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replacing knobs?

#21
T-Bird said:
Hi.

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

If a plastic splined shaft knob won't budge with moderate force, break it. Unless it's a vintage one, in that case break the potentiometer instead.

Splined shaft potentiometers aren't IME designed for changing the knobs. Too much axial force, and the wiper plate will detach itself from the shaft.

IF OP has a set-screw knob on a solid shaft, the job may become easier.


Just my 0.02€
Sam
Click to expand...

You suggest breaking something in order to repair it.

You also advise breaking a vintage pot to spare a vintage knob.

Is this the correct reading of your advice?
 
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#23
mulchor said:
I think some of the readers are still on the fence :hiding: about if this is a serious question :confused: or a joke that's waitin for a punch line. :ninja:
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The only reason anyone would think that there is some question as to the legitimacy is that another poster replied to the OP with unwarranted incredulity. Yesterday, the OP expressed some exasperation at this attempt to embarrass.

The original question from the OP is a legitimate question. It should be. While it may appear on the surface to be "so simple a caveman can do it", the first time anyone struggles with a recalcitrant knob is a frustrating experience. The immediate thought is that there must be a better way. They are right. There are a number of ways to do it depending on the style of the knob and the tools available. That is where the suggestions and occasional debate arise from the more experienced (and some times completely inexperienced) contributors to the forum.

As far as questioning the above reply, there is no indication in the text that the poster is anything but sincere in their advice.
 
#24
202dy said:
As far as questioning the above reply, there is no indication in the text that the poster is anything but sincere in their advice.
Click to expand...

I thought it was legit, but then kindofblue returned to the thread and deliberately didn't say anything beyond the one (sarcastic?) comment about talkbass. :hmm:

So yes, perhaps that knob is still on there. Perhaps the control-plate was sacrificed to save it. Or perhaps the knobs' J-ness was successfully replaced with P-ness. :rolleyes:
 
#25
mulchor said:
I thought it was legit, but then kindofblue returned to the thread and deliberately didn't say anything beyond the one (sarcastic?) comment about talkbass. :hmm:

So yes, perhaps that knob is still on there. Perhaps the control-plate was sacrificed to save it. Or perhaps the knobs' J-ness was successfully replaced with P-ness. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...


The OP merely commented on the comment: "Sorry-that guy has to be kidding-Right?" The OP does not appear to be sarcastic. He appears to be indignant or feels that he has been slighted. Given that respect is one of the cornerstones of TB his response is understandable.

It would be nice if the OP returned to the thread and let everyone know what he has or has not done about swapping out the knobs.
 
#31
FunkMetalBass said:
Good choice, OP. Plastic knobs look kind of cheesy to me and I replaced my jazz w/ metal knobs as well. I hope the mod turned out to your liking.
Click to expand...

Yea I totally agree! No their not split shaft, I just got the bass about 2 days ago and haven't been able to play it since its has no strings on it, the knobs popped right off with a bit of elbow grease, it had strings on it but I took them off because they were dead, and had been sitting in a case in a closet since it was bought in '97. I had a fretless jazz bass before this fender but I sold it and got an ibanez sr505 and then a fretted mexican jazz. I finally have 3 ideal basses my upright,ibanez 5er and my fender jazz, next up is upgrading my rig and ill be happy for a while :).

I sometimes wonder why I use talkbass though, its filled with guys complaining about their cover band they play in or about other peoples questions they ask. Just my two cents lmao
 
#32
So I stumbled on this thread tonight while trying to figure out how to change the knobs on my Freeway4. I just want to swap them from chrome to black and something with a bit more knurling, but having never done this I'm really glad y'all were here to answer. No set screws in evidence, so I'm assuming they're "split shaft" which I'm reading here means they straight up pull off.

Happy for the info, because man I got a bit scared at how much force was required to get them off.
Thanks for saving the day again, TalkBass! :)
 
#33
FunkMetalBass said:
Unless your jazz has been modified or is the old-school stacked pot jazz, it will have stock split-shafts.
Click to expand...

Wrong. Most stock Jazz Basses have knobs that use a set screw on solid shaft knobs. The exceptions are some of the Fender Japan Jazz Basses, and the Mexican and US models that use the Strat type plastic knobs. Otherwise, Jazz knobs have a set screw. They are plastic with a brass insert.
 

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