Switchmaster knob
+9
The Chad
NeilH
Sgt. Vimes
Westbone
godjira
corsair
Slicepack
Barry
knicelyr
13 posters
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Switchmaster knob
So I’m going to give it a go with the switchmaster knob.
Mine is from a pantera and does not have the alan screw.
Also smaller than I remember...
Questions;
Does someone have one with the screw they would be willing to loan.
Is making it from aluminum okay?
I can anodize and dye them black, or any color for that matter...
I will look at what it will take to make them out of resin or plastic injection...
Opinions??
![knob - Switchmaster knob 1578be10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/1578be10.jpg)
![knob - Switchmaster knob 22377510](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/22377510.jpg)
![knob - Switchmaster knob 99663710](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/99663710.jpg)
Mine is from a pantera and does not have the alan screw.
Also smaller than I remember...
Questions;
Does someone have one with the screw they would be willing to loan.
Is making it from aluminum okay?
I can anodize and dye them black, or any color for that matter...
I will look at what it will take to make them out of resin or plastic injection...
Opinions??
![knob - Switchmaster knob 1578be10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/1578be10.jpg)
![knob - Switchmaster knob 22377510](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/22377510.jpg)
![knob - Switchmaster knob 99663710](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/99663710.jpg)
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Location : Michigan
Registration date : 2019-04-01
knicelyr- Senior Member
- Number of posts : 274
Age : 58
Location : Michigan
Registration date : 2019-04-01
Re: Switchmaster knob
What an ambitious fellow you are. Good on ya!
IIRC there were a few iterations of the Switchmaster, but the originals were aluminum (or at least light metal of some sort) so making them out of aluminum would not be out of line historically.
Plastic push-fit knobs were cheaper to make so they became the norm, however there is the possibility of slipping on a push-pull pot if not installed very snug on the shaft. From that perspective the set screw would perhaps offer a more secure lock.
That said, a set screw ideally needs a solid shaft for optimum hold and to prevent a lopsided fit. Otherwise the more common split shaft would need a filler in the space.
A plastic (resin) version would also likely need some sort of knurling or ribbed pattern on the the internal diameter to assist in gripping the shaft.
I guess you go with whatever manufacturing process best suits you![Don\'t Know](/users/2514/25/10/13/smiles/264707237.gif)
![Coffee Drinker](/users/2514/25/10/13/smiles/2766251783.gif)
IIRC there were a few iterations of the Switchmaster, but the originals were aluminum (or at least light metal of some sort) so making them out of aluminum would not be out of line historically.
Plastic push-fit knobs were cheaper to make so they became the norm, however there is the possibility of slipping on a push-pull pot if not installed very snug on the shaft. From that perspective the set screw would perhaps offer a more secure lock.
That said, a set screw ideally needs a solid shaft for optimum hold and to prevent a lopsided fit. Otherwise the more common split shaft would need a filler in the space.
A plastic (resin) version would also likely need some sort of knurling or ribbed pattern on the the internal diameter to assist in gripping the shaft.
I guess you go with whatever manufacturing process best suits you
![Don\'t Know](/users/2514/25/10/13/smiles/264707237.gif)
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
![knob - Switchmaster knob Guitar10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f62/19/59/66/02/guitar10.gif)
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Switchmaster knob
Are the dimensions the same for both knobs?
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Mine don't have the allen screw.
Slicepack- Registered Member
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Registration date : 2019-10-01
Re: Switchmaster knob
The membership will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong, but I would expect them to be very close if not identical. The important measurement would be the internal diameter (over the pot shaft) which should be standard and constant. Anything on the outside (of any knob) is really cosmetic.knicelyr wrote:Are the dimensions the same for both knobs?
A set screw version allows for more tolerance, which might be helpful in the case of a hardware change from the original pots. The push fit of course, less so.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
![knob - Switchmaster knob Guitar10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f62/19/59/66/02/guitar10.gif)
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Switchmaster knob
Yeah, mate - my metal ones are the same as the plastic ones, near as dammit.
I've got a spare knob with a set screw you can use, Rick.... I'll fire it your way when I get into town.
*edit* my metal ones are non-ferrous, so either pot metal or aluminium....
I've got a spare knob with a set screw you can use, Rick.... I'll fire it your way when I get into town.
*edit* my metal ones are non-ferrous, so either pot metal or aluminium....
corsair- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
That’s awesome ![Smile](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_smile.gif)
Thank you
I see a circular pattern on some that are not on the one from my pantera.
