Volume pot stuck What to do?

Jetpack

Joined: May 28, 2008
Posts: 333
Los Angeles
United States

Posted on May 04 2009 04:04 PM

Real '65 Mustang has dial stuck. Should I pour Liquid Wrench all over it or take it to a tech or what? Swapping it out is not an answer, of course.

—

www.jetpackband.com
https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand

Top

Ben

Joined: Feb 11, 2007
Posts: 591
Encinitas, Ca

Posted on May 04 2009 04:21 PM

Liquid Wrench???

Yeah...you better just take it to a tech!!!

If you wanted to be a little more scientific I would suggest you remove the pickguard for access to the pot and try some electrical contact cleaner/lubricant available at Radio Shack. Spray directly into the pot, let soak a few minutes and try turning again. Unless the pot is completely fried, a couple shots should loosen it up.

Good Luck

Top

JakeDobner

Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
5 News Pins

Posted on May 04 2009 04:24 PM

I have no idea what liquid wrench is. It may need a lubricant or some de-oxit. Try the de-oxit first. And then keep turning it while you apply it.

Replacing it should be a valid answer. Even if you get the pot working again. You don't want it to happen again to the point where it may be damaged for good this time. This happened to one of my Jazzmasters. I just swapped the pot and I'll put the real one back in when it comes time to sale the guitar.

Top

Brian

Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19333
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
United States

Posted on May 04 2009 04:30 PM

I second the pot cleaner from Radio shack idea.

—

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

Top

Ben

Joined: Feb 11, 2007
Posts: 591
Encinitas, Ca

Posted on May 04 2009 04:57 PM

Liquid Wrench is for rusty muffler bolts...etc.

And it would probably loosen up that stuck pot too.....But, something like De-oxit or Radio Shack stuff is the way to go.

You might try taking the knob off, shoot some spray into the pot, and turn the shaft with pliers gently. If that doesn't work, then Jake is right...the thing may be shot. Just change it and save the original in a little plastic bag somewhere.

Top

Voodoo_Idol

Joined: Jul 30, 2008
Posts: 94
Pasadena, CA

Posted on May 04 2009 07:12 PM

i have a stacked pot in an old danelectro with a very limited range of motion for the tone control. i've been putting up with it but now want to repair it. in my research i came across this website that covers some of the mechanics of how pots work. in my case i surmise the plastic knob is caught between the stops instead of outside the stops (i.e. assembled wrong). maybe it will give you some ideas.

http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/potsecrets/potscret.htm

Top

TvD

Joined: Mar 03, 2006
Posts: 81
Toronto
1 Link Pin

Posted on May 04 2009 09:32 PM

I've got no idea why swapping it out isn't acceptable. It's likely the correct solution.

Hit it with some contact cleaner and let it soak for a bit. Lighter fluid might work if it's beer or something hardened under the knob.

—

Trevor von Drat

http://www.myspace.com/vondrats

Top

Jetpack

Joined: May 28, 2008
Posts: 333
Los Angeles
United States

Posted on May 05 2009 12:38 AM

I just like having one older guitar all original and this was it. Oh well. Replacing the pot seems to be the way to go now. I took the advice way above and went to the Shack and bought the cleaner. Worked it in there after removing the knob plate and slowly moved the dial back and forth. It is loose, but has no function on the volume anymore. While I am at it, I should replace the trem springs too. Any thoughts who has good ones for it?

—

www.jetpackband.com
https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand

Top

Woodsurfer

Joined: Feb 07, 2009
Posts: 310
Bel Air, MD USA

Posted on May 05 2009 05:58 AM

"All original" + "non-working" = "wall-hanger"

-- Woody

—

It takes a lot of mussel memory to avoid clams.

Top

SURFmole

Joined: Nov 22, 2007
Posts: 901
Portland, OR
United States

Posted on May 06 2009 03:26 AM

I love the vintage guitar buyer mentality...replace nothing at all costs!!

You don't see people with classic cars refusing to change the brake pads or have the rotors resurfaced due to not wanting to devalue them! I don't see why people are afraid to replace caps in an amp, get a fret job, or replace an input jack or pot assuming they actually want to PLAY the instruments ?? If you just bought it for an investment there are better ways to spend your money...although with the current economy guitars aren't too bad!

—

www.apollo4.com

Top

Jetpack

Joined: May 28, 2008
Posts: 333
Los Angeles
United States

Posted on May 06 2009 03:41 AM

Didn't I write that I AM going to replace it? I think it says that very clearly. And previously, I said swapping it out was not an option as I thought it was just stuck, not broken, as that would be overkill because I thought it could easily be loosened. I just asked what to spray on there. Now that it is loose but I know it still doesn't work it will be replaced. That and I said I want to replace the trem springs too. Pretty far away from collector mentality.

