Replacement knob for R7 VOS Les Paul Goldtop?

[rmpacheco]

I've broken one of the tone knobs on my relatively new R7 Goldtop. I've been trying to find a replacement for it and I bought some knobs on eBay that were advertised as replacements by the seller but they turned out to be incorrect (slightly wrong color and poor quality).

I just want an exact replacement knob...can anyone help point me in the right direction? I've emailed Gibson but haven't heard back yet.

Román

[VanR]

Just change all 4. Problem solved.

[rmpacheco]

Thanks for the suggestion, but that said, whether I replace 1 or 4, I want the exact replacement parts, not the cheap imitation that I mistakenly purchased.

[khromo231]

Gibson has two lines of replacement parts, "Bench Spec" for Gibson USA and "Vintage Spec" for Custom/Art/Historic instruments. I wouldn't be surprised if the bench spec parts show up on CS guitars occasionally, but who knows for sure? You can never say "never" or "always" when you are dealing with Gibson. They may not make vintage spec knobs, for instance.

If Gibson doesn't get back to you, check any authorized dealer, starting with the one who sold you your guitar. They should be able to order the correct replacement knobs. You'll probably have to buy two or four, but then you'll have some extras!

A big dealer like Wildwood or Center City here in San Diego might have them in stock, just make sure you try to get vintage spec knobs, in case they are different from the bench spec knobs.

[rmpacheco]

Thanks Khromo...I'll wait a bit longer for Gibson to respond and if they don't, I'll see about bringing it in to GC (dealer) and seeing if they can order me a replacement set.

[rooster]

FWIW, I've dealt with Laura Blankenship at Gibby, and she's always been very helpful. If you can get ahold of her (assuming she's still there), she'll probably be able to help you out.

rooster.

[rmpacheco]

Guys, thank you for all your help. I was swamped at work today but I'll see about following up on this with Gibson tomorrow.

[Bob V]

I wouldn't be too hopeful about Gibson helping you directly because, and they've even told this to some people, they're not in the business of selling parts. Their dealers are. So find a good Gibson dealer and go that route. Believe me, you haven't found a good Gibson dealer yet, GC repair guys won't sell you parts unless you hire them to fix the knob, but a good mom and pop guitar store probably has Gibson knobs on the wall of parts waiting for you.

[rmpacheco]

Thanks for the heads up, Bob. I'll look dealers up and see what I can find out.

[rmpacheco]

Update: I just got Benton from Gibson on the phone. He asked for my serial number and after giving him a few quick details about my issue, he offered to send me a replacement knob free of charge. It should be on it's way in a few days. I have to say I'm quite pleased with Gibson from the few times I've contacted them...they've always been very helpful.

Just thought I'd pass that solution along to all interested parties, and thanks again to everyone for taking the time to advise me. I'm glad the resolution was so simple...I just couldn't get a hold of anyone at Gibson yesterday.

[Bob V]

Cool. glad you worked it out for yourself. Makes sense that a knob is a minor enough issue that they'll send you one to keep a customer happy. Good business. Now since you've got such a good rapport with them, you think you could get them to send out a trussrod wrench?? Just being sarcastic.

[rmpacheco]

I'll also say for Guitar Center (to address your comment about a good Gibson dealer)...I've got about 5 Guitar Centers within a 50 mile radius of my home. 2 of them have been great to work with, 2 have been just OK, and 1 is just absolutely terrible to deal with. Therefore, I can understand your skepticism. That said, one of them in particular stands out as having very good customer service and a quite decent guitar and amp selection, both new and used. I bought my R7 new from that store. I had an issue with the first one I bought (found a dimple in the binding) and I asked for a replacement. They contacted the Gibson Custom shop and had a new one out to me in a few days. I came in, tried it out, found it more than satisfactory, and exchanged my damaged one for the new one. For that reason, I don't have a problem with that Guitar Center acting as my Gibson dealer and I'd be happy to ask them for a special parts order if ever necessary. Trust me, I know Guitar Center has a bad reputation and I can certainly attest to the fact that in many cases that reputation has been well earned. That said, there are a few GCs out there that seem to do things right and I will continue to be a patron of those as needed.

Originally Posted by Bob V

I wouldn't be too hopeful about Gibson helping you directly because, and they've even told this to some people, they're not in the business of selling parts. Their dealers are. So find a good Gibson dealer and go that route. Believe me, you haven't found a good Gibson dealer yet, GC repair guys won't sell you parts unless you hire them to fix the knob, but a good mom and pop guitar store probably has Gibson knobs on the wall of parts waiting for you.