Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Can anyone help to identify the original TV knobs from the reissues? I have several Rogan examples. Some say "Rogan Bros Skokie Ill." while others read "Rogan Bros Chicago Ill" in a larger print!

Ron, I think one way of telling is that the originals used a flat-blade set screw for tightening to the pot shaft, whereas the newer versions are held on with an allen set screw. John Williams may have some originals he can check out for us....

Thanks John. I hope your right, as mine all have flat blade set screws!

Ron, I'll look at a couple of guitars from the 50's(not mine) soon to verify this for you, but I'm thinking this is one way to tell...

I'm no plastics expert, but aren't the originals Bakelite? If I am not mistaken, the reissues are not. I don't think they make Bakelite anymore.

They are all Bakelite. Bakelite is still made; Rickenbacker nuts are Bakelite, as are may, many electrical components in our daily lives.

My '60 has its original knobs and they are flat blades. My new Ricks have reissues (actually an incorrect term, as these have been in continuous manufacture all these years as--stove knobs.) The newer ones have Allen set screws, which I believe to be superior to slotted screws--less chance of damaging the knob with too wide a blade.

Thanks Paul. Appreciate the education.

There are some floating around that are the wrong color too, I think they are black..I see them at the guitar shows once in a while...

These were actually made by Rogan in four colors: the chocolate that we're used to, black, ivory, and dark maroon, all with the same gold anodized aluminum inserts. They are appliance knobs, although we are used to seeing them on guitars.

I believe that the Chicago Rogans are the older knobs, as Rogan has been in Skokie for some time now.

Sure would like to see a few sets of those colors.

Yeah, give me a set of dark maroon ones anyday. Paul, do you think they are still making these knobs today? I guess we could always call them to find out. Doesn't seem there would be much demand for them unless Rickenbacker is still ordering them? Haven't seen that many reissue stoves lately although it's not a bad idea. I know Angela Instruments still sells the black ones on Ebay.

The maroon ones would look really nice on some colors.

I have seen all 4 colors on stoves or appliances at various times. Maybe Rogan still stocks them. Would not hurt to check.

Hey Larry, Would you mind taking a peak at yours and letting us know what they say? I have one Chicago and one Skokie on my 58! Anyone else have a late 50's with TV (stove) knobs?

Hey Larry, Would you mind taking a peak at yours and letting us know what they say? I have one Chicago and one Skokie on my 58! Anyone else have a late 50's with TV (stove) knobs?

I'll call David today, maybe he'll have time to pull a knob off of his '58 360F or '60 310..