Sourcing Knobs

[fender3x]

I have been looking for knobs to use on a LP style guitar. I tend to use solid shaft, US spec pots that require set screws. In my quick searches, at least so far, I am not finding LP style switches that have set screws. They all seem to be press on.

So here is my question: Is there a good place for me to source LP style knobs that have set screws? Or would I be better off just using pots with splined shafts? I have some Asian knobs... It occurs to me that I might be better off replacing the pots rather than replacing the knobs. I haven't built the wiring harness yet, and the difference between the cost of pots and the cost of knobs is marginal...

[dave.king1]

I'd be replacing the pots unless you are replacing the pedal volume pot in an Emmons pedal steel

[fender3x]

I'd be replacing the pots unless you are replacing the pedal volume pot in an Emmons pedal steel

For what those Emmons cost, I am not sure I'd trust myself with the repair ;-)

This is for the contraband single cutaway. Some time ago I did some taking-apart-and-testing, and my scientific mind is not convinced that there is any real difference between the CF pots that come with the kit and Bourns other than the splines and the size of the shaft. The rest of the parts are literally interchangeable. From testing a bunch of both with a ohms meter I found more variation in the CF's, and more consistency in the Bourns, but they were all well within the +/- 20% spec that Bourns advertises. I would not be surprised if they all come out of the same factory, and Bourns just does a bit more quality control on the back end... But...

...I always change them out for CTS or Bourns anyway. Considering the amount of work to put them in, and the low cost to get name brand pots, why take a chance? Also I found an Alpha push pull with the right ohms rating in by bag-o-pots, and they will fit the kit knobs...

[dave.king1]

For what those Emmons cost, I am not sure I'd trust myself with the repair ;-)

Wes was about to order, I told him to give me the specs and I'd get a pot and install it, an easy job that had to be done.

We recorded a couple of tracks that night and some years later it is still going strong.

[fender3x]

I'd be replacing the pots...

In my head I know that electrons can't tell where a component was manufactured, or what company manufactured it. Nevertheless I have tended to use Bourns or CTS--both US companies that make their pots in China. The Bourns pots are so identical to some of my no-name chinese pots that when I take them apart the parts are interchangeable. Meanwhile Alpha, a Taiwanese company, makes their pots in Taiwan and Korea. They seem to have quality control that is at least as good as the "US" companies. Not sure why I have avoided them until now.

[Trevor Davies]

Apologies, but it sounds like you and the electrons have been very negative!

[fender3x]

Ha! I'll try to lighten up ;-)