'Bonnet' or 'Top Hat' Knobs - Period Correct?

**Just Fred** · 01-31-2021, 09:22 PM

Many years ago I had to replace the original pair of knobs on my 1957 Gibson ES-225 but couldn't find the correct set. So, I've been playing this guitar with a pair of "barrel" knobs -- the correct color, but not like OEM parts.

I've looked online (Reverb, eBay, etc.) for period-correct knobs, and have found everything from $1.99 each to $45-$50. Since my eyes can't tell the difference, I'm a bit opposed to buying the more expensive knobs. Also, every vendor wants to sell a set of four. I only need two (yes, I could put a pair in the guitar case and forget about them), but can't seem to find any.

Any ideas/sources? It's not a critical need, but just something I've thought to make the guitar more "correct."

**John A.** · 01-31-2021, 11:46 PM

Originally Posted by Just Fred

Many years ago I had to replace the original pair of knobs on my 1957 Gibson ES-225 but couldn't find the correct set. So, I've been playing this guitar with a pair of "barrel" knobs -- the correct color, but not like OEM parts.

I've looked online (Reverb, eBay, etc.) for period-correct knobs, and have found everything from $1.99 each to $45-$50. Since my eyes can't tell the difference, I'm a bit opposed to buying the more expensive knobs. Also, every vendor wants to sell a set of four. I only need two (yes, I could put a pair in the guitar case and forget about them), but can't seem to find any.

Any ideas/sources? It's not a critical need, but just something I've thought to make the guitar more "correct."

You mean like this?
PK-0140 Set of 2 Vintage-style Bell Knobs — Allparts Music

Or this?
Top Hat Bell Knob | stewmac.com

John

**Bezoeker** · 01-31-2021, 11:53 PM

Not that it really matters, but note (along with spline configuration) the difference between acrylic knobs with ‘embossed’ (molded in relief really) numbers vs. those with simply printed numbers.

If one is looking for more “correct” knobs, this is a notable difference.

The pic of the Stewmac knobs shows printed numbers.