Wooden knobs foolin' around

virtue · « **on:** 7 Apr 2011, 03:39 am »

Guys,

We made some sample wooden knobs and are looking for inspiration - got any?

If you like the knobs below and are an original Sensation/Virtue customer, email Cami and she will send you one of the samples, free to the USA -- while supplies last.

Seth

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 06:56 am »

Damn, those sure look like Some Young Guy's work. And if they are, or his work was the inspiration for it, maybe somebody oughta acknowledge that. Thanks.

virtue · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 02:21 pm »

It was Jeff Keys at Lucid Acoustics. Jeff is magical indeed. However, I'm not moved by the knob...

rollo · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 03:49 pm »

Well, somebody caught on. Brilliant !!! . Nothing like a great feel to a component. As an aside vibration control as well . BRILLIANT!!!!

charles

srb · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 04:38 pm »

I don't know if the Virtue amplifiers' volume pots have metal shafts (or if they are grounded to the case), but in some amplifiers it eliminates static discharge from the user through the knob.

Steve

rollo · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 05:15 pm »

Quote from: srb on 7 Apr 2011, 04:38 pm

I don't know if the Virtue amplifiers' volume pots have metal shafts (or if they are grounded to the case), but in some amplifiers it eliminates static discharge from the user through the knob.

Steve

Hopefully the design is proper to allow the use of the wood knob. The feel of wood ahhhh !! . Many have replaced the metal shaft with a wood dowel to cure vibration and other ills.

charles

virtue · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 06:05 pm »

We put a plastic bushing in there so that the knobs slide ont the slotted shafts (that didn't sound right) just like the metal ones. If you want any of these bushings for use with home-made knobs, email cami at virtueaudio.com. She's received a number of requests for the wooden knobs - glad y'all are interested. There are 20 sensaiton knobs to give away and 1 smaller one but I'm ordering 20 just to get them out there.

Steidl Guitars · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 07:44 pm »

These aren't really wood--they're bamboo, which is a grass!

Very "green" and a great material; I am sure there is also a terrific sonic advantage...

srb · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 08:12 pm »

Maybe we should just call them "Cellulose Knobs" and cover all bases.

Steve

virtue · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 08:38 pm »

Spooky, spooky stuff... but in defense of sonic voodoo, I'll be damned if I didn't hear the difference from some wood/ball-bearing cones under the units and magnets attached underneath.

However, I don't think changing a knob will change the character of the sound discernibly. Nevertheless, it will help you personalize the unit.

These units are like children

Why shouldn't they be dressed-up nice?

srb · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 08:46 pm »

Quote from: virtue on 7 Apr 2011, 08:38 pm

However, I don't think changing a knob will change the character of the sound discernibly.

Not even at $485 a pop?
http://audiolemon.blogspot.com/2007/05/silver-rock-signature-knob.html

Quote from: virtue on 7 Apr 2011, 08:38 pm

These units are like children. Why shouldn't they be dressed-up nice?

Particularly if you lend out your components. "Oh no, you're not leaving the house dressed like that!"

Steve

Steidl Guitars · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Apr 2011, 10:33 pm »

I was kidding about that fancy cellulose knob affecting the sound... but if I paid $485 for it, you can bet I'd hear a difference!

virtue · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Apr 2011, 02:16 am »

Agreed. A $485 wooden knob definitely is not virtuous.

Mama Virtue · « **Reply #13 on:** 8 Apr 2011, 09:15 pm »

I still have some Sensation knobs left for those who want one! Email me!

Groundzero · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 Apr 2011, 03:35 am »

I have a silly question, how do I get the stock volume knob off? I've been wanting to make one of these to match my amp top, but can't figure out how that sucker is on there.

TrungT · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 Apr 2011, 03:47 am »

^^^^^
Just hold the knob, pull straight out.

Groundzero · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 Apr 2011, 06:20 am »

Hah, thanks. I didn't want to break anything so didn't pull very hard before asking. Got it now

TrungT · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Apr 2011, 06:32 am »

You are welcome.

Mama Virtue · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 Apr 2011, 06:58 pm »

In response to pulling off the knob....the Sensation knobs and occasionally the small ONE/TWO knobs fit very tightly (well the plastic insert rather) on the POT shaft. If you can't seem to get a grip on the knob I suggest using a rubber band or if you have one, the rubber/silicone jar-top openers. So far the rubberband has gotten the knobs off every time with no scratches and it seems to have less of a tendency to jump out of your hand and onto the floor the minute it's off the POT shaft

.

dvenardos · « **Reply #19 on:** 12 Apr 2011, 01:52 am »

On the classic One/Two the manual suggested gluing on the knob.

So if you got one that someone actually read and followed the directions, you might have some difficulties...

Quote

We recommend putting a drop of super-glue into the inner plastic
bushing and then immediately pressing on the knob. The flat
part on the bushing should correspond with the flat part of the
POT/attenuator shaft.