Removing Stubborn Knobs

Most modern Strats (and other guitars) have control knobs (one volume and two tone normally) that are on pretty tight. Sure, a flat-head screwdriver may pop them off, but the metal typically mars the softer plastic knobs. Here’s a trick long used by guitar techs: Take two pieces of strong string, then loop one on each side of a knob. By slowly rocking the knobs back and forth with alternating pressure from the strings, the knobs usually pop off with little effort and no cosmetic damage. Repeat for each knob.