—

www.jetpackband.com
https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand

Top

Surfabilly

Joined: Apr 21, 2006
Posts: 852
Connersville, Indiana, USA
7 Contributor Pins

Posted on May 06 2009 01:26 PM

SURFmole
I love the vintage guitar buyer mentality...replace nothing at all costs!!

The vintage organ collectors can be worse. I've seen plenty of examples, on the HamTech (Hammond Technical) e-mail list of one thinking that only Hammond Tone Wheel Generator oil should be used in their Hammond tone wheel generators. There are a number of Hammond technicians, some having 30+ years of experience, telling them "go buy Singer sewing machine/light machine oil, and pay way less than what the Hammond branded stuff goes for on sleazeBay." But do they listen? NOOOOooooo! I paid (US) $2.75 for a 4 ounce (118 ml) bottle of Singer Machine Oil. If it said Hammond on the bottle, I think triple or quadruple that price would be a conservative estimate for the sleazeBay market.

So one of these days, just so y'all know, whenever I get myself motivated to actually record my original instrumental creations, it's likely there could be a Hammond organ - an M2 spinet, but oh well - in the mix.

Matt

—

Fast Cars & Loud Guitars!

Top

SURFmole

Joined: Nov 22, 2007
Posts: 901
Portland, OR
United States

Posted on May 11 2009 01:23 AM

Jetpack
Didn't I write that I AM going to replace it? I think it says that very clearly. And previously, I said swapping it out was not an option as I thought it was just stuck, not broken, as that would be overkill because I thought it could easily be loosened. I just asked what to spray on there. Now that it is loose but I know it still doesn't work it will be replaced. That and I said I want to replace the trem springs too. Pretty far away from collector mentality.

Hey Jetpack...no need to get defensive. I didn't put your name on my post as an example or anything...just making general (related) conversation. If the shoe doesn't fit don't wear it

—

www.apollo4.com

Top

Bengal65

Joined: Oct 12, 2008
Posts: 142
Houston, TX

Posted on May 16 2009 08:39 PM

RS Guitar works has the best pots. They are CTS with higher tolerences. I have bought dozens of them. They are very precise. A little more expensive than a run in the mill CTS, but they are worth it.
http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/index.php?cPath=45_65