Fun stuff!
![Smile](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_smile.gif)
Thank you
I see a circular pattern on some that are not on the one from my pantera.
Fun stuff!
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Cast in resin you say? On my list of things to do.
godjira- Registered Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
That is super cool!
Very similar to how I made my molds, I am going to see what kind of resin he is using for the plastic ones...
Very similar to how I made my molds, I am going to see what kind of resin he is using for the plastic ones...
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Wesley!! I've been watching his stuff for years!! Clever man...
corsair- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Excellent! Very nicely done.godjira wrote:...Cast in resin you say? On my list of things to do.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
![knob - Switchmaster knob Guitar10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f62/19/59/66/02/guitar10.gif)
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Switchmaster knob
I ordered some of that resin...
Is the white dot recessed and then painted?
Or is is somehow molded in?
Is the white dot recessed and then painted?
Or is is somehow molded in?
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
That resin doesn't seem to be available in the UK. I will do some more research to see what a local equivalent would be. afaik the dot is paint
godjira- Registered Member
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Registration date : 2015-11-17
Re: Switchmaster knob
There's loads of casting resin on ebay UK.godjira wrote:That resin doesn't seem to be available in the UK. I will do some more research to see what a local equivalent would be. afaik the dot is paint
![Smile](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_smile.gif)
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
knicelyr wrote:
Would the measurement in the pic above be correct for the set screw?
Yep 7mm to the centre
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
The other issue I have is that my knob has some marks on it that transferred into the mold.
I have one in route from Corsair so I may use that one for both aluminum and resin replicas.
However I would really like to use a plastic one for the one to be made in resin.
So... shout out to anyone that has one that has a clean top, that would be willing to let me use it for the master mold.
I have one in route from Corsair so I may use that one for both aluminum and resin replicas.
However I would really like to use a plastic one for the one to be made in resin.
So... shout out to anyone that has one that has a clean top, that would be willing to let me use it for the master mold.
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
If you're referring to the comment about "ribs" on the internal diameter of the knob, I'm not aware of anything in particular. Not sure what could be used to cut those in, it's a bit of a PITA. Perhaps something heated and pushed into the interior wall diameter rather than cut in?knicelyr wrote:...
Barry,
Did you say there might be a spline cutting tool?
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
![knob - Switchmaster knob Guitar10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f62/19/59/66/02/guitar10.gif)
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Switchmaster knob
The plastic knobs have an insert glued in the bottom which has the spline.
It's obvious when looking at the bottom of the knob.
Why not cast the spline from an old pot, drill the new ones and glue them in.
If I can find an insert I'll send a photo.
It's obvious when looking at the bottom of the knob.
Why not cast the spline from an old pot, drill the new ones and glue them in.
If I can find an insert I'll send a photo.
Re: Switchmaster knob
That’s a good idea!
I did a cast of the back of the knob and that seems to be working, but I will not know for sure until I have one cast in aluminum.
Hope this weekend.
I did a cast of the back of the knob and that seems to be working, but I will not know for sure until I have one cast in aluminum.
Hope this weekend.
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
I forgot about that insert.Westbone wrote:The plastic knobs have an insert glued in the bottom which has the spline...
Why not cast the spline from an old pot, drill the new ones and glue them in.
![Thumb Up](/users/2514/25/10/13/smiles/1416877545.jpg)
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
![knob - Switchmaster knob Guitar10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f62/19/59/66/02/guitar10.gif)
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Location : Michigan
Registration date : 2019-04-01
Re: Switchmaster knob
knicelyr wrote:I have one in route from Corsair so I may use that one for both aluminum and resin replicas.
No, you don't! You have a plastic one with a set screw en route from me - my metal ones are push on jobs; they have a plastic central boss that is splined....
A tool for making splines is a broaching tool, I think...
corsair- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Oh okay,
But it still has the set screw and hopefully a better surface than mine did.
But it still has the set screw and hopefully a better surface than mine did.
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Fantastic work guys!
I didn't see this thread for some reason, great to see some irreplaceable parts being remade again!
I didn't see this thread for some reason, great to see some irreplaceable parts being remade again!
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
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knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Fantastic!
They look good enough to eat!
They look good enough to eat!
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
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Re: Switchmaster knob
They look like lil Rolo or Reece’s peanut butter cups!
Lol
Lol
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Okay,
Not a complete success...
Bees wax, very Smokey and sooty
Vacuum did not pull quick enough and also ran out of aluminum in the well when it did...
