buttons off a "thru the wall" heating/cooling unit.
Richard

May-22-2006, 9:16am

There was a period of time in the late 40's and 50's that the material that Kluson used to make the buttons was just awful. They simply disintegrate. They shrink and then crumble. By 1961 the problem was resolved. Klusons made before and after that period don't have the issue. As these buttons weren't always available you see some pretty strange stuff in their place. You can buy the replacement buttons from Stewmac and Elderly. Here's a picture from Frank Ford's www.frets.com. There is an article there that shows how to replace the buttons.

**jim simpson** · May-22-2006, 9:47am

Good stuff all! I've seen dice used on electric guitars for volume/tone knobs. Hmm, I wonder how dice would be on a set of tuners? Somehow I could see a set showing up on one of Bill Bussman's creations.
"You feeling lucky punk?"

May-22-2006, 11:34am

I haven't seen dice....yet.... I've seen big gumball looking fake pearls and wooden blocks. I've seen pennies and dimes soldered to brass tuner posts. The possibilities are endless.