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Tips for installing a volume knob?

#3
You may not need to go that route. You can dampen a bunch of tone by taking one of those scrunchies and wrapping it around the neck. I've heard that nailing foam bits into the head and back works, too. If that doesn't work, just toss a new coat of laquer on her, and at least she'll look nice, though it doesn't bring down the volume. Actually, just make sure she's plugged in and keep the tuner engaged. That should quiet her down. Wait... what about installing a kill switch in her head? Press a button, and you get absolute total silence!

If you still want to install a volume knob, make sure that your router bit is very sharp so when you drill into the body... wait... we're still talking about a guitar, right?
 
#5
A plastic bag over the head & if you're able to stretch it that far, tie it off around the neck. The volume decrease is gradual, but it should only take a total of 3 - 5 minutes for total silence.

A word of caution: this is a one-way procedure. If you want to increase the volume again, you're probably better off replacing it.

Getting the old one to sound the same again is very expensive, and more than likely a waste of time.
 
#11
kcole4001 said:
Chocolate ice cream is the best legal solution so far.
Works like a charm, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Mine's 15 (almost vintage!) and this trick still works perfectly.
Click to expand...

I have 2 vintage models and if I hadn't already dropped a boatload of money on mods, I'd put 'em up on ebay. They shreik & whine incessantly. I'm beginning to think it's a wiring problem with the heads. Like most vintage stuff, I guess I've just gotten used to the quirks & idiocincracies.

pgolliher said:
The cotton candy and chocolate ice cream sound like good suggestions, but when the sugar hits- it's like a boost switch...
Click to expand...

Then don't ever let 'er near an
Amp.jpg
 
#12
I had four of those through the years - although the metal (male) version ended up being the one with the least amount of volume problems. They were pretty cyclical and lasted for short bursts then went into a prolonged black silence.

For the female versions - (one blonde finish, one in a nice chestnut, and one ginga) - I had great success when alternating chocolate ice cream with "new" barbie dolls and barbie clothes. "New" meaning, that there was a substantial collection, so on a regular basis, I'd thin the collection and store the surplus in a tote in the attic. When I needed the "new barbie" fix to take effect, I'd select from the surplus bin on a first in first out basis. Worked successfully until about age 10. After that, I resorted to the 100% ice cream fix.

Did something right though - all are now vintage, look amazing, and have had no long-term problems with functionality. The volume problems seemed to be less of an issue after I'd had them about 20 years.
 
#16
I've found the volume (and speed) issues with my first (blonde model) also resolved itself after 18 years now. Now it mostly stays in its case unless it needs new accessories. The 12yo model still only runs on 11 most of the time. It also has squealing issues, but luckily no speed issues.

When i first asked our repair guy about the volume and speed issues with the older model he told me that these after-market mods were very hard to install, even if one did get the installation instructions. I just gave up when the Ginga model was defective also, i knew there was no use even attempting to fix that one.
 
#18
jive1 said:
I wouldn't bother. With little ones, silence usually means that something bad is happening...........
Click to expand...

^This...

But if you can't install the volume knob, perhaps you can alter the tone slightly. There's this great Cherry pedal that is available over the counter at your local store. It has the Diphenhydramine capacitor to soak up the unwanted sonic energy. Of course, using this pedal too much has been known to suck the life out of your instrument, so only occasional and light applications are recommended. Though safe for new instruments, check with the manufacturer, or warranty may be rendered void.

(super-fast-voiceover: tongueincheekcomedyonlyreadandfollowdirectionsonlabelconsultwithphysiciansinceiamnotonewhatareyoustilldoingreadingthis)
 
#19
On a related note, I have newer model (quickly approaching "vintage" though - been with me almost 18 years already). Volume isn't an issue with this one (I think it's the difference in construction. He's inherently got a pretty mellow tone). I am concerned about the action though (too high?). Any suggestions? :D
 
#20
Ubersheist said:
HAH! That was a great post, but this part slayed me! Thanks!
Click to expand...

Thanks!

JaamE said:
I've found the volume (and speed) issues with my first (blonde model) also resolved itself after 18 years now. Now it mostly stays in its case unless it needs new accessories. The 12yo model still only runs on 11 most of the time. It also has squealing issues, but luckily no speed issues.

When i first asked our repair guy about the volume and speed issues with the older model he told me that these after-market mods were very hard to install, even if one did get the installation instructions. I just gave up when the Ginga model was defective also, i knew there was no use even attempting to fix that one.
Click to expand...

I had the most volume issues with the Ginga model. Was that your experience too? :D

Flyingfrets said:
On a related note, I have newer model (quickly approaching "vintage" though - been with me almost 18 years already). Volume isn't an issue with this one (I think it's the difference in construction. He's inherently got a pretty mellow tone). I am concerned about the action though (too high?). Any suggestions? :D
Click to expand...

My metal version had the same construction difference as yours, I believe. The action often baffled me. Sometimes I thought it was a little too high; sometimes there was that "detuned two steps and now things feel a little floppy" kind of vibe going on. Again - after crossing the vintage threshold, those few problems didn't seem to be much of an issue anymore.
 

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