The Complete Handbook of Musical Instrument Amplifier Knobs

I bought this because I got tired of digging through ten-year-old forum posts every time I needed a knob. The chapter on mounting shaft types alone was worth it—I only wish the illustrations were in color rather than grayscale, since I'm matching vintage parts by eye. Overall a solid reference that stays on my bench.

The maintenance chapter is the real deal. I own a repair shop and I've already used the set-screw extraction technique from page 132 twice, and it saved both knobs. My only gripe: a section on push-on knobs specifically for imported amps would have been helpful—that's a growing share of my work. Still, it's a well-organized book that doesn't waste your time on filler.

As a touring guitarist, I'm more about practicality than theory. This handbook told me exactly which knobs won't crack in a padded road case, and how to carry spares that actually fit my amp. I deducted one star because it spends a lot of time on business opportunities that don't interest me. But the amp-specific info is solid and hands-on.

I do boutique amp building as a hobby, and I thought I already knew everything about knobs. This book proved me wrong, chiefly on calibration marking differences between mil-spec and commercial versions. Very detailed and technical. The only thing I'd change is the heavy focus on American classic amps—I'd love more on British amps and their collet systems, but the fundamental principles transfer well.

This is the reference I've been waiting for. It reads like the author has actually turned a wrench on hundreds of amps, because everything is described with the sort of specificity you only get from experience—from torque specs for set screws on plastic skirts to which knob types fit hollow and solid shaft pots differently. It's not a quick look, but this is now the first book I reach for.

Useful and practical, but I found the tone occasionally a bit dry, which I suppose is appropriate for a reference book. The installation chapter was the most valuable to me—I'd always used a bit of epoxy on push-on knobs that fit loose, and I never considered the expansion-sleeve method described here. It's not a beach read, but it solved a recurrent problem for me. Very glad I bought it.

I've restored a lot of old blackface amps, and I was pleasantly surprised this book didn't gloss over the subtle differences between original Bakelite knobs and modern ABS replacements. The physical properties comparison is thorough. One small complaint: the book suggests a puller tool for stubborn knobs, but it doesn't give exact dimensions for adapting it, so I found myself improvising. Still, it's an excellent work for the serious restorer.

I run a small parts reselling business and the whole last third of this book about business opportunities and supplier positioning is worth the price alone. It helped me identify which local buyers are paying a premium for NOS knobs and how to more accurately grade parts for resale. And as an enthusiast myself, I appreciated the deep dive into actual materials and shaft tolerances. A rare combination of technical and merchant knowledge. I've already recommended it to two colleagues.