How to Fix a Broken Knob on a Bass Guitar

The knobs on a bass guitar are decorative components on the volume and tone controls.

Replacing a broken knob on a bass guitar is a significantly easier job than it might first appear. The knob itself is a purely aesthetic part of the volume or tone controls that has no bearing on their function. These controls function perfectly fine without the knob being present. You do not need to replace the entire control to fix the broken knob. Bass guitar knobs tend to be made of plastic or metal, which makes attempting to repair a knob impractical. It is faster and easier to remove the broken knob and replace it.

Things You'll Need

• Allen key
• Screwdriver
• Replacement bass guitar knob

Instructions

1. Look along the side of the broken knob for a small screw. If the screw is present, the knob is locked to the shaft of the potentiometer that forms the main part of the volume or tone control. You can skip to Step Three if the side of the knob is completely smooth.

2. Loosen the screw from the knob using a small screwdriver or Allen key, depending on which fits the screw head. You do not need to completely remove the screw. The knob is loose from the potentiometer shaft after the screw starts turning easily.

3. Pull the knob straight up, away from the body of the bass guitar. The knob should be tightly fit to the shaft of the control and require a little bit of force before it starts to move.

4. Press the replacement knob straight down on the shaft of the potentiometer.

5. Tighten the screw on the side of the replacement knob until it no longer turns easily. This step only needs to be performed if the replacement knob has a screw hole on the side.

Tips & Warnings

• Electric guitars and bass guitars commonly use the same size potentiometers for volume and tone controls. Usually, you can use a regular guitar knob to replace a bass guitar knob.

References

• “Ed’s Shed: The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Maintenance”; Ed Mitchell; 2007