Most "accurate" dome knobs?
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jnepo1
Tele-Meister
Check out Marc Rutters' website. His machining of parts are beautiful works of art.
Thanks. I have checked out his site, and I like that he is somewhat local. But he doesn't have '52 style dome knobs. I sent him an e-mail twice over the past few months, asking if he knows how to make them. But no reply.
How close are the Fender Vintage Tele Knobs?
I'm looking to replace the knobs on my CS Esquire. I'm taking all the steps to make it closer to '52 specs, and the knobs that are on there are kind of odd. They are not flat tops like the late '50's ones, and they aren't domes like the earlier '50's ones. They are somewhat flat on top, but have slightly rounded edges.
How close are the Fender Vintage Tele Knobs?
I'm looking to replace the knobs on my CS Esquire. I'm taking all the steps to make it closer to '52 specs, and the knobs that are on there are kind of odd. They are not flat tops like the late '50's ones, and they aren't domes like the earlier '50's ones. They are somewhat flat on top, but have slightly rounded edges.
Longer
Tele-Meister
+1
KevinB
Doctor of Teleocity
If you read the "classic" books like The Blackguard Book and Duchossoir's you'll see that the knobs changed constantly throughout these early years.
As an example, Nacho shows a photo of 5 different styles of dome knobs, all from just 1952 (and five different styles from each of 1950, 51, 53 and 54).
Heights are different, knurls are different, and just about the only thing they all have in common is the 6-32 slotted setscrew, although its placement is different.
So which particular one of the 5 from 1952 would like an accurate copy of?
But, I agree that Marc makes some beautiful ones, as does Glendale.
As an example, Nacho shows a photo of 5 different styles of dome knobs, all from just 1952 (and five different styles from each of 1950, 51, 53 and 54).
Heights are different, knurls are different, and just about the only thing they all have in common is the 6-32 slotted setscrew, although its placement is different.
So which particular one of the 5 from 1952 would like an accurate copy of?
But, I agree that Marc makes some beautiful ones, as does Glendale.
this is what they look like. They have a bit more smooth dome, and more round on top.
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52RI knobs. less dome and a tad flatter on top.
both glendale and rutters make broadcaster style which are even flatter and less dome than 52RI. So, Id go with 52RI.
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52RI knobs. less dome and a tad flatter on top.
both glendale and rutters make broadcaster style which are even flatter and less dome than 52RI. So, Id go with 52RI.
Marc Rutters
Tele-Afflicted
Hey I must have missed the emails which happens sorry about that man. Funny timing I do have "53s" going up on the site any day now which are very close but with a larger knurl than the 52s. The 52 knurl is easy enough for me if you guys want them I'll add them as well. One thing in 52-53 the shape and knurl was all over the place, some look like a very small knurl which was actually a double over where the knurl cuts two paths thus doubling the knurl count. I like the dome top as well and have had plenty of requests so time to add to the lineup.
Here is the "53s" coming in a couple days I went with the largest knurl size from that year
1952 Telecaster
Banned
nickza
TDPRI Member
I've been looking for knobs to replace my Bajas to also get it closer looking to a '52. The baja comes with flat top ones, I've ordered the Fender replacements, it was the closest I could find in my price range.
Yup; that's what I'm looking for. Domed, but with the flat spot on top, and the fine knurl.
I bought a pair of the Allparts ones, but they aren't what I'm looking for. They ended up being nickel, and the mounting screw and internals are not the same. The shape is right, but they are not chrome over brass.
I'm not saying older is better, but I am trying to make the guitar into a fairly accurate reproduction.
Anyone know if the standard Fender Tele knobs are plated brass?
Thanks.
these look pretty spot on compared to the pics ive seen. Yes they vary a lot but in general I think the 52s have a bit more dome (or less knurling) and are a tad rounder.
These look exactly right.
the 52RI are pretty close though. The knurling isnt as heavy as the Broadcaster type, and the dome shape is almost there.
These look exactly right.
the 52RI are pretty close though. The knurling isnt as heavy as the Broadcaster type, and the dome shape is almost there.
Hey I must have missed the emails which happens sorry about that man. Funny timing I do have "53s" going up on the site any day now which are very close but with a larger knurl than the 52s. The 52 knurl is easy enough for me if you guys want them I'll add them as well. One thing in 52-53 the shape and knurl was all over the place, some look like a very small knurl which was actually a double over where the knurl cuts two paths thus doubling the knurl count. I like the dome top as well and have had plenty of requests so time to add to the lineup.
Here is the "53s" coming in a couple days I went with the largest knurl size from that year
I talked to Fender today, and they say their dome knobs are chrome plated steel, not brass. They do have the shape and knurling that I am looking for, but they would look wrong once they wear down. The ones that are on there are already starting to show some of the steel below.
I'm still curious what knobs are on there. They are the stock knobs, but they aren't '52 RI knobs or flat tops. I guess they must be the CS's version of Braodcaster knobs. Mostly flat, but with a little curve on the edges.
I'm still curious what knobs are on there. They are the stock knobs, but they aren't '52 RI knobs or flat tops. I guess they must be the CS's version of Braodcaster knobs. Mostly flat, but with a little curve on the edges.
Hi,
They were through the Website question form, so maybe they got lost in transit. Don't worry; I don't have hard feelings or anything. I sort of lazily approached the situation till, now, so I didn't think much about it. I just sent the questions as a casual inquiry. But now I want to go ahead and take care of it, since all the other changes to the guitar are finally happening.
I still think I'd like a finer knurl. If I sent you a Fender part that I like, could you match it, but with chrome plated brass instead of chrome plated steel?
Yeah, I know this is just me stupidly splitting hairs, but there is something about the way the knobs look when the chrome wears off and the brass comes peeking through that is so cool.
This pic is a good example:
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Hi,
Thanks for the tip.
I've seen those. They do come in plated brass, but they are the wrong shape for the current project. The knobs I'm looking for have a flat spot on top, and are tightened with a slot screwdriver, not an Allen wrench.
i thought the fender were brass. Thats how they are described by Angelas
These knobs gold plated brass knobs are appropriate in style for early to mid '50s Teles, Esquire, Broadcaster, NoCaster and even some old Fender steel guitars but they'll look boss on later Fenders too. Gold plated machined brass, rounded dome top, medium knurling on side, set screw type for fixing to standard USA 1/4" solid shaft pots. Exactly the same knobs used on '52 Vintage Series Telecaster, Custom Shop NoCaster and other early '50s style Custom Shop Teles with gold plated parts.
so they are saying exact same knobs just gold plated.
These knobs gold plated brass knobs are appropriate in style for early to mid '50s Teles, Esquire, Broadcaster, NoCaster and even some old Fender steel guitars but they'll look boss on later Fenders too. Gold plated machined brass, rounded dome top, medium knurling on side, set screw type for fixing to standard USA 1/4" solid shaft pots. Exactly the same knobs used on '52 Vintage Series Telecaster, Custom Shop NoCaster and other early '50s style Custom Shop Teles with gold plated parts.
so they are saying exact same knobs just gold plated.
Maybe Fender does use brass on the gold versions, but I just talked to them directly, and I was told that their chrome Tele knobs are steel.
I wouldnt take thier word for it though to be honest.
brass is heavier than steel right? Fender knobs are pretty heavy, I dunno.
