Center Detent on Pots/Knobs

[Rated_Stingray]

Hey guys, just had my stingray back from a good clean up and set up, although, now my bass is back there is something strange going on with the knobs. As you will know if you own a stingray, there is a notch on the bass,treble and mid after you trurn the knob half way round. All of the knobs were fine before the bass went but now only one of them doesnt have a problem, one doesnt have any notch watsoever (like the volume knob) and one clicks like metal hitting metal. I know its not a big deal just want to know whats happened, any thoughts

 

[cars0099]

i have the same problem on my mid knob. i bought the bass used, and its always been like that. Youve sparked my interest as well.

 

[mynan]

I haven't experienced this, but I've heard of it. I think I recall the solution being something to do with the way the knobs are installed...something to do with the allen screw that holds them on.

 

[Rated_Stingray]

To be honest im sure im capable of fixing it as long as it has nothing to do with the pots. If its a case of tightening a screw i may manage lol !

 

[russinator]

Here ya go...

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/17662-center-detents.html

 

[Rated_Stingray]

Here ya go...

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/17662-center-detents.html

Thankss so much man, solved my problem !

 

[cars0099]

thanks a lot, you just made my day

 

[oli@bass]

Hey, thanks for that info, really interesting!

So, that would mean you could also intentionally remove the detents, if you install the knobs "incorrectly". Have to try...

 

[oli@bass]

Just to let those interested know: I've managed to remove the center detent on a 3 band EQ StingRay from 2006.

To do that, move the pot to a different position than the center, loosen the screw on the knob, push the knob down (don't use force, it should fall down by itself) and fasten the screw again. No more center detent.

Why would you want to do that?

A: Use your ears rather then your hand to determine what sounds good
B: Most of the settings I use are rather close to the center, and it's sometimes hard to acheive them when going over or from the center.


Added:

- One thing I have no idea of is whether this treatment can somehow adversely effect the pot itself
- I have the impression that this cannot be done to newer preamps, e.g. the pots on my Dargie (2007) do not "fall down" at the center detent but seem to have a different kind of detent mechanism. They also feel different, much smoother, a bit harder to turn.

 

[RobertB]

... They also feel different, much smoother, a bit harder to turn.

Yeah, I noticed this right away on my '07 LE, and I REALLY like it. This was actually on my SR "wish list" for years. Yeah, it's a subtle - maybe even "trivial" thing, but I think it really gives a "higher quality" feel to the pots.

 

[bovinehost]

Fixed the title.

Guys, let's be a little more sensitive to our thread titles. This wasn't an issue, per se, but a simple adjustment and fix.

I wish I'd checked in earlier today on that other thread....but it is what it is.

 

[Retrovertigo]

I didn't want to start a new thread about this, so I'll hijack this one instead.

Is there a way to get a center detent on the volume pot? I like keeping my SR5 at the halfway mark. However, my hand tends to bump it up with slapping or aggressive playing.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[jasper383]

You can order a tone pot from EBMM. Not sure if it will work as a volume pot like you want.

The tone pot center detents do wear out after a while. I bought a very, very used 1990 SR5 that had worn out tone pots. Ordered new ones from EBMM, put them in, good as new.