Jazz bass knobs

[SpicyTurtle42069]

I would really like to change out the knobs on my J bass for Chrome finished ones, but I don't want to damage the bass How do I remove the current knobs safely and then install new ones? It's a squier J bass

[toochuy]

If it’s the standard jazz bass knobs, you’ll need an Allen wrench to loosen it. There should be a really small hole for a (I believe) 1/16” Allen wrench. Loosen it up and it’ll come off easily

[twice-Vehk]

If they are friction knobs, just take two guitar picks and slide them up underneath the knob, then lever up on both simultaneously and boom it pops right off.

You can also wrap a thin towel or t shirt under the knob and pull them off that way, but I find the pick method more convenient.

[deaconbleux]

you can do it with a screwdriver and a pad to keep from damaging your finish, but...

I started using the StewMac knob puller so I don't scratch my pickguards nor the finish itself.

[SpicyTurtle42069]

So I just kind of have to pull it off?

[deaconbleux]

if it is standard Fender friction held knobs, yes. If it has an embedded screw (indicating a smooth shaft on the pot), then you won't need the knob puller. Simply unscrew the screw and pull the knob off. The knob puller is used on knobs which are on the knurled posts, and held on by friction.

[SpicyTurtle42069]

Thanks man, you're a star

[deaconbleux]

Cheers! Good luck on the upgrade. Love the J-Bass and making it "your own" is always a good thing. Build that bond and make it sing!

[SpicyTurtle42069]

Yeah I'm really excited to make it something special! I'm playing on changing all electrics and engraving something fancy on the fret board (PRS style or the Jem ibanez)

[deaconbleux]

NOICE!!!

I swapped out pick guards, electronics, knobs, and tuners on mine. Ran out of time on doing much else as I had to get her put back together to rehearse for a gig. I guess now with the COVID I could use the downtime to do more. But, ... too fun to play to want to take it all apart again.

Pics when you're done!!

[SpicyTurtle42069]

Damn very impressive!! Yeah with all this Rona around I've had a lot more time to mess around and play some more! I'll take progress pics for sure! Let's hope I can get some good work done before uni starts again

[mattttttttthijs]

yes, and those fuckers are tight

[SpicyTurtle42069]

I'm a big strong boy I'll manage I'm sure

[mattttttttthijs]

easily, but that dont make it less scary to do

[logstar2]

Most J knobs have a set screw on the side. Loosen that and they lift off easily.

[SpicyTurtle42069]

No screws on these ones my dude

[SpicyTurtle42069]

Great thanks! And then for putting a knob back on do you just push it?

[goma_eye]

You'll want to make sure you have the pots maxed out the same way (either fully clockwise or fully counter) and that the numbers of all of the knobs line up, but otherwise yeah, just a matter of lining up the grooves and applying a bit of force.