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Author Topic:  Rusty Pots...
Jamie Peghiny


From:
Marlborough MA
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2009 7:14 am    
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Hi Folks,
I recently acquired a Fender Pro Duo double-8 and the volume and tone controls are very scratchy. I'd like to clean up the sound but don't want to cause any damage. What's the best way to do this?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jamie
_________________
Carter U -12, Fender Pro Duo, Martin DC28, Gibson ES175, G&L L-2000 bass, PRS Bass, Fender Vibrolux, Selmer Tenor, Buescher Alto, Conn Alto
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Felix Wolfe

 

From:
Corvallis,oregon, USA
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2009 7:29 am     Scratchy pots
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There are three approaches -you can simply replace the pots, which is expensive and takes some background, or you can take the pots apart and gently clean off the wiper area with solvent and a cotton swab, but this is also time consuming, and sometimes, the pots cannot be taken apart.

The third approach is a product called "contact cleaner." I bought the last spray can from Radio Shack, and it is applied just like you would WD 40, thru a small red plastic straw, directed into any opening in the pot. Then, you exercise the shaft back and forth until things sound better.

Note - if the resistive contact area inside the pot is actually worn away, no amount of cleaning will revive them.
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Jim Robbins

 

From:
Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2009 7:46 am    
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I had a similar question (re volume pedal pots) which was answered on this thread: http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=1165229&highlight=#1165229

The stuff they sold me at Radio Shack wrecked the pot. I haven't tried Caig which was recommended by a couple of forum members, since I had to replace the pot.
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James Williamson


From:
California & Hawaii
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2009 8:32 am     Pot Cleaning
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Jamie,

I always use Deoxit which you can get at StewMac...works great.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Supplies:_Cleaners_and_lubricants/DeoxIT_Pot_and_Switch_Cleaner.html

Good luck,

james
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Lee Baucum


From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2009 8:39 am    
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If you purchase a spray "contact cleaner" product, be sure it also has a lubricant in it.

By the way, Rusty Pots might be a good name for a band. Laughing

Lee, from South Texas
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Billy Tonnesen

 

From:
R.I.P., Buena Park, California
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2009 1:59 pm    
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Replaced old Pots with new "sealed" pots. If the old pots are not sealed, any Pot cleaner will just make them fail that much faster.
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Ken Metcalf


From:
San Antonio Texas USA
Post  Posted 23 Jun 2009 3:02 pm    
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If you replace the old pots keep them, in case down the line someone may want them depending on how old it is down the line....
it may be really old...down the line. Shocked
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MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes
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Jamie Peghiny


From:
Marlborough MA
Post  Posted 24 Jun 2009 3:41 am     Thanks!
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Thanks to all for their help with this.
I appreciate all your help.
Jamie
_________________
Carter U -12, Fender Pro Duo, Martin DC28, Gibson ES175, G&L L-2000 bass, PRS Bass, Fender Vibrolux, Selmer Tenor, Buescher Alto, Conn Alto
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 24 Jun 2009 6:46 am    
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When our pots at home get rusty, my wife uses a product called "Iron Out".
Just sprinkle some in, let it set a while and then flush. Very Happy
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