Ludwig Control Knob
We keep getting asked about this one — the control knob is one of those Ludwig parts that fails long before the rest of the unit is done. With your sample on the bench this is a realistic reproduction job.

We keep getting asked about this one — the control knob is one of those Ludwig parts that fails long before the rest of the unit is done. With your sample on the bench this is a realistic reproduction job.
Why these break
Control knobs crack at the splined pot shaft. Heat cycling is the killer here: years of expanding and contracting work-hardens the plastic until a routine bump becomes the final straw.
How we reproduce them
The process is simple: drop the part in or send clear photos with a ruler in frame, we confirm fit details, and print replacements — often with a little extra material where the original always cracked.
We print these in ABS. ABS matches the look and feel of the factory plastic, takes a sanded or textured finish well, and handles everyday warmth without complaint.
As with everything in our library: whether a part can be reproduced depends on size, load, heat, material, and having a decent sample to work from. Send photos first — the assessment costs you nothing, and we'll tell you honestly if a genuine spare is the better option.
Part details
| Manufacturer | Ludwig |
|---|---|
| Vehicle / equipment type | Musical instrument |
| Common failure mode | Control knobs crack at the splined pot shaft |
| Typical use case | Replacement part for musical instrument. |
Printing & reverse engineering
| Can print directly | No |
|---|---|
| Can scan from broken sample | Yes |
| Can redesign / improve | Yes |
| Recommended material | ABS |
| Alternative materials | Resin |
| Print technology | FDM |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Estimated print time | 30–60 minutes |
| Estimated cost range | $6 – $15 |
| Expected lifespan | 5+ years indoors |
| Outdoor suitable | No |
| Heat resistant | No |
| Load bearing | Depends |
| Requires post-processing | No |
Ask us about this part
Many plastic parts can be recreated, repaired, redesigned, or printed, depending on size, load, heat, material, and available samples.