Top

Jetpack Joined: May 28, 2008 Posts: 333 Los Angeles	Posted on May 04 2009 04:04 PM Real '65 Mustang has dial stuck. Should I pour Liquid Wrench all over it or take it to a tech or what? Swapping it out is not an answer, of course. — www.jetpackband.com https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand Top
Ben Joined: Feb 11, 2007 Posts: 591 Encinitas, Ca	Posted on May 04 2009 04:21 PM Liquid Wrench??? Yeah...you better just take it to a tech!!! If you wanted to be a little more scientific I would suggest you remove the pickguard for access to the pot and try some electrical contact cleaner/lubricant available at Radio Shack. Spray directly into the pot, let soak a few minutes and try turning again. Unless the pot is completely fried, a couple shots should loosen it up. Good Luck Top
JakeDobner Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 12159 Seattle	Posted on May 04 2009 04:24 PM I have no idea what liquid wrench is. It may need a lubricant or some de-oxit. Try the de-oxit first. And then keep turning it while you apply it. Replacing it should be a valid answer. Even if you get the pot working again. You don't want it to happen again to the point where it may be damaged for good this time. This happened to one of my Jazzmasters. I just swapped the pot and I'll put the real one back in when it comes time to sale the guitar. Top
Brian Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 19333 Des Moines, Iowa, USA	Posted on May 04 2009 04:30 PM I second the pot cleaner from Radio shack idea. — Site dude - S3 Agent #202 Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me "It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea Top
Ben Joined: Feb 11, 2007 Posts: 591 Encinitas, Ca	Posted on May 04 2009 04:57 PM Liquid Wrench is for rusty muffler bolts...etc. And it would probably loosen up that stuck pot too.....But, something like De-oxit or Radio Shack stuff is the way to go. You might try taking the knob off, shoot some spray into the pot, and turn the shaft with pliers gently. If that doesn't work, then Jake is right...the thing may be shot. Just change it and save the original in a little plastic bag somewhere. Top
Voodoo_Idol Joined: Jul 30, 2008 Posts: 94 Pasadena, CA	Posted on May 04 2009 07:12 PM i have a stacked pot in an old danelectro with a very limited range of motion for the tone control. i've been putting up with it but now want to repair it. in my research i came across this website that covers some of the mechanics of how pots work. in my case i surmise the plastic knob is caught between the stops instead of outside the stops (i.e. assembled wrong). maybe it will give you some ideas. http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/potsecrets/potscret.htm Top
TvD Joined: Mar 03, 2006 Posts: 81 Toronto	Posted on May 04 2009 09:32 PM I've got no idea why swapping it out isn't acceptable. It's likely the correct solution. Hit it with some contact cleaner and let it soak for a bit. Lighter fluid might work if it's beer or something hardened under the knob. — Trevor von Drat http://www.myspace.com/vondrats Top
Jetpack Joined: May 28, 2008 Posts: 333 Los Angeles	Posted on May 05 2009 12:38 AM I just like having one older guitar all original and this was it. Oh well. Replacing the pot seems to be the way to go now. I took the advice way above and went to the Shack and bought the cleaner. Worked it in there after removing the knob plate and slowly moved the dial back and forth. It is loose, but has no function on the volume anymore. While I am at it, I should replace the trem springs too. Any thoughts who has good ones for it? — www.jetpackband.com https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand Top
Woodsurfer Joined: Feb 07, 2009 Posts: 310 Bel Air, MD USA	Posted on May 05 2009 05:58 AM "All original" + "non-working" = "wall-hanger" -- Woody — It takes a lot of mussel memory to avoid clams. Top
SURFmole Joined: Nov 22, 2007 Posts: 901 Portland, OR	Posted on May 06 2009 03:26 AM I love the vintage guitar buyer mentality...replace nothing at all costs!! You don't see people with classic cars refusing to change the brake pads or have the rotors resurfaced due to not wanting to devalue them! I don't see why people are afraid to replace caps in an amp, get a fret job, or replace an input jack or pot assuming they actually want to PLAY the instruments ?? If you just bought it for an investment there are better ways to spend your money...although with the current economy guitars aren't too bad! — www.apollo4.com Top
Jetpack Joined: May 28, 2008 Posts: 333 Los Angeles	Posted on May 06 2009 03:41 AM Didn't I write that I AM going to replace it? I think it says that very clearly. And previously, I said swapping it out was not an option as I thought it was just stuck, not broken, as that would be overkill because I thought it could easily be loosened. I just asked what to spray on there. Now that it is loose but I know it still doesn't work it will be replaced. That and I said I want to replace the trem springs too. Pretty far away from collector mentality. — www.jetpackband.com https://www.facebook.com/JetpackTheBand Top
Surfabilly Joined: Apr 21, 2006 Posts: 852 Connersville, Indiana, USA	Posted on May 06 2009 01:26 PM SURFmole I love the vintage guitar buyer mentality...replace nothing at all costs!! The vintage organ collectors can be worse. I've seen plenty of examples, on the HamTech (Hammond Technical) e-mail list of one thinking that only Hammond Tone Wheel Generator oil should be used in their Hammond tone wheel generators. There are a number of Hammond technicians, some having 30+ years of experience, telling them "go buy Singer sewing machine/light machine oil, and pay way less than what the Hammond branded stuff goes for on sleazeBay." But do they listen? NOOOOooooo! I paid (US) $2.75 for a 4 ounce (118 ml) bottle of Singer Machine Oil. If it said Hammond on the bottle, I think triple or quadruple that price would be a conservative estimate for the sleazeBay market. So one of these days, just so y'all know, whenever I get myself motivated to actually record my original instrumental creations, it's likely there could be a Hammond organ - an M2 spinet, but oh well - in the mix. Matt — Fast Cars & Loud Guitars! Top
SURFmole Joined: Nov 22, 2007 Posts: 901 Portland, OR	Posted on May 11 2009 01:23 AM Jetpack Didn't I write that I AM going to replace it? I think it says that very clearly. And previously, I said swapping it out was not an option as I thought it was just stuck, not broken, as that would be overkill because I thought it could easily be loosened. I just asked what to spray on there. Now that it is loose but I know it still doesn't work it will be replaced. That and I said I want to replace the trem springs too. Pretty far away from collector mentality. Hey Jetpack...no need to get defensive. I didn't put your name on my post as an example or anything...just making general (related) conversation. If the shoe doesn't fit don't wear it — www.apollo4.com Top
Bengal65 Joined: Oct 12, 2008 Posts: 142 Houston, TX	Posted on May 16 2009 08:39 PM RS Guitar works has the best pots. They are CTS with higher tolerences. I have bought dozens of them. They are very precise. A little more expensive than a run in the mill CTS, but they are worth it. http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/index.php?cPath=45_65 Top

SurfGuitar101 Forums » Gear »

Volume pot stuck What to do?