Yama-knobs? Yamaha Guitar parts Question

[maxnine11]

Seems to be a lot of knowledgeable guitar people on the OT board. (i'm not, BTW)

I'm trying to find some used volume/ control knobs for a newly acquired 1977ish Yamaha guitar. Of the three knobs, one is completely missing, and one has lost the center cap.
The guitar is a model that, AFAIK, wasn't exported to North America, but the knobs are the same as used on the SG series that did make it here. Not sure in what kind of numbers, but there always seems to be a few for sale on ebay, craigslist, etc.

I did find a website from Japan that might have new ones.
Haven't heard back from them yet. Not too confident. Besides, shiney new ones won't match the used patina that the rest of the guitar has.

Basically, I'm looking for some used Yamaha SG volume/contol knobs.
Anybody know anybody who works on old Yamaha electrics??

TIA,

max

[stuartj]

Its not an SG? Those are great guitars, especially the higher end models. You might be struggling with this, Japan is probably the best bet for OEM. Maybe Ebay. You might be better off putting the originals in a draw and repalcing all four with some close matches. Be aware- its a JPN guitar, so Gibson type top hats wont fit, the JPN pot shaft is a smaller dia- although you can get Gibson type knobs for the many JPN Gibson type guiatrs that use the metric pots. Or wrap plumbers tape around the smaller JPN shafts and squeeze on imperial sized knobs.

[maxnine11]

Thanks for the info Stuart.
I found out about the generic replacement knobs not fitting today.
They were a pretty close match in color and size of the numbers. The main difference is that they are smooth on the top section, instead of fluted (ribbed) as the Yamaha's are.
The shaft diameter is actually too large for the All-Parts replacement knobs, so if i get creative with a drill i can make the new ones fit if i have to.

thanks again.

[maxnine11]

Well, today I actually did get a response back from a parts seller in Japan.
( i was beginning to think they were another victim of the earthquake or after effects)
I should have a set of new ones on their way across the Pacific.
I'll still keep trying to find some used ones, but it does move down the list of importance.

quick photo: Yamaha SX900b



center knob is the aftermarket one temporarily installed.

[stuartj]

Im a big fan of JPN guitars- Ive never seen one of those.

[maxnine11]

Hey Stuart, come by and play it any time you like.






Specs (Japanese)
旧製品ギターデータベース | ギター | ヤマハ� �式会社

just a shade under 8 lbs.
A bit lighter than my Les Paul in a side by side lift test.

[slodave]

Nice looking guitar.

[sammyg2]

Hay, I got a Japanese guitar too! I've been told it was made by Aria Pro II.

It's called a Fullerton, obvious link to home of fender. It is a strat copy after all (sort of).
It's not the best thing ever made but worth every penny I paid for it and then some, a whole lot better than a squire

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I have a Yamaha SA2000, circa 1980ish. Outstanding guitar. I'll put it up against any 335.

The story i always heard was that all the japanese music companies were buying up the late 50's Gibsons and basically dissecting them to figure out what made them so good.

Nice score.