Each knob is made to fit the standard North America control shaft size, and each set includes an adapter sleeve that will fit it perfectly to standard metric control shafts.  Some controls are designed to accept push-on knobs and others require knobs with set screws.  hob nobz use a set screw to affix to affix the knob to the shaft, and the adapter sleeve is used where needed to ensure a good, wobble-free fit.  For more information about installation, check the Installation Instructions here.

Design Principles

Many high-end electric instruments come with standard plastic knobs, and while they are totally functional, they often do little to enhance the visual appeal of the instrument.  A well-chosen set of wooden knobs will not only enhance the beauty of the instrument, but will allow you to express your own personal taste.  Just like your instrument, hob nobz are highly individual - no two sets are alike.

There are several design principles incorporated into each set of hob nobz.  The first principle concerns the qualities offered by the wood.  Much of the wood used in the crafting of hob nobz is found in only a very small percentage of the material harvested from a tree.  Grain patterns such as burls, bird's eyes, crotches and flames are found in a small percentage of harvested wood.  But wood morsels that contain these patterns in a small enough format to show well on an item the size of a guitar knob are rarer still.  So when such rare wood is found we want to maximize it's impact, and that means showing as much surface area of this beauty as possible.  Consequently hob nobz are designed with simple forms that emphasize the quality of the wood rather than the shape of the knob.  Generally hob nobz are cylindrical with flat tops  - all designed to show off the wood.  We are so passionate about the beauty of some of these morsels that we do not put any position markers on many of the knobs - just let the beautiful surfaces display without unnecessary distraction.  We know,  however,  that many players rely on some form of indicator that will show at a glance where the controls are set, so we also provide a variety of indicators on many models.

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Another important design principle in the design of hob nobz is how the knob is constructed to hide the underlying mounting hardware of the controls.  Each knob is recessed on the underside so that it covers the mounting nut and washer of the control.  Not only does this hide the unsightly hardware, it also allows the knob to visually unite with the underlying instrument, providing an organic balance unmatched by conventional plastic, and even metal, control knobs.

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Another important principle in the design of hob nobz is that of individuality.  There are two components to this equation.  The first is the consideration that if you are personalizing your instrument, you want something that no one else has.  To that end, each set of hob nobz is unique.  They are not crafted as a production item - each set is fashioned from hand selected pieces of wood, and crafted one set at a time.  The second part of the equation is dictated by each piece of wood.   When a piece of wood is selected for crafting, it is examined to determine how it will be cut to reveal the best possible visual appeal.  Some pieces of wood will yield the best result when quarter cut, some with end grain on the top surface, some with face grain.  And for each piece of wood we examine which parts will reveal the best display, and this may lead to the crafting of only two or three knobs out of a stick that could produce as many as ten or twelve.  So the principle applied is to ensure the best the piece of wood has to offer - the wood speaks, and each pieces speaks with an individual voice.

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Another key design element is that of universality.  hob nobz are designed to fit on quarter-inch, six millimetre, splined or plain shafted controls by means of supplied brass adapter sleeves.   No need to measure or guess at your instrument's control size - we've got you covered.  And if you need some help deciding if you need to use the adapter sleeve or not, just check out our Installation Instructions page.

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You are passionate about your special instrument.  We are passionate about the knobs that go on it.  That's why we refer to hob nobz as "wood jewels for your instrument".

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