The whole “new look” knob issue is a sticky wicket.
A few years back I looked into supplying the knobs introduced with the MR78/MPI4 and running through the MX130, etc. These could be used as replacements or for conversions for older units that used the plain, pointed knob. My goal was to provide the appropriate knobs for all the units built from 1972 through 1999.
I found a source that could provide me with exact duplicates. I’m a perfectionist and I do mean exact.
I went about compiling all the various sizes and parameters for all the units that used these knobs. While I could produce all of the various knobs, there were major stumbling blocks. Manufacturers don’t like minor changes – they want to sell you an item in bulk. And, there are many variations in these knobs.
There are knobs with indicator grooves (selector) and those without (for tuning). There are different depths. A C33 knob is different from the C34V knob as the C34V has a shallower depth. Then there are various sizes from large tuning knobs on the tuners to small EQ knobs on the pre-amps. Along the way, McIntosh dabbled in Metric, so some knobs have an insert for a metric shaft and some for “American”. And some units (such as the MC2255) have both American and Metric shafts.
Finally, we have the dual-ganged knobs. There is a common size for the rear/outer knob, but two different depths for the front/inner knob.
All of this brings us to the final stumbling block of MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity). Each of the above variations is a separate SKU that would have to be developed. And, each of those come with a MOQ. So, let’s take those rear dual-ganged knobs. Do I really want to be sitting on a few hundred of those, just waiting for someone to pop up and need one?
The investment and long, long term return on investment just made the project unfeasible.
