Fisher Tuning Knob could be larger

FauxHall

Super Member
One specific that I would knock down the Fisher tube tuners compared to their contemporary competition is the size of their tuning knobs.

A larger knob, with similar cosmetics (brass over brown) looks like a valuable upgrade to my mind.

Anyone know a good source?
 
Register to hide this ad
WAF (Wife Accesptance Factor) was a big deal back in the 60's. So a lot of the manufacturers probably had interior designers on staff. Putting a larger knob on the tuning shaft throws off the balance of the unit.

However, the 65 and newer receivers have a larger knob and the design is close to what is on the 400-500/800-C's. The shaft's are the same so they will fit, but not as close to the front panel.

See this thread for an 800-C with newer style knobs. I did this out of necessity while looking for a set of knobs, cheap. Haven't found any yet.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=530736

attachment.php
 
I agree--Fisher's knobs were tiny all around. Beefier knobs would have necessitated more spread out silk screened markings. But the tuner knobs could have been bigger. One thing I like about the 101 series tuner.
 
Fisher's '59 Contemporary II R-31-S receiver came with two different sized knobs. I've always wondered what the proper, factory configuration was since they're interchangeable. All of the illustrations in Fisher's sales literature were recycled from the '57-58 Contemporary (I) so they are of no help. The R-20 receiver used in that model had different style knobs in a different configuration. When I bought mine the large knobs were on the selector switch and volume as shown in the first photo. That asymmetric arrangement has always kind of bothered me.

DSCF9144.jpg


To me it makes most sense using a larger knob on the selector switch. The extra leverage is helpful in overcoming the resistance of the detents. Perhaps that argues in favor of Fisher also having originally used a large knob on the volume control since that is also the ON/OFF switch with a detent. This thread prompted me to try the larger knob on the station selector but I don't find any advantage, (other than symmetry,) from using it in that position. Admittedly, all of these knobs are larger than those used on later Fishers so my experience might not be typical. The knobs on my 400, 500 and 800C are definitely much skinnier but I still find them ergonomically pleasing.

Test Configuration:

DSCF9148.jpg
 
I placed a large brass tuning knob on my 400.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2082.jpg
    IMG_2082.jpg
    56.5 KB · Views: 38
Last edited:
Just replace the tuning knob with large one piece double knob, like the on/off knob. That will feel a lot "fatter" to your fingers, and it will be a perfect match for the rest of the knobs. :yes:
 
If the knobs are any other then FISHER, the it's blasphemy. Improvisation if FISHER Knobs.
 
Thanks, gang, for the ideas. A bigger knob allows for finer tuning, at least with my hands.

I'll go through my pile of knobs and see if I can find a suitable substitute. The brass caps are also on my shopping list, along with a new set of jewels.
 
I agree, my basketcase was missing a bunch of knobs, the tech who got it running put a big old silver '70's era tuning knob on it...looks a bit odd, but the feel is amazing compared to nipplegrabbing the smaller ones :D
 
Here's what I'm hoping will fit on the Fisher's tuning shaft. The other knob (which I think is a Fisher), the coin, and the pen are there for scale.
 

Attachments

  • Big Fisher knob.jpg
    Big Fisher knob.jpg
    41.1 KB · Views: 21
  • Big Fisher Knob 2.jpg
    Big Fisher Knob 2.jpg
    40 KB · Views: 17
Here's what I'm hoping will fit on the Fisher's tuning shaft. The other knob (which I think is a Fisher), the coin, and the pen are there for scale.

That looks like a H.H. Scott knob. FISHER didn't use any with set screws that I've ever seen. Looks like the knob on my Scott 342.

Larry
 
Hiya,

I guess Fisher came around near the end of Tube Tuner production. The FM-100C does in fact have a factory larger knob for tuning.

attachment.php


Frannie
 

Attachments

  • fm100.jpg
    fm100.jpg
    23.5 KB · Views: 63
Back
Top Bottom