removing knobs

[airrick]

how would one go about removing the knobs off ones bass to remove a pickguard?

[Spector_Ray]

It depends on the shaft. It could be as easy as pulling it off, or if the knob is on a smooth shaft, there's a set screw you have to loosen.

[airrick]

how can i tell

[Dan Knowlton]

Originally Posted by airrick

how can i tell

If there is a set-screw there will be a little allen (hex) screw head on the side of the knob. Anything other than press on or set-screw would be REALLY unusual.

Dan K.

[airrick]

when i pull on the knobs, they dont come off, and there is no hex screw to be seen, is it possible im just not using enough force? (ps my bass is/was a squier pbass)

[mike phillips]

some of the knob require a gentle pry. yes the fit is quite tight. be carefull so you dont scratch the finish. i put a couple layers of maskin tape on the body around the knobs then pry.

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Originally Posted by airrick

how would one go about removing the knobs off ones bass to remove a pickguard?

It's unlikely that you have to remove the knobs to remove the pickguard... On any P Type bass the controls are mounted to the pickguard so you don't have to remove the knobs first.

As mike phillips wrote, protect a flat blade screw driver with some masking tape, slip it under the knob, pry up a bit, rotate the knob, pry a little again, etc. gently working the knob off of the pot's shaft.

[spudmaster34]

i took the knobs off mine, you just have to pull harder than you think you need to

[airrick]

thanks yall, while im here, here is some pics of me and friend messing with the old pickguard:

[Brad Maestas]

I've ruined pots in the past when removing knobs this way. Now when I come across knobs that are truly stubborn I use a special tool that keeps damages to a minimum. I've also marred pickguards to shreds by using one screwdriver and masking tape. Before I got this tool I would pry using small sheets of metal and two screwdrivers.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Knobs/Sp...ectronics.html
I run a small repair shop so I use mine all the time and it's paid for itself many times over. They're about $35 so they're not cheap for a single use but if you can find one to borrow that'd be you're best bet.

[snappytom]

Another method I have used with success is to take an old t-shirt and put the edge of the fabric under the knob, start wrapping it around a few times so it is tight, then grab the fabric above the knob into a tight ball and pull straight up.

Try it a few times and you will get the hang of it. Never leaves a mark and has always worked for me.