Rickenbacker "flying saucer" knobs

[Jack Hanson]

Does anyone know of a source for either new old stock or reproduction flying saucer knobs as used on many Rics from the mid 20th Century? They were available in many colors, commonly black, ivory, white, brown, red, and likely others.

[Mark Helm]

The guy wants $149 for one knob!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294479825840

[Jack Hanson]

The guy wants $149 for one knob!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294479825840

I'm not in a position to spend nearly as much for two knobs as I did for the complete instrument (a Ric NS).

I've tried to deal with that guy a few times. He strips instruments down to individual screws, and lists the pieces on eBay for big money. And he solicits "offers."

After submitting a reasonable offer, he counters with a figure only slightly below his original price. Small wonder much of his stuff sits on eBay for months if not years. For example, he currently has a Gibson BR-9 fretboard listed for $225 that's been on there for a looooooong time.

I've purchased a handful of BR-9 fretboards for less dough -- usually way, way less -- and two of 'em were attached to complete instruments!

[Charles Stange]

after watching a friend make small repro auto signal light lenses with casting resin & silicone mold, i'm wondering if anyone has tried making repro knobs?

[Scott Swartz]

I do all my pickup parts as 3D prints, and there are no features on that knob that could not be modeled relatively easily.

If someone can send me one to measure I could model it up and then offer them.

Because its 3D print the finish would be matte, the smooth finish of the original would take plastic injection mold tooling like the originals.

White and black are easy, the other colors might be possible.

Final pricing would be likely $25 each in the low quantities that something like this would have.

Metal would even be be possible at higher prices.

[Cartwright Thompson]

There’s a bunch of YouTube videos about casting and molding vintage radio knobs.
Some of them look pretty good and the process doesn’t seem too difficult.

[Todd Clinesmith]

Here's a few I made up. I am trying to catalogue all the cooler/ rarer steel guitar knobs . I have some for early Gibsons too.

[Larry Chung]

Todd, once again, you are ON IT. (:

Hope you're doing well, Boss. Cheers to ya!

[Jack Hanson]

I received the two black Clinesmith repro flying saucer knobs I ordered today. Wow! They are excellent. Thanks, Todd.

[Bob Womack]

What did they cost? Thanks!

Bob

[Bob Fraser]

The guy wants $149 for one knob!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294479825840

The fascinating part to me about this, is that at time of print, there are 11 people watching the eBay ad.
I hope that doesn't mean that any of those 11 are actually considering buying from this guy, but are rather watching for the sheer entertainment value.

Anyway, casting would be the smoother result as compared to 3D printing
(since in either case you need an original)

[Todd Clinesmith]

What did they cost? Thanks!

Bob

$15 a piece plus $6 to ship

[Bob Womack]

Thanks, Todd!!!

Bob

[Michael Kiese]

There is a guy on Reverb who sells 3D printed ones for $25 and includes shipping in the cost.

He has Black, White, and another "sparkle" color. They are made out of PLA (a plant based plastic polymer).

https://reverb.com/item/70556112-new-fl ... ipping-usa

[Lloyd Walsh]

That's GeorgeBoards on the reverb link above, a regular on this forum. I've bought parts from him myself and have been very happy.

[Mark Helm]

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtop ... 47#3161547

I believe there come of the late 30s Ricks… can anyone confirm that?

Thanks and Aloha!