The Steel Guitar Forum

Got too much static, much change it out. Is this a job I can do, given I am electronic idiot, or should I trust it to a pro? Help!

I think I would try cleaning it first with tuner cleaner from radiop shack. then if it is still noise watch how you take out the old one and put it the new one the same way

In almost every case if the pot is scratchy, it will ultimately have to be replaced. You can "clean" it but at best it will only buy you a little time, but it will have to be replaced. If it's dirty then the thin resistance band in the pot is wearing off and it won't be long even if you do clean it.

As far as changing one, it's not that big of a job, just keep track of the string and the wiring so you can get it back together properly. Also remember, as with all electronic wiring, only use rosin core solder.

Speaking of string. Does anyone know where to buy replacement string for Goodrich pedals?

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D. Crook
Left-Handed Super-Pro

The directions for replacing a new pot can be found in the PSGA Newsletter 1995, volume 22 issue # 7.
Don

David, check out this page. It's on the Carter Info site, directions written by Jeff Newman. It may not match your pedal model exactly, but they are pretty friendly directions.

www.steelguitarinfo.com/other/volumepedal/pot_change.html

Good luck, Bob<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bob Kagy on 14 March 2000 at 10:55 AM.]</p></FONT>

Do not use RadioShack cleaner
(or any cleaners that contain silicone).
I recommend that you find the anti-oxide / reconditioner.
It comes in a spray can, unfortunately the can costs about
20 to 25 dollars... the price of a new pot. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by db on 14 March 2000 at 03:45 PM.]</p></FONT>

Hello David,
I had a pot going bad in my Goodrich and I tried the old cleaner trick. The trouble is those tone pots contain a graphite substance and when I sprayed it in, it washed it out. It may or may not buy you any time.I think when they start going bad you can put out the fire and call in the dogs.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by John Moss on 14 March 2000 at 07:12 PM.]</p></FONT>

I agree with John.you're not supposed to spray any thing in the pot(according to the note that came with my last pot). Their not that difficult to change, you can do it, just take your time. Alex

Jack Stoner,
I recall you are an expert on the Clairostat replacement 500K J taper. Do you recommend a source for buying a replacement pot? Steel guitar type suppliers charge $25 and up for that silly little device.

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Terry Downs
http://nightshift.net
terry@nightshift.net

Terry, the last I heard, that particular pot is a "special order" item from Clarostat. It's in their product list, but not a generally stocked item and many times they have to make a production run of them when someone orders them. The distributor or "oem" price on these when bought in quantity was almost $12 ea and that was 4 or 5 years ago, and the price is probably higher now and accounts for the high "retail" price.

I've tried several large electronics wholesalers and none of the ones I checked (including Mouser in Dallas) can get them. There is no other substitute that has the same resistance taper.

Terry , I just got one from Bobbe Seymour .
See his web site at
http://www.steelguitar.net
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Bo Borland
All my gear is "vintage" now. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bo Borland on 19 March 2000 at 06:37 AM.]</p></FONT>

Thanks guys.

Jack do you know the characteristics of the taper. I am familiar with log and audio standard tapers. Is the pot we are talking about a J taper. Is it special for volume pedal applications? Does it translate the mechanical movement of the volume pedal depression angle to to rotational angle?

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Terry Downs
http://nightshift.net
terry@nightshift.net

Terry it's the taper on the resistance element. I was told once, how the taper was set up, but I don't remember and don't want to say something is wrong. But it has to do with how the taper is on the first 25% of the rotation, compared to the rest. Mechanically there's nothing special about the pot other than it was originally made for the military and made to military specs, which included being closed (sealed), the thickness of the resistance element, etc.

You should have no trouble changing that pot as along as you have four hands and they all can fit inside your pedal at once.

David ... here's a <FONT SIZE=+1>link</FONT> to 2 articles <FONT SIZE=-2>(see "Pedal Pot Noise" by Phillip Goodrich and "Changing the Pot" by Jeff Newman)</FONT>, which shed some light on your noise question and provide instructions on how to change the pot.

<FONT SIZE=-2>Ann Fabian
Carter Steel Guitars
www.steelguitar.com
The Steel Guitar Information Resource
www.steelguitarINFO.com


</FONT>

Dan: I believe the string is just common fishing leader. At least that was what I was told 20 years ago, and that is what I have used in the past.

If I am not mistaken George L sells the string.In my opinion it is not like most fishing line.

Never heard about using fishing string,but it might be worth a try.

Might also check Carter Steel Guitars,seems I might have seen some there.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by louie hallford on 25 March 2000 at 11:39 AM.]</p></FONT>