FORWARD:

A major part of the Microwave XT/XTk's visual character, as designed, is comprised of the knobs that Waldorf originally implemented. At first, for the "Nextel-painted" Microwave versions, the style of knob was the larger, light gray, "garbage can." Then, for subsequent versions (non-Nextel paint), the taller and thinner "cooling tower" style was used. It is these knobs, IMHO, that are the best-looking and most visually appealing, and they complement the Microwave XT/XTk's unique style exquisitely.

The original knobs are composed of dark gray and hard rubber which match the synth's push-buttons. The knobs are actually a two-piece design, with a cap held loosely atop the "tower." They also have a unique "finger feel" due to the textured rubber. Unfortunately, age and environmental conditions are not, and have not been, kind to the rubber. Many Microwave owners have suffered from cracked, loose, crumbling, or otherwise failing knobs, or perhaps a few caps here and there have fallen off and were lost into oblivion.

Your Microwave XT/XTk may be experiencing these same problems. If so, you may be considering a few options:

1) find a set of the OEM rubber knobs, which are all on borrowed time, and NOT paying a fortune for them; 2) going with a set of the "upgraded" Q knobs; or 3) finding a run-of-the-mill knob from Digi-Key, or Mouser, and completely ruining the character, look, and feel of your precious Microwave XT/XTk.

I say, however, "STOP!!! Don't replace your fragile Microwave XT/XTk knobs with originals that are on still on borrowed time, or the Q knobs, or worse: something else entirely! Instead, go with high-quality REPLICAS of the ORIGINAL design, as intended by Waldorf. Keep your vintage Microwave XT/XTk vintage and true to the original character!"

ABOUT THESE REPLICAS [PLEASE READ]:

The style of "cooling tower," parameter knobs are EXTREMELY rare, if not "Unobtanium," parts for the Waldorf Microwave XT and Microwave XTk (keyboard).

This sale is for a total of 46 pieces, making up the complete set of 44 knobs, plus 2 extras, as follows:

• 44 parameter knobs, DARK GRAY color, with matching texture and appearance of the original,
• 2 parameter knobs, RED color, as a value-added option/choice to change-out the color of the Wavetable and Filter Cutoff knobs, which pays homage to the first iteration of the Microwave XT! These knobs also have the same matching texture and appearance of the gray knobs.
• (*) ...plus 1 small bottle of clear nail polish. Why? The casting of the original knobs was very difficult, and in the process, I could not replicate the "tension" and snugness that the original rubber once provided. Therefore, the replicas *MAY* need a bit of clear nail polish applied to the pot/encoder shaft's FLAT side, single thin coat, to help it hold snugly and securely on the shaft. The knob is applied once the nail polish is fully dry. COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS ARE INCLUDED. Past buyers have reported that the knobs fit perfectly right out of the box; no need to do anything extra! 😁
  

The knobs are high quality and handmade--by me!--replicas of the actual and original Waldorf parts. The knobs are not 3D printed. Instead, I use a process called high-pressure plastic casting. The quality of the end-product is very high, and the knob itself will look and feel like the original.

DISCLAIMER:

• Since this set is a large number of knobs, it is made-to-order. Therefore, please allow at least 7 days of lead time before shipment.
• Please know that some slight imperfections may exist in the replicas as the original parts were imperfect themselves. My originals actually started to crumble and fall apart towards the end of the process!
• Very minor casting errors may be present on one or more knobs.
• I try my best to color-match all the knobs within the entire lot, from knob to knob, and also against the Microwave XT/XTk's buttons/main dial. However, there may be some slight variations in color, though they will be as minimal as possible.
• Each knob is test-fitted for quality assurance on my own Microwave XT. If a knob doesn't make the cut, then it doesn't get included in the set!
• Depending on your actual synth, knobs may need to be snugged-up to your Microwave's encoder shafts with a thin coat of clear nail polish (included). COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS ARE INCLUDED.
  

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SHIPPING:

• Knobs will be shipped securely in USPS Priority Flat-Rate (small) box.
• Worldwide, international shipping available using the same USPS Priority Flat-Rate (small) box. Please note that delivery to your actual location may take 10-15 days, sometimes longer.
• Tracking number with delivery confirmation will be provided.
• Shipping costs are flat rate and based on the average of modern, actual costs shipped to past, real locations around around the world. Furthermore, eBay takes out seller and payment processing fees on the total monies collected for shipping, including tax/VAT, so a bit of extra calculation makes up for that. However, if for some reason I grossly overestimated, then I will refund you the difference. I will never charge you more if it's the other way around.

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