Rusty Pots...

Jamie Peghiny · Post by **Jamie Peghiny** » 23 Jun 2009 7:14 am

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

Felix Wolfe · Post by **Felix Wolfe** » 23 Jun 2009 7:29 am

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.

Jim Robbins · Post by **Jim Robbins** » 23 Jun 2009 7:46 am

I had a similar question (re volume pedal pots) which was answered on this thread: http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... t=#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.

James Williamson · Post by **James Williamson** » 23 Jun 2009 8:32 am

Jamie,

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

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics ... eaner.html

Good luck,

james

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 23 Jun 2009 8:39 am

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.

Lee, from South Texas

Billy Tonnesen · Post by **Billy Tonnesen** » 23 Jun 2009 1:59 pm

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.

Ken Metcalf · Post by **Ken Metcalf** » 23 Jun 2009 3:02 pm

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.

Jamie Peghiny · Post by **Jamie Peghiny** » 24 Jun 2009 3:41 am

Thanks to all for their help with this.
I appreciate all your help.
Jamie

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 24 Jun 2009 6:46 am

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.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Rusty Pots...

Rusty Pots...

Scratchy pots

Pot Cleaning

Thanks!