I'm installing a pre wire mag pickup and just noticed a little tab on the pot that sticks up. With the tab in place I can't install it flush to the box. Can I safely cut it off?
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Yep, what you should do and what's always been done. I've taken the pots out of many guitars. Including Gibson and Fender. Never see the tabs left on theirs either. : ) The easiest way to prevent the pot from moving is to use a nut and washer on both sides of the install. One set on the pot side and one set on the top of the guitar or pick guard. This puts all the pressure on the material holding the pot and not on the pot itself. If your kit didn't come with all of that don't fret it. It's highly unlikely you'll be putting that much strain on a volume or tone pot in a cigar box guitar.
I use a pair of needle nose pliers to rock the tab back and forth till it pops off.
You are supposed to drill a small hole for the tab to fit in to keep it from spinning. I cut that tab off every one I use with no trouble at all. So, you know what is supposed to be done and the short cut that gets taken, you decide.
Replies
Yep, what you should do and what's always been done. I've taken the pots out of many guitars. Including Gibson and Fender. Never see the tabs left on theirs either. : ) The easiest way to prevent the pot from moving is to use a nut and washer on both sides of the install. One set on the pot side and one set on the top of the guitar or pick guard. This puts all the pressure on the material holding the pot and not on the pot itself. If your kit didn't come with all of that don't fret it. It's highly unlikely you'll be putting that much strain on a volume or tone pot in a cigar box guitar.
I use a pair of needle nose pliers to rock the tab back and forth till it pops off.
that lil tab is there as a" break" to prevent the entire volume pot from spinning when you get to your highest or lowest volume level end .
you "should " drill a lil hole to recess it into .
or you " could" cut it off . the rough wood should grip it enough if tight .
You are supposed to drill a small hole for the tab to fit in to keep it from spinning. I cut that tab off every one I use with no trouble at all. So, you know what is supposed to be done and the short cut that gets taken, you decide.