Fender Knobs

[Wannaflea]

Hi all,

Quick question, should be easy to answer (I hope )

After some mods on my MIM Jazz Bass, I would like some new knobs on it, just for asthetics.

I've seen ones that I like but I'm still confused on names of them.

I liked the look of the Strat-styled knobs Like on this Squier but I think I've also heard of (and liked) Skirted Amp Knobs like this.

Additional info: my jazz bass vol/vol/tone is clockwise to turn up and counterclockwise to turn down.

I would like to know whether you can get either of these parts to fit on a Jazz bass. Preferably a quick fit, straight swap job and from a trusted brand (even more preferably Fender). If you could throw in links, that would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot

[john grey]

Knobs can be fitted by either a locking-screw or a pressure fit (pushing onto the control post). It is important to realize that pressure fit knobs produce some "wear & tear" on the pot-posts due to their demand for pushing on to the post (China-made Alpha pots are less quality made). In many cases this is not an issue but if the pots are cheap ones, this may result in problems at the time or later due to force exerted on the post.....Use caution.

In general the posts are often sized close enough to fit a wide variety of knobs. My suggestion is line it up and do not put them one and take them off repeatedly. This is not a problem with lock-screw type knobs or with pots of a high quality (Honeywell).

[Wannaflea]

Originally Posted by john grey

Knobs can be fitted by either a locking-screw or a pressure fit (pushing onto the control post). It is important to realize that pressure fit knobs produce some "wear & tear" on the pot-posts due to their demand for pushing on to the post (China-made Alpha pots are less quality made). In many cases this is not an issue but if the pots are cheap ones, this may result in problems at the time or later due to force exerted on the post.....Use caution.

In general the posts are often sized close enough to fit a wide variety of knobs. My suggestion is line it up and do not put them one and take them off repeatedly. This is not a problem with lock-screw type knobs or with pots of a high quality (Honeywell).

Thanks for the reply. Do you think, as my bass is Fender, if I use Fender replacement knobs (assuming I can find them), the job would be easier?

[john grey]

I'm not too concerned as to the ease of the install: you'll do fine. I am concerned that in come cheaper pots a pressure fit may injure the posts.
If they are ribbed; line up the ribs before-hand. If they are not do your best to put them in place one time and leave them. Pulling and pushing may be the real issue with a pressure fit knob and cheap pots.
"Fender" has so many parts suppliers, what seems logical (buying "Fender" name brands) is no longer a guarantee. As long as they (pressure-fit knobs) are not placed on and off - you should have no serious issue (unless you get that one cheap pot ready to give you problems if you looked at it funny.

[Wannaflea]

Originally Posted by john grey

I'm not too concerned as to the ease of the install: you'll do fine.

After putting a whole turn of a corkscrew through my finger and almost removing it entirely, I've decided I lack the ability/common sense to do anything vaguely techincal. I'll be handing this one over to the shop I'm buying the knobs (assuming I find ones I want) from, as I don't trust myself to do anything. Seriously, I'm the most clumsy person you'll meet.

Thanks anyway pal

[jmlee]

This might be a bit unrelated, but if you're changing the knobs on your jazz, try the sort of cylindrical, knurled chrome knobs that are used on a typical precision bass. I've used knobs like that for years on my jazz, and they're (in my view) much easier to grab and adjust on the fly. A lot of players like 'em. (The chrome on chrome look is cool...)

[walterw]

does that MIM bass have set-screws holding the knobs on?

if so, you can only use set-screw knobs to replace them with (the pots will be solid-shaft 1/4", and regular plastic push-on knobs won't fit).

the good news is that there's no reason to pay money to have them put on. just loosen the screw, slip the knob off, and replace it.

[spaz21387]

most mim fenders have set screws on them or atleast my mim j bass did. I like split shaft pots because the knobs are easier to find.

[Nev375]

Q-Parts Inc.

Pricey, but pretty.

[DanAleks]

Sorry, but when I saw the title to this thread, my first thought was,

"Anyone I know?"