knobs knobs knobs

[dynamohum]

I recently bought a couple of the 'outrageously priced' Callaham knobs, and also a pair of similarly 'outrageously priced' Glendale knobs. One pair will sit on my current guitar and one will end up on a new one that I'm currently putting together. As I've seen the odd question from those asking about the differences between these works of art, here are some nice piccies of how they look on my current tele:

First, the Glendale:



Closeup:


The Glendale knob is supposed to be the most authentic - based on the original Broadcaster knobs way back when. They are a pretty hefty weight, and beautifully machined by hand.

Next, the Callaham:



Closeup:


The Callaham knobs are unique in that they are designed and made (again by hand) to work 'better' than the traditional knobs. This mainly means that they are very jagged in design. Think of stroking the raspiest rasp file and double it to get an idea of how the knob feels in your hands. Probably an acquired taste, but again a nice heft and there's no way your fingers will slip even in the sweatiest of situations.



Now, the question you're all asking: which one works best?

My initial findings are that the Glendale really accentuates the highs though this is offset by a slight loss of bottom. The Callahams to me are a bit smoother, unless you grab the knob too hard - then expect severe lacerations. Comparing either to my original knobs, there really is no comparison. These are heavier, better engineered, reassuringly expensive, and will be sure to impress your other-half/workmates/yourself. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade if your current knobs feel a bit flacid - for want of a better word.


Anyway, enough of the knob jokes - I hope this mini review will be of use for some people.

[BritishBluesBoy]

Did you have to special order left handed ones?

[dynamohum]

Originally Posted by BritishBluesBoy

Did you have to special order left handed ones?

That's a good question BluesBoy. I was a bit concerned about using right handed knobs on the left handed pots I use - but thankfully they seem to be interchangeable. I suspect the left handed strings I'm using compensate for this. Hopefully other lefties can corroborate.

[BritishBluesBoy]

Originally Posted by dynamohum

That's a good question BluesBoy. I was a bit concerned about using right handed knobs on the left handed pots I use - but thankfully they seem to be interchangeable. I suspect the left handed strings I'm using compensate for this. Hopefully other lefties can corroborate.

Ahhhh... You got me back good and proper!!

(I have some of them boooteek-super-pricey knobs too. I guess we both have the same affliction!)

[dynamohum]

Originally Posted by BritishBluesBoy

Ahhhh... You got me back good and proper!!

(I have some of them boooteek-super-pricey knobs too. I guess we both have the same affliction!)

You can't put a price on a good quality knob. Well you can, but talking money gets you into vulgar territory and before we know it we'll be delving into 'boooteek' paper & oil capacitors (which I also think are well worth the investment ).

[KevinB]

Paul,

Nice piccies! I've got drool all over my keyboard now.

I've got Callaham/Glendale everything else, but I don't have their knobs. I guess I'd better get that fixed, pronto.

And, I'm taking the fifth on booteek capacitors

[newtwanger]

Careful boys, the nice things police will come and tell you how they got a box of nicer knobs for $1 or made them themselves out of wood and aluminum foil...Shame on you for being willing to pay for something of quality and then show it to others.

Anyone have a set of Glendale's aluminum knobs? Are they that much lighter? I got a "hankerin'" for them.

[Brock Lee]

The Callahams look like copies of Jay Monterose's knobs.

[Steve McGinnis]

Originally Posted by newtwanger

Careful boys, the nice things police will come and tell you how they got a box of nicer knobs for $1 or made them themselves out of wood and aluminum foil...Shame on you for being willing to pay for something of quality and then show it to others.

Anyone have a set of Glendale's aluminum knobs? Are they that much lighter? I got a "hankerin'" for them.

I have 2 sets of the "heavy Knurl" Glendales made out of aluminum. One in nickel (I am keeping) and on in chrome (I am getting rid of). I really like them, they have no heft whatsoever, but you really can't tell the difference once mounted (heavy versus light). I just like light guitars, and every little bit helps, even if the amount is so small that you can't tell...

[mellecaster]

Originally Posted by Brock Lee

The Callahams look like copies of Jay Monterose's knobs.

Could be...but I think Bill actually ships the Knobs to you when you send him the $$$....Big Difference......

[mellecaster]

Do they include this also ???

[Danocaster]

the glendales are made by Brian Poe. right ??

they looks like early broadcaster knobs

the calahams dont look vintage at all to my eyes ( but my eyes are getting worse every year so what do I know )

[dynamohum]

Originally Posted by KevinB

Paul,

Nice piccies! I've got drool all over my keyboard now.

I've got Callaham/Glendale everything else, but I don't have their knobs. I guess I'd better get that fixed, pronto.

And, I'm taking the fifth on booteek capacitors

It's the little HW bits of a tele that I appreciate. Nicely made knobs, saddles, bridges etc. Sometimes the aesthetic outweighs the (nominal) cost increase compared to the commodity item.

Same goes for paper/oil caps. I can fully understand as a rational person that they can't really have any effect on the tone, but if they cost just a bit more and look that bit nicer (even if you can't see them...) and are just a bit more 'authentic' then I'll take the hit of one less large cappuccino that week and I'll enjoy the guitar owning/playing experience that little bit more .

Now, if we want to get down to what is a shocking waste of money - look at how much some of us spend on things like guitar magazines. There are a few here in the UK where it's impossible to separate the editorial from the advertising content . Just read the mag while at the newsagents and spend your savings with these smaller 'boutique' resellers. Much more satisfying for everyone .

[robinje]

Those knobs are nice, but does anyone sell a 'boutique' version of the less heavy knurled flat-topped 60's-type knobs?

[mellecaster]

Originally Posted by robinje

Those knobs are nice, but does anyone sell a 'boutique' version of the less heavy knurled flat-topped 60's-type knobs?

Pretty sure this fella can help you out...I've had Great Service w/ Him

http://www.armadilloguitar.com/main/

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by robinje

Those knobs are nice, but does anyone sell a 'boutique' version of the less heavy knurled flat-topped 60's-type knobs?

Callaham sells both "early 50's" and "late 50's" styles, although the latter seem to be heavily knurled too.

[Danocaster]

Originally Posted by robinje

Those knobs are nice, but does anyone sell a 'boutique' version of the less heavy knurled flat-topped 60's-type knobs?

Nobody - and I seem to have looked EVERYWHERE - is making knobs that look correct for late 50s - early 70s. They are several variations during that time - but reagrdless - nobody is making repros of them

I think is why they still routinely sell on Ebay for $80-200 a pair

I got excited about the link to Armadillo posted above - but they are his own thing and dont look vintage either

It must be very expensive to tool up and make those or something. You would think there would be a market for them w/ everybody buying Brian Poe's , Calahams , etc

[bosstone]

Originally Posted by danocaster

Nobody - and I seem to have looked EVERYWHERE - is making knobs that look correct for late 50s - early 70s. They are several variations during that time - but reagrdless - nobody is making repros of them

I think is why they still routinely sell on Ebay for $80-200 a pair

I got excited about the link to Armadillo posted above - but they are his own thing and dont look vintage either

It must be very expensive to tool up and make those or something. You would think there would be a market for them w/ everybody buying Brian Poe's , Calahams , etc

They taught us how to knurl a piece of steel and drill holes in 7th. grade machine shop.

[Danocaster]

yeah yeah.. so easy a 7th grader can do it

- but nobody can do it RIGHT

[Chris Leger]

Anyone with a knurler, lathe and an hour's worth of experience can do it "right."

Of course, the knurler and lathe are going to cost you.