Query of volume/tone knobs on the Blackstar bass

[bassmekanik]

Apologies if this has been mentioned/covered somewhere before but my use of the search function fails me a touch.

I noticed that on the 4003 Blackstar basses that they seemed to be made with 2 different types of volume/tone knobs on them.

My Blackstar, and a few others i have seen, have this type of volume/tone pots (apologies for the poor picture but you get my drift)


And some have
http://dedgoat.deviantart.com/art/Ricke ... r-16378747

Were these originally made with both types or have some of the Blackstar basses had them swapped out?

Just wondering if anyone more knowledgeable could help me out?

My Blackstar is shown in the first picture and has the standard Ric volume/tone knobs and i was wondering if it is possible to obtain some of the all black ones shown in the promo shot.

Thanks.

[bassduke49]

Hi Paul,

I've seen Blackstars with both types of knobs, but it isn't clear whether the factory was inconsistent or if an owner along the way had swapped them out for the other style. The "plain black" style is a pretty common aftermarket accessory, and others here can direct you to sources I'm sure.

[Kopfjaeger]

My Blackstar, #17, has foil top knobs like yours. Dengia's 1989 Blackstar has the vintage type all black knobs like the one in the DA foto you posted. Also Dengia's Blackstar seems to have the black surround on his neck pick up as well while mine is chrome. Slightly different variations on these. I have a set of RIC vintage all black knobs that came off my 73 4001. I swapped them out for the correct foil tops. i suppose I could put them on my Blackstar, my Shadow already has those type, but the foil topped ones don't bother me. POTR in America sells them but I imagine they can be gotten overseas as well.

Sepp

[bassmekanik]

Thanks for the replies. That sort of clears that up

It was just something i`d noticed and wondered about. Its not something that particularly bothers me but i think i quite fancy a set of the vintage black ones more. It lends a better overall "black" to the entire bass.

[chrisdski]

Mine, #136 June 1989, has the all black "vintage" knobs and the chrome surround on the neck pickup. I think it's all original as is (2nd owner). Would be interested if it varies by Month build due to parts supply. May be able to look at the registry pics to notice any variations over time.

[bassmekanik]

@Chrisdski

I did wonder if it was due to parts availability. My Blackstar is #5 (pictured in my first post) and kind of assumed that, being one of the first,IF it was still all original that it would have the control knobs as shown in the press pics.

No matter. Seems theres an official UK distributor for Ric parts. The vintage knobs are not listed on their site but I would think they should be able to get hold of some for me if I ask very nicely.

[Kopfjaeger]

Although these parts may be nearly impossible to find, my Shadow has black mute adjustment screws as well as the black neck pup surround. Those two additions would just about guarantee that there is none more blacker than your's. Top it off with a Shadow treble pup cover, which is black, and you may have very well created a black hole capable of sucking entire galaxies into its vortex!!

Sepp

[coolingitdown]

Although these parts may be nearly impossible to find, my Shadow has black mute adjustment screws as well as the black neck pup surround. Those two additions would just about guarantee that there is none more blacker than your's. Top it off with a Shadow treble pup cover, which is black, and you may have very well created a black hole capable of sucking entire galaxies into its vortex!!

Sepp

Don't forget to install tapewound strings or DR Black Beauties!

[johnhall]

They were all supposed to have the solid black knobs. It seem unlikely that plain sliver top knobs were used by accident or due to supply, as we've not stocked those with a screw lock. (The amp ones were push-on, splined type.) They would have to have made these by cleaning off printed knobs with solvent. I'm not saying that it didn't happen, just that it doesn't seem consistent or at least it would have been a bunch of extra work.

[BobHyde]

Although these parts may be nearly impossible to find, my Shadow has black mute adjustment screws as well as the black neck pup surround. Those two additions would just about guarantee that there is none more blacker than your's. Top it off with a Shadow treble pup cover, which is black, and you may have very well created a black hole capable of sucking entire galaxies into its vortex!!

Sepp

Don't forget to install tapewound strings or DR Black Beauties!

"None more black.'"

[bassmekanik]

They were all supposed to have the solid black knobs. It seem unlikely that plain sliver top knobs were used by accident or due to supply, as we've not stocked those with a screw lock. (The amp ones were push-on, splined type.) They would have to have made these by cleaning off printed knobs with solvent. I'm not saying that it didn't happen, just that it doesn't seem consistent or at least it would have been a bunch of extra work.

Excellent. Thanks for the info. I do think they look a little better than the silver topped ones.

A set of black top "vintage" knobs are on their way to me as we speak.

[Blackstar]

Mine is #96 April 89 and it has the silver top knobs. I'm not the original owner, but I doubt they were swapped out.