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What's the easiest way to remove Amp Knobs?

F

Fuzzhead

Sep 26, 2005
266
0
Australia
#1
I'm changing the black plastic knobs on my V6 over to the chrome V8 type, apparently they just pull off...but I've only been able to get one off so far, the others are pretty tight. I was going to leave it in the sun and put a hairdryer on it to soften them hopefully.

Has anyone got any other tricks for removing pull-off knobs that are tight??
 
#2
Fuzz heat doesn't work too well. It tends to soften the outer part of the knob but the heat doen't make it to the middle where you need it.

I've always used small long-nose pliers for this. They don't give quite as much leverage as larger ones so you're less likely to crush the knob. If you're careful, it's just like using fingers that are stronger than yours. If you're not careful, the worst you can do it put a little scratch on it, but they're still usable.

Let me know if you want to borrow any tools.
 
#3
This might not help much, but try again with two hands. Sometimes you can get two thumbs and two index fingers on the knobs, then try to squeeze your fingertips under the knobs. If they budge at all, then it's just a matter of time before they come free.
 
#4
A method I use for guitar and bass knobs may work;
Get an old t-shirt and get an edge of the shirt under the knob, wrap it around a few times until it is tight, and pull straight out/up/whatever.

It has never failed and leaves no marks.
 
#6
The easiest way is with a sawzall.






Oh, wait, you also wanted "non-destructive!" :p I like the t-shirt pull method. I have also used a variation on this theme with a cloth around the knob and then pry with a flathead screwdriver (also making sure the cloth is beneath the fulcrum point).
 
#7
Hey I'm back, thanks for the info guys but I already got them off...I finally succeeded with long nose pliers with a guitar cloth inside them, much easier. Didn't damage the old knobs either. Thanks everyone, especially Tombowlus for his first idea. :)

BTW the V6 looks unreal with the V8 chrome knobs, it was already mint but with the new knobs (that match the badge and hardware) and the green jewel light, it looks like a tweed V8! Sick! I think the V Series are the coolest bass amps ever made, like a hot-rodded guitar head ala Dual Rectifier or Framus. Why do most bass amp manufacturers insist on sharp angles and metal? And don't get me started on gold panels or orange graphics. Bring back the vintage look!

Oh yeah, pretty simple to EQ too! I love it...
 

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