1982 Thunder 1A Bass

I have 2 split shafts on my 1982 Thunder 1A bass that have broken - metal has broken from one side of the shaft. I have tried to replace however the shaft diameter of the original pot is slightly smaller meaning the new shafts will not go through the hole. By the way I bought this new in 1982 and it's only taken me 30 years to find some replacement brass knobs!

Any advice on make or replacement please?

Simple fix, enlarge the hole!

Preferably using a hand reamer but you can drill it out also, but use care.
By hand is best but use low speed. First, run the drill in reverse to help centre the bit and avoid wood splintering. Go slowly and you're good to go.

When you install the knobs make sure to place the set screw in the centre of the gap between the splits in the shaft. That will avoid flattening the metal.

Or, you can fill the gap with a suitable piece of plastic like a pick to make it solid.

Thanks for the suggestion Barry, that was going to be my last resort, as I'll be drilling the metal plate hole bigger too.

I know the passive tone pot is 250k and the active is 500k but I'm curious to know what a replacement make there is (CTS etc)?

See detailed electronic info HERE

Interesting Barry my passive tone pot is definitely 250k...it's original never been changed

Interesting.
But then, the Matsumoku caveat has always been, "Specifications subject to change without notice" So, nothing surprising.

Use Alpha pots, go straight on.

Much appreciated Westbone, do they do the centre detent active tone pot too?

Surprised you need new pots.

Have you cleaned them?

There's no problem with them soundwise it because the metal has broken from one side of the shaft and the brass knobs cannot attach anymore

Right, should have read it before.

Another way....

If you have an old pot, break a side off.

Get an old credit type card, cut a thin strip and super glue the broken pot shaft to the good bit with the card in between. Works a treat. Just keep the tops level. Used it many a time, no problems.

Thanks Westbone sounds like a good idea. I'll try that.

Good suggestions Damian.

That's why we pay him the big bucks!