knobs don't fit

[Spellcaster]

I feel a bit silly asking about this, but I can't seem to solve a knob problem. The loaded pickguard is from a 2007 American Standard Strat and I want to install Q-Parts Ringo knobs. The knobs slide on over the knurled split shaft pots fine and tighten up with the allan-key set screws, but sit way too high off the pickguard. Q-Parts says on the packaging that there's a removeable sleeve and I suspect that's what I need to do - I'm thinking that sleeve may be capped, preventing the knob from fully seating. Problem is, I've removed the set screw completely and if there's an insert I'm baffled on how to remove it. I've tried rapping the knob against the top of the work surface trying to loose it, and I've tried using a miniature Snap On pick with a corkscrewed end, trying to hook the small hole in the capped end in the sleeve. Nothing's worked. I'm sight impaired, but working under a powerful magnifier I think I can see a ring that might mean there's a sleeve in there - I'm just a loss how to remove it.

[greco]

I know it isn't the answer you are looking for, but could you consider (gently) filing down the tops of the knurled split shafts on the pots instead of trying to "adjust" the knobs?

Cheers

Dave

[Spellcaster]

I guess that would be an option. I'm reluctant to try it because I just spent 125.00US to have a high test harness built for this and I'm not sure I'm qualified to start unsoldering things to replace a pot if I screw it up. Many years ago (when I could still see fairly well) I was a car stereo installer by trade and I still remember how fragile those split shaft pots were. I also wonder if I'd be commiting forever to these knobs if I cut the sharfts down. I still don't know until I play it how easy this knob format will be to use on the fly. My first choice would still be to remove that inner sleeve.

[shoretyus]

How much is too much?

What's depth of the of the inside of the old knob ? Compare the two.

There has been no fillers on any knobs I have seen.

Can you put spacers underneath the pickguard so the pot doesn;t stick out so much?

[Spellcaster]

The original Fender knob is about 3/32nds from the pickguard. The Q-Parts knob is just under 1/4. The pots are spaced correctly - when the ring nut is tight, there's no thread exposed.

[gtrguy]

Is there much thread exposed above the pickguard on the pots? If there is, use a washer or nut behind the pickguard to lower the top of the shaft closer to the pickguard.

Or drill out the knobs...


gtrguy