Metal knobs without set screws

[Inflames626]

Hi guys,
I'm changing pickups in a Chinese Hamer Scarab XT. Unless my eyes deceive me, the black metal knobs have no set screw. I have never seen metal knobs without a set screw. Do these just pry off going upward? I thought I'd ask before attempting it.

Thanks.

 

[Securb]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

You can try prying if you dont seee screws but makes sure to put something on the body to protect it from the tool (thin piece of wood, cardboard, I use a cedar shingle).

 

[CTN]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

you can get push-on metal knobs as well, sorta like the normal strat knobs, shaped to accept knurled pot shafts, but with metal knob exterior instead of plastic.

I have a couple on my Polaris, and used to have a couple on my old Ibanez.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

Quite often, the push on knobs have a plastic insert inside, which go over a split shaft cheapo pot that turns with slightly more tension.

What it amounts to is that you're better throwing them all away and replacing it with a high quality solid shaft pot with a screw on type knob.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

The knobs are probably those plastic press-on knobs with a metal shell. They go on and off just like a regular plastic knob.

 

[Brian Griffin]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

If it has no screws then the pots must have split shaft. The safest method is using a shoe lace by passing it under the knob on both sides of the pot then pulling the knob up.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

I use a spoon
no a pry bar

no no I use a pair of angled needle nose pliers
yea just that angled needle nose thats the ticket


and yes my Ibanez's have these kind of metal press on ka-nobs

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

Thanks guys. Two spoons did the trick.

Most of the guitars I have/see are Japanese/import. I always end up with a metal set screw knob with a split shaft pot. Not sure why they do that, since they don't go together. They also get them on level at the factory. Once I take them off, I can never get them back on just right again.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

set screw always ends up on one side of the split shaft
that side collapses when screw is tightened

causes whole thing to lean

remedy

cut some plastic to fill the gap to prevent collapse
or install screw where it tightens into the gap

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

...install screw where it tightens into the gap

A.K.A. common sense.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

A.K.A. common sense.

I've tried tightening into the gap before and its still not quite square. That said, I'm usually replacing import Alpha pots with something else that comes with American active sets.

Worse comes to worse, I can just purchase solid shaft pots for probably less than the sleeves.

Whenever I go passive, any more, I wire it up to split, so it's always push/pull. I also wire it like a J bass so I can turn down one pickup independently, flick the selector in the middle, and get a parallel type sound with the pickup split.

I usually have to enlarge the hole, also.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Metal knobs without set screws

Yeah, that junk is the first thing you should replace on an import guitar, along with the pickups.

It may function fine, but you still have the feel of a cheaper guitar. You can buy a CTS pot and good knob for $10, and it's worth changing. You'll notice the quality difference right away. You're essentially adding the parts that more expensive guitars come with.