Installation
(Please view installation page to make sure you're comfortable installing. All reequired tools included) - aactually add this part to 'store' page
(Also list requirements here: basically normal potentiometer, no bent split shaft, spins true w/o wobble, can have .125" of exposed threads) - install page
(MAYBE SAVE ALL THIS AS AN IMAGE?)
Knob Installation Steps (for website)
*NOTES - can exacto knife function be done with allen key for grub screw (minus smoothing ID)
- Include split shaft spacer?
(Image ADDITIONAL HARDWARE / INSTALLATION TOOLS INCLUDED) [fanned out items labeled with numbers]
This installation walkthrough is a little wordy but it boils down to this
-Have 4mm of exposed threads-Put on spacers to center device on potentiometer (if necessary)
-Put on spacer to center knob to shaft (if necessary)
-Orienting the device & shaft before pressing the knob onto the shaft
1.) Check if potentiometer rotates without wobble & split shafts are straight and not bent inwards. If so, gently bend them back so they are straight again.
2.) Goal of this step is to leave about 4mm / 0.16" of exposed threads (about the height of 2 US nickels) (fig 1). If you're potentiometer is already set up like this, you can try to skip ahead to step 3, but be warned that the knob may not spin smoothly if you skip the following steps (not a big deal - just redo it and follow these steps).
Remove pickguard / electronics cover, unscrew potentiometer (set aside nut for later) and pop out. Remove any washers / lock washers / all misc hardware on the potentiometer that are under the surface (some pots also have a nut underneath which controls the height of exposed threading - if so, replace this nut after other hardware has been removed as we will reuse this to set height).
Now, put spacers (item 1) on the potentiometer until there's about 4mm / 0.16" of exposed threading. Or if your pot has a nut on the underside, thread it to a position that achieves this (remember to put spacer on top of nut, so it sits between the nut & underside of pickguard/control cavity). IMPORTANT - its critical to use the spacers because they ensure the shaft will be perpendicular to surface the knob sits on - it may not turn smoothly if not. Of all the spacers included, there is (1) with a smaller inner diameter for potentiometers smaller than 3/8" (item 3) --> Put the tightest fitting spacer at the BOTTOM of your spacer stack (FIG 2). So if your shaft is smaller than 3/8", you must put this one spacer on first, and then stack the other spacers (with larger inner diameter) on top until there's .125" of threading exposed. Or if your potentiometer is 3/8" then only use the larger ID spacers.
You can now put the potentiometer back in & replace the pickguard / control cover (secure potentiometer so it doesn't fall through)
2. If your potentiometer has 3/8" diameter threads, skip ahead to the next step; if it's less than 3/8" you will have to add oring spacers (item 4) so that the device will sit centered. Pre stretch the orings with the pliers (FIG 3 (plier item # can be called out in image)). Use your fingers and the exacto knife to roll the orings into place (FIG 5). 5/16" & 8mm shafts require around 2-4 orings for the device to fit snugly & centered. Test the fit after each oring is installed.
3. Take the switch assembly (item 3) and carefully remove the tape while holding it together (it will fall apart if you let go). Put the assembly on the shaft FIG 6. If your potentiometer is 3/8" then use the included 3/8" nut (item 3). If not then use the original nut. To get the nut started gently hold one side down with a finger and in the other hand, using the exacto knife, start rotating the nut by pushing in a clockwise direction, until the threads catch. FIG 6 Rotate device so the switch is positioned where you want. Finger tighten as much as possible.
Make sure the switch is pulled out so that the gear can spin freely. Now, using the pliers, tighten the nut FIG 6 . Go slow while making sure the pliers don't slip off of the nut. Don't over tighten.
4. If your potentiometer shaft is 1/4", skip to the next step; if not you will have to put one of the spacer bushings on (items 3) so the knob fits tightly on the shaft. 2 sizes are included - test both to see which one fits snugly. Do not force them on. Once you've determined the correct one remove it from the pot and insert it into the knob, oriented with the slit facing the grub screw (FIG 10)
5. We are ready to put on the knob. With switch pulled out - Rotate Gear counterclockwise all the way until it cant turn anymore. Do the same with the potentiometer - rotate it all the way counterclockwise (to its minimum setting). FIG 10)
On the underside of the knob there will be a notch - carefully align that notch with the center of the Gears catch and push the knob onto the shaft. FIG 10) Do not push it down too hard or the knob will not turn smoothly. If so you'll have to gently pull up on the knob until it spins smooth. Once completed, tighten screw on side of knob to secure it to shaft. The device is now installed, enjoy.
TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING
To remove the knob, pull out switch, loosen grub screw, and using a pick gently pry up the edge of the knob while turning the knob. Pry from the opposite side of where the switch is. FIG 10
There are a few reasons the knob may not turn smoothly
a. You didn't install the spacer correctly underneath
b. You used the wrong sized knob spacer bushing. To remove/replace, grab bushing in cutout area FIG 10 with pliers and pull out.
c. The knob is pushed down to hard.
d. Sometimes slightly rotating the knob spacer bushing can help FIG 10
4.) Goal is to leave ~.125" of threads exposed from guitars suface - so either add the neccessary amount of the spacer washers (provided) or if there is a nut underneath turn until height achieved.
**smallest included washer that fits your potentiometer must be placed adjacent to pot (so on the bottom of the spacer stack) Knob may wobble if not**
5.) secure pot from underneath so it doesnt fall through
6.) If potentiometer threads are less than 3/8" dia, you must add oring spacers to threaded shaft so the base sits centered on pot.
-Pre stretch rings with snap ring pliers (image/video)
-Slide orings on using exacto knife/tool (image/video)
- M8 (5/16) require 2-3 orings; smaller pots require 3-5 orings
7.) Place base/gear/fork assembly on shaft, with switch roated to desired position (image)
-Show how to replace fork / reassemble assembly (image)
8.) Thread nut onto pot, using finger/exacto technique to get started (image)
9.) Pull switch out into open state so gear can spin
10.) Snap ring pliers to tighten nut; being careful not to slip or overtighten (image/video)
11.) Determine which Knob insert is need if shaft < 1/4". (image)
-Its ok if choose wrong --->Show how to remove via notch
12.) *rotate gear counterclockwise until it hits stop; rotate pot counterclockwise until it stops/at minimum (image)*
13.) *Install knob oriented so that the number '4' is in line with the center of the gear catch (image)*
14.) Do not press knob down too hard. Tighten grub screw to secure to pot. Again dont overtighten
15.) To revmove knob gradually wedge upwards with pic, being careful to only contact knob and not fork/base (image)
tools you may need (pliers to remove wrong size spacer bushing?),