New-to-me 1979 Series 1 PU selector knob “stuck"

[el8ed]

Alright, another hopefully simple question for the “Honey” restore.


The PU selector switch sticks out very tall above the brass mounting plate which leads to unpleasant contact/impact when I get a bit too excited with the slapping hand. See photo below.


I thought there should be a way to set the whole switch a bit deeper into its cavity, but the knob itself does not want to come off. I removed the set screw but the plastic know does not budge. I don’t want to pull too hard and damage the switch itself.


Does anyone have sage advice as to how to loosen the plastic knob to take it off?


Thanks in advance!
Oliver

[StephenR]

The PU selector knob on my 78 Series bass has two set screws. Maybe you missed the second one?  You could swap out the pointed selector for a rounded one. Less painful than the pointed end if you slam your hand into it.

[rv_bass]

There should be two screws, make sure you loosen both.  You might then be able to push it down further on the shaft.  If not and you are able to remove it, you can try sanding the shaft with light sandpaper to smooth out any small bumps, etc. that it might be getting hung up on. Then see if the knob will sit lower down.  I have done this before and it has worked well.   You can also order a new pointer from the Alembic store online.

[JimmyJ]

As stated, 2 set screws on that knob.  If the knob is already as far as it will go onto the shaft, you may be able to sink the switch itself behind the panel.  You'd need a second nut on the back side of the brass plate (there may already be one) and a couple thin wrenches.

Also, I can't tell which way the knob points but if it's towards the pickups when "on" you have the option of reversing it so you don't skewer yourself on that sharp point.

Jimmy J

[rv_bass]

And looking at it again, the threads do stick up quite a bit, so the knob probably won’t go down much further. So as Jimmy suggested, backing it out a bit from the inside with a nut to lower it might be the way to go.

[el8ed]

You guys are the cat’s meow!


2 set screws indeed—who would have thought. The knob was not “stuck” after all. Came off smooth like butter.


I did not have a sufficiently slim nut lying around, but a thick washer did the trick as well to mount the switch lover in the cavity. The button sits now reasonably low on the mounting plate. The pointy end of the knob does face down. See photo.
I also “flitzed” everything inside and out while I had the brass plate separated.


If this does not keep me from hitting my fingers it would be time to think about moving the selector switch to the mail electronics cavity. I’d rather not, but…


Thanks again friends!
Oliver

[rv_bass]

Nice job!

[edwardofhuncote]

The main thing is; don't get too excited. 


There is an optional round replacement knob for the selector switch in the store. They even got on with an indicator dot. 


https://alembic.stores.yahoo.net/pointerknob.html

[el8ed]

The main thing is; don't get too excited. 

Ha! Easier said than done. “Honey” looks all innocent and sweet, but she is a slap-monster. That tone!!! 

[gtrguy]

Your brass plate looks to not be sitting down as flat on the body of your bass as possible.

[el8ed]

Thank you, David!
You are right, I cleaned out a bit of crud in the edges of the cavity and it sits much flatter now. There is too much clear coat in there for the plate to sit completely flat.