Vintage Style 6-in-Line Guitar Tuning Machines

Vintage 6-in-line guitar tuning machines: rediscover the charm of classic guitars

Vintage-style 6-in-line guitar tuning machines are essential for recreating the look of 1950s and 1960s electric guitars. With their traditional design and distinctive layout on one side of the headstock, they are fitted to many Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster and Jaguar-style guitars.

Ideal for restoring a vintage instrument or building a vintage-inspired guitar, these tuning machines combine authentic looks with precise, reliable operation.

Tuning machines inspired by historic Fender guitars

Vintage 6-in-line tuning machines are generally recognisable by their compact housings and oval metal buttons. Many models reproduce the design of the famous Kluson tuning machines used on early Fender electric guitars.

Some versions feature a split shaft, allowing the end of the string to be inserted directly into the shaft before winding it. This traditional system provides a clean installation with no visible string end, and remains especially popular with vintage guitar enthusiasts.

Nickel or chrome finishes maintain the original appearance of many instruments while providing the finishing touch for a restoration or assembly project.

Choosing vintage 6-in-line tuning machines

Replacing guitar tuning machines requires checking several specifications to ensure a suitable installation:

• Hole diameter: vintage tuning machines often use holes of approximately 8.8 mm, compared with 10 mm for many modern models.

• Mounting type: traditional tuning machines often have mounting screws at the rear of the headstock.

• Guide bushings: their outer and inner diameter must match the holes and tuning machine shafts.

• Shaft type: split or cross-drilled, depending on the desired string installation system.

• Finish: nickel, chrome or aged finish, depending on the style of your instrument.

When replacing modern tuning machines with vintage models, adapter bushings may be required if the headstock holes are too large.

Your vintage tuning machines for Stratocaster, Telecaster and other guitars at ADP Guitar Parts

At ADP Guitar Parts, find a selection of vintage 6-in-line tuning machines for electric guitar, suitable for many restoration, modification and build projects.

Whether restoring the original character of a Stratocaster, completing a vintage Telecaster project or fitting an offset-style guitar, discover our tuning machines and choose the model that matches your instrument's specifications.