I lost over 1/2 of them![Sad](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_sad.gif)
Only one didn’t not fill the spline area with aluminum... which is okay and might be the way to go anyhow...
2 or three of these might also get tossed![Sad](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_sad.gif)
![knob - Switchmaster knob 7d560910](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/7d560910.jpg)
Not a complete success...
Bees wax, very Smokey and sooty
Vacuum did not pull quick enough and also ran out of aluminum in the well when it did...
I lost over 1/2 of them
![Sad](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_sad.gif)
Only one didn’t not fill the spline area with aluminum... which is okay and might be the way to go anyhow...
2 or three of these might also get tossed
![Sad](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_sad.gif)
![knob - Switchmaster knob 7d560910](https://i.servimg.com/u/f75/20/05/68/38/7d560910.jpg)
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Would you be inclined to sell some of your cast-aluminum ones? I have an X199 that is missing its original knobs. You wouldn't have to do any finish work at all - I'd take 'em as-is off the vine. I can finish them on my lathe.
Neil
Neil
NeilH- Westone Nut
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Thanks again for doing this, very satisfying to watch!
The Chad- Financial supporter
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Neil,
Yes I can send some to you,
These ones have defects...
John is sending me an original one to work from.
How many do you need?
Yes I can send some to you,
These ones have defects...
John is sending me an original one to work from.
How many do you need?
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Location : Michigan
Registration date : 2019-04-01
Re: Switchmaster knob
knicelyr wrote:Neil,
Yes I can send some to you,
These ones have defects...
John is sending me an original one to work from.
How many do you need?
Three. My X199 is my only Westone that had those knobs.
What's your price for them?
Neil
NeilH- Westone Nut
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Registration date : 2019-05-18
Re: Switchmaster knob
I haven’t really thought about a price, and you will be doing the rest of the work with your tools.
Are you going to paint them?
If so these might work for you just have to fill the imperfections...
Or you can wait till I have Johns knob and copy it...
My goal is to make enough to have punch dies made for the string locks.
Are you going to paint them?
If so these might work for you just have to fill the imperfections...
Or you can wait till I have Johns knob and copy it...
My goal is to make enough to have punch dies made for the string locks.
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Location : Michigan
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Punch dies would be mega!
I've sent the knob on without the OEM square BMD lockplate as I can't find the bloody thing!!
Rick, you gotta charge something, mate - even to cover your expenses; no-one's expecting this sort of thing for nothing, eh!!
(Well.... I am, but I'm a notoriously cheap bastard!)
![Rolling Eyes](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif)
I've sent the knob on without the OEM square BMD lockplate as I can't find the bloody thing!!
Rick, you gotta charge something, mate - even to cover your expenses; no-one's expecting this sort of thing for nothing, eh!!
(Well.... I am, but I'm a notoriously cheap bastard!)
![Laughing](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_lol.gif)
![Rolling Eyes](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif)
corsair- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Johns right, he is a cheap bastard
![Very Happy](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_biggrin.png)
![Very Happy](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_biggrin.png)
![Very Happy](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_biggrin.png)
Sgt. Vimes- Financial supporter
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Well think of a price. Free is awesome, but John is right about covering your expenses. I can't confirm that he's a cheap bastard, but I'm willing to take his word on that.knicelyr wrote:I haven’t really thought about a price, and you will be doing the rest of the work with your tools.
Are you going to paint them?
If so these might work for you just have to fill the imperfections...
Or you can wait till I have Johns knob and copy it...
My goal is to make enough to have punch dies made for the string locks.
Ideally I'd anodize them, but I may blacken them chemically (Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black). Last option is to paint them. I don't have an anodizing setup yet, so painting is most likely in the short-term.
Neil
NeilH- Westone Nut
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Well eventually I would like to charge, but while I work this stuff out I feel like the "beta" tester or those helping out should have some benefit too, maybe at cost or something...
My goal with this is to put any money right back into something that will let us make other parts. Cad drawings, 3D printer, Press Punch etc...
"Beta" versions are those that I don't think are quite there, like the knobs, there are some imperfections, partially from the original part and from the process. The issues related to the process I can fix for the most part. The original part I may or may not be able to do anything about.
Neil,
I have the ability to anodize these in any color, and I have black on hand. However that will not deal with the "scratch" that you can see in the face of some of them. Painting would because you could fill those spots. I am happy to anodize the three best ones for you, dye them black and send them your way. I would ask that you continue this thread with the work you do to finish them up... Deal?
