How to Replace a Guitar Volume Knob

Fender-style volume knobs simply pop off.

Over time, the volume knob can become dirty or broken or you may prefer a different style or color. When it is time to replace it, there are several ways that it can be done. For Fender-style knobs, you simply pop it off carefully and replace it with a new one. Some knobs, volume or otherwise, have very small set screws that must be loosened to remove the knob from the shaft. As long as you have the correct Allen wrench, replacing these types of volume knobs is almost as easy as the Fender-style knobs.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Allen wrench set

Instructions

Fender Style

1. Locate the volume knob. On most Fender-style guitars, the volume knob is usually closest to the strings. This way, a guitar player can quickly lower or raise his volume while playing for swells or for quiet parts or breaks. Plug the guitar in and start with the knob closest to the strings. Raise or lower that knob to see if the volume is raised or lowered and if it is, that is the volume knob.

2. Place two guitar picks under the knob and carefully pull up on the picks until the knob starts to move upward. The knob is held in place with pressure, so use as much leverage as necessary to pull up on the knob and pop it off of its shaft. Use picks to prevent damage to the pick guard that is under the knobs of a Fender-style instrument.

3. Clean the shaft of any debris that may cause an issue when placing the new knob on. Use rubbing alcohol or light sandpaper to remove grime or rust that has accumulated. Place the new knob on the shaft and push down hard so that the knob goes all the way down almost to the pick guard. Tap it lightly if it is stuck or the hole is a bit too tight, the plastic will expand if enough pressure is used. Turn the knob to make sure it moves smoothly.

Set Screw Knobs

1. Locate the small screw on the side of the knob. A metal-domed knob has a small set screw that you need to loosen for removal. Blow out the small hole if you notice any debris or build-up in the screw hole.

2. Locate the correct Allen wrench and slide it in the set screw hole. Loosen the screw just enough to slide the knob off of its shaft. Set the knob aside and inspect the shaft for damage or the location of a flat area that the screw will be tightened against for alignment.

3. Loosen the set screw on the new knob using a matching Allen wrench to ensure the screw is not in the way during installation. Line up the knob so that the set screw will be tightened against the flat area of the shaft, and drop it into place. Tighten the set screw until the knob is firmly on the shaft. Turn the knob a few times and feel for shaft movement that is in sync with the knob movement.

References

• Fret Not Guitar Repair: Volume & Tone Pots (Potentiometers)