Replacing the knobs...

J

James Walker

Sep 4, 2020
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#1
I want to replace the factory plastic knobs on my MIM Jazz basses and possibly my CIJ GL Jazz bass. Are the pot shafts on both 1/4" or do they differ in any way? Also, is the shaft for the smaller tone knob the same size as the two larger volume knobs? I would like to replace the existing black plastic knobs with chrome dome or Chrome flat top knobs. Any help will be very appreciated.
 
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#3
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JRA said:
James Walker , welcome to talkbass! :thumbsup:

why don't you remove the knobs from your instruments and take a peek --- all of your questions will be answered! ;)

good luck getting to know your instruments! :thumbsup:
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About this, my knob (not pot) on this bass is loose. How do I tighten it/remove it?
 
#4
some knobs are on the shafts via pressure/friction, some are on the shafts via set-screw.
- pressure/friction = pull the knob straight up, absolutely straight up.
- if there is a set-screw: un-tighten the set screw, pull the knob straight up, absolutely straight up.

if you think you're going to mess things up = see a tech. but like having babies ( :D ): the first one is a special experience...thereafter = easy peasy.*

good luck getting your knobs off! :thumbsup:



* sorry to all moms. :)
 
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#5
James Walker said:
I want to replace the factory plastic knobs on my MIM Jazz basses and possibly my CIJ GL Jazz bass. Are the pot shafts on both 1/4" or do they differ in any way? Also, is the shaft for the smaller tone knob the same size as the two larger volume knobs? I would like to replace the existing black plastic knobs with chrome dome or Chrome flat top knobs. Any help will be very appreciated.
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James Walker said:
Are the pot shafts on both 1/4" or do they differ in any way?
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Not sure on MIM and CIJ. As a general rule, pots on imported basses have smaller diameter shaft (6mm / .236”) with coarse splines (18 total splines) and pots on US made instruments have 1/4” diameter shafts with finer splines (I think a total of 24 splines). There are also exceptions to this rule. I don’t know if either you asked about use USA pots.


James Walker said:
Also, is the shaft for the smaller tone knob the same size as the two larger volume knobs?
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Yes, if none of the pots have been changed, all will be the same.
 
#7
James Walker said:
I want to replace the factory plastic knobs on my MIM Jazz basses and possibly my CIJ GL Jazz bass. Are the pot shafts on both 1/4" or do they differ in any way? Also, is the shaft for the smaller tone knob the same size as the two larger volume knobs? I would like to replace the existing black plastic knobs with chrome dome or Chrome flat top knobs. Any help will be very appreciated.
Click to expand...
Just buy knobs with set screw ones. They work for everything. If the pots were never replaced, they have 1/4" posts. But, you have to remove them to check tooth count. And then purchase knibs made for those posts.. Or, just buy set screw knobs. They work with everything.
 
#8
JeezyMcNuggles said:
Just buy knobs with set screw ones. They work for everything. If the pots were never replaced, they have 1/4" posts. But, you have to remove them to check tooth count. And then purchase knibs made for those posts.. Or, just buy set screw knobs. They work with everything.
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But 1/4" knobs, even with set screw, will wobble on 6mm shafts. You need the adapter sleeves:
upload_2020-9-6_10-5-15.png
 
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#11
I've replaced many a pot for folks that have used a set screw knob on a split shaft pot, and the set screw has crushed one side of the split shaft, eventually breaking off and rendering the pot useless. Definitely need the adapter sleeves, or a shim in the split, or at the very least, line the set screw up directly with the split. :D
 
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