1 Topic by redblues (edited by redblues 2011-08-05 06:36:25)

  • Registered: 2011-03-03
  • Posts: 75

Topic: Changing knobs on my guitar

Obviously inspired by Joe.

What is the safest method for removing the current knobs? I have heard wrapping a shoelace around underneath and pulling up, but I'm not sure it wouldn't damage the shaft.

For the curious, it's an Ibanez AS-73 semihollow

My name is Red. I like the Blues.

2009 Squier J-Bass, 2010 Fender CD-60, 2010 Ibanez Artcore AS-73, 2011 Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar SS Bass, 2011 Dillion Phoenix
Turn the volume to 11!
  • From: Ireland
  • Registered: 2010-10-25
  • Posts: 57

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

Using a shoelace seems fine as it hasn't damaged any of my guitars so far, just pull softly then rotate the knob a bit and pull up again (repeat) , slowly does it.

Guitars: Epiphone JBLP, Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Amps: Marshall Vintage Modern, 18 watt clone
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

The shoelace method is pretty popular.  I usually put a thin cloth sort of tucked under the knob to protect the paint and Very Lightly, working my way around the radius, pry knob up with a flat head screwdriver.  Just enough to loosen it and then I can pull it all the way off with my fingers.  And if it breaks, so be it.  Can always get new knobs cheap.  I keep a few spare just in case.

  • From: North Andover, MA
  • Registered: 2010-03-23
  • Posts: 35

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

Take a t shirt and slide it under the knob on all sides.  Then pinch the shirt over the top and pull the knob off.  This way you apply pressure evenly to all 360 degrees of the knob and you won't break anything.  you can rock it off gently that way as you pull and avoid any prying.

Amps: Hand Made JTM-45, 18 Watt TMB, AB763 Pro, Route 66 Clone.
Guitars: 2007 R8 Les Paul Iced Tea Burst, Refinished 83 Les Paul Studio, , Homemade 50's S style guitar.
Effects: Micro Vibe, CryBaby, Fulldrive II, OCD, Fat Boost V1

5 Reply by Chrisuk (edited by Chrisuk 2011-08-06 04:41:48)

  • From: West Sussex
  • Registered: 2011-05-17
  • Posts: 307

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

As long as you apply pressure all the way round they come off fine. I was able to do this with my fingers you just need to ensure you don't pressure one edge more because then they bind on.

(third go to make this make sense- sorry)

  • From: Las Vegas
  • Registered: 2008-05-21
  • Posts: 857

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

Use a spoon or two. Just put a Micro fiber or soft cloth on the body to protect it. Put the tip of the spoon under the knob and push down on the handle.

take care,
Bill

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

I've used my fingers. Never use a screwdriver! wink

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

This is nice if your going to remove knobs for a living.  http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Knobs/Speci … onics.html

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Bakersfield
  • Registered: 2011-05-22
  • Posts: 52

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

its always nice to have the right tools

  • Registered: 2011-03-03
  • Posts: 75

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

Thanks for the suggestions, I was able to get them off easily enough using a rag in the way Hillcountry described

My name is Red. I like the Blues.

2009 Squier J-Bass, 2010 Fender CD-60, 2010 Ibanez Artcore AS-73, 2011 Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar SS Bass, 2011 Dillion Phoenix
Turn the volume to 11!

11 Reply by CarljMD (edited by CarljMD 2011-08-08 22:36:52)

  • From: Frederick County, MD
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 857

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

redblues wrote:

For the curious, it's an Ibanez AS-73 semihollow

I picked up one of these used off of Craigslist from a guitar teacher who bought it from the store he taught at, it was basically in showroom condition, for $200.  It's pretty much my favorite guitar these days, over my 2003 Amer. Strat and my late 90's PRS 10-top.    For a Korean guitar, I'm pretty impressed with the fit/finish.

My only issues are the "G" string doesn't like to stay in tune through a whole set, and I'm still getting used to the 4-knob setup, which can be weird since if the pickup toggle is in a certain position, only one of the volume knobs can turn it all the way off.  Have thought about upgrading tuning knobs but am a bit cash-poor at the moment.

Enjoy it!

CarljMD

Takers get the honey, givers sing the blues
  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

THe spoon idea doesn't sound like something I would try. The shoelace or t-shirt method has always worked like a charm for me.

  • Registered: 2011-03-03
  • Posts: 75

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

CarljMD wrote:
redblues wrote:

For the curious, it's an Ibanez AS-73 semihollow

I picked up one of these used off of Craigslist from a guitar teacher who bought it from the store he taught at, it was basically in showroom condition, for $200.  It's pretty much my favorite guitar these days, over my 2003 Amer. Strat and my late 90's PRS 10-top.    For a Korean guitar, I'm pretty impressed with the fit/finish.

My only issues are the "G" string doesn't like to stay in tune through a whole set, and I'm still getting used to the 4-knob setup, which can be weird since if the pickup toggle is in a certain position, only one of the volume knobs can turn it all the way off.  Have thought about upgrading tuning knobs but am a bit cash-poor at the moment.

Enjoy it!

CarljMD

Oh, I do! I just play though a G-DEC Jr, but I can get it running hot enough for blues. Got mine at Guitar Center on sale for $260 brand new, no flaws. Been about a year now, absolutely loved every minute of playing it.

I wound up going back to all black knobs after a while, but I've got a buddy who put some custom knobs on his Hohner that he made from a pair of red translucent dice. Looks killer!

My name is Red. I like the Blues.

2009 Squier J-Bass, 2010 Fender CD-60, 2010 Ibanez Artcore AS-73, 2011 Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar SS Bass, 2011 Dillion Phoenix
Turn the volume to 11!

14 Reply by Jon

  • Jon
  • Bronze Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2007-03-19
  • Posts: 39

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

If you're replacing knobs, make sure that you're using the right sort (imperial or metric) for the pots, as one is smaller than the other and can crack one side of the split shaft of the knob if you try to force it back on (the voice of experience here!!!)

  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Changing knobs on my guitar

I thought a teaspoon would be a good idea.

Down the line...my four LP knobs look like a shattered caramel crunch bar.