I'm a cheap bastard too btw... LOL
I've had a lot of help from the forum too I'm happy to give back![Smile](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_smile.gif)
My goal with this is to put any money right back into something that will let us make other parts. Cad drawings, 3D printer, Press Punch etc...
"Beta" versions are those that I don't think are quite there, like the knobs, there are some imperfections, partially from the original part and from the process. The issues related to the process I can fix for the most part. The original part I may or may not be able to do anything about.
Neil,
I have the ability to anodize these in any color, and I have black on hand. However that will not deal with the "scratch" that you can see in the face of some of them. Painting would because you could fill those spots. I am happy to anodize the three best ones for you, dye them black and send them your way. I would ask that you continue this thread with the work you do to finish them up... Deal?
I'm a cheap bastard too btw... LOL
I've had a lot of help from the forum too I'm happy to give back
![Smile](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_smile.gif)
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Back to anodizing...
Very VERY easy...
I picked up a DC power supply that allows me to adjust the amperage and voltage. (some use a battery charger). You put the part in a bath of weak sulfuric acid and put a positive charge on the part. Part=Positive. And then the negative goes to the "Plate" in my case I just used an aluminum pan so that the whole pan holding the acid is the "Plate". After the time being anodized, there is a formula..., you just soak it in the heated dye until you get the color you want. Then you boil it for about an hour to seal it back up. Btw... you don't have to put any color to it, you can just keep it raw anodized... Still have to do the boil though.
I can start a new thread on that when I do the next batch if there is any interest, maybe these knobs?
Very VERY easy...
I picked up a DC power supply that allows me to adjust the amperage and voltage. (some use a battery charger). You put the part in a bath of weak sulfuric acid and put a positive charge on the part. Part=Positive. And then the negative goes to the "Plate" in my case I just used an aluminum pan so that the whole pan holding the acid is the "Plate". After the time being anodized, there is a formula..., you just soak it in the heated dye until you get the color you want. Then you boil it for about an hour to seal it back up. Btw... you don't have to put any color to it, you can just keep it raw anodized... Still have to do the boil though.
I can start a new thread on that when I do the next batch if there is any interest, maybe these knobs?
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
That is very cool, and yes; there is interest, Rick!!
Bring it on!!
Bring it on!!
corsair- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
knicelyr wrote:Well eventually I would like to charge, but while I work this stuff out I feel like the "beta" tester or those helping out should have some benefit too, maybe at cost or something...
My goal with this is to put any money right back into something that will let us make other parts. Cad drawings, 3D printer, Press Punch etc...
"Beta" versions are those that I don't think are quite there, like the knobs, there are some imperfections, partially from the original part and from the process. The issues related to the process I can fix for the most part. The original part I may or may not be able to do anything about.
Neil,
I have the ability to anodize these in any color, and I have black on hand. However that will not deal with the "scratch" that you can see in the face of some of them. Painting would because you could fill those spots. I am happy to anodize the three best ones for you, dye them black and send them your way. I would ask that you continue this thread with the work you do to finish them up... Deal?
I'm a cheap bastard too btw... LOL
I've had a lot of help from the forum too I'm happy to give back
Just leave them raw. I look forward to finishing them. I'll certainly post my finishing work.
Neil
NeilH- Westone Nut
- Number of posts : 77
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Neil,
Send me a PM with your address and I’ll get them off to you.
Send me a PM with your address and I’ll get them off to you.
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
knicelyr wrote:
Or you can wait till I have Johns knob and copy it...
LOL anybody want one (sorry childish I know but couldnt help myself)
![Laughing](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_lol.gif)
Last edited by challpa on Fri Nov 08, 2019 4:50 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : typo)
challpa- Financial supporter
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Lol... So I DID phrase that correctly ?? lol
knicelyr- Senior Member
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Re: Switchmaster knob
Yes, yes.... nothing to see here.... move along....
![lol!](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/lol.gif)
![Laughing](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_lol.gif)
![Laughing](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_lol.gif)
![Laughing](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_lol.gif)
![lol!](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/lol.gif)
corsair- Senior Member
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» Switchmaster dimensions
» Original Switchmaster Knob for sale
» Switchmaster Knob Turning Resistance Too Easy
» Switchmaster knob for Pantera X775 bass
» String lock set and Switchmaster knob for Spectrum Fx
» Original Switchmaster Knob for sale
» Switchmaster Knob Turning Resistance Too Easy
» Switchmaster knob for Pantera X775 bass
» String lock set and Switchmaster knob for Spectrum Fx
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