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Gibson Reflector Knobs

Mikester

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
868
Does anyone have a photo of the bottom side of a newer set of Gibson reflector knobs?

In particular, does the pot shaft sleeve go down as far as the outer skirt?
i.e. If you set the knob on the table, the shaft sleeve would touch the top of the table, as well as the skirt. Mine do not by about an eighth of an inch. They sit much closer to the top of the guitar, compared to the top hats that they are to replace.

I bought a 'new' set from Acme Guitar Works and when I put them on, the skirt goes all the way down to the top of the guitar. If I were to use them, they would scratch the paint.

Is this normal for reflectors? Thanks!
 
Last edited:

Lindgren

New member
Joined
Aug 12, 2005
Messages
717
If you have long shaft pot's you can height adjust them and get rid of that problem.
Maybe the new knobs are deeper than original's ?
I have never had that problem with Gibson org reflector's myself.
 

guitarvoodoo

Formerly fishnose, Les Paul Forum Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2006
Messages
2,000
Gibson's modern reflector knobs don't go right down.

The originals did, from '59-'60, then in '61 they made the shaft sleeve shorter.
Around '70 they did it again briefly (long sleeve) before returning to the shorter variety.

On top hats they do seem to go right down on modern knobs - but not on reflectors.

:] Fish
 

les strat

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Joined
Aug 22, 2004
Messages
5,194
My reflector skirts go all the way down to the guitar, but doesn't actually touch (gets close on the neck volume pot). You may have to remove the washer under the maple cap to allow more shaft to come out :)wah )
IMG_1713.jpg
 

Mikester

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
868
Excellent info!

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

I'll snap a pic or two when I get some time.
 

guitarvoodoo

Formerly fishnose, Les Paul Forum Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2006
Messages
2,000
Yep, typical reflectors.
I have about 50 of them in my drawers ands on various guitars - and almost all of them are that basic style. But much older ('59-'74 or so).
I think I have about 10 that are the 'old style' with the long sleeve.

Solution: Push a biggish screwdriver down into the 'gap' in the pot shaft from on top, so you spread it's legs :biggrin:
But just a little. And be careful not to slip and gouge the guitar top with that screwdriver! :bug

This will make the shaft slightly 'bigger' and the knobs will fit more tightly, thereby allowing you to decide just how far down to push them. How much penetration....

:] Fish
 

toxpert

Active member
Joined
Jul 2, 2005
Messages
3,068
Solution: Push a biggish screwdriver down into the 'gap' in the pot shaft from on top, so you spread it's legs :biggrin:
But just a little. And be careful not to slip and gouge the guitar top with that screwdriver! :bug

This will make the shaft slightly 'bigger' and the knobs will fit more tightly, thereby allowing you to decide just how far down to push them. How much penetration....

:] Fish

Be really, really careful. You can snap off one of the "legs" before you can even feel it starting to bend !!!!
 

Mikester

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
868
Yeah, I know what you mean. I've got my shafts out wide enough, yet the knobs can still slide down the shaft a bit too far.

I'm thinking of stuffing some paper down the knobs to keep them from going down on the shaft so far (shimmed). Then I won't have to worry about the guitar in the case, either. ;-) I can cut some small circles that will wedge in the bottom of the hole.

Thanks for the help! :headbange
 

Uncle Gary

Active member
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Oct 15, 2006
Messages
2,431
You could use a 1/4" paper punch and cut a few discs of cardboard and stuff them into to holes in the knob.
 

Mikester

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
868
Thanks Uncle Gary, black (thick) cardboard it is! We'll see how many it takes.

Hey 'Uncle Gary', don't you owe me money for all of those birthdays of mine that you missed? :hmm A nice guitar or amp will more than make up for it! ;-) :hee
 

Mikester

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
868
Success! The knobs raised up about 1/32" with 4 dots of black constuction paper per knob. They don't rub the thumb slicers anymore.

This is for you guys: :dude:
 
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