KevmanTA Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 Hey guys, I haven't really owned any electric older than 98, so I'm not really sure what to do with this, when I turn the volume or tone up on all 4 pots, I get a crackling noise, Should I change the pots, or is there a way to use tuner cleaner without taking them out? I'm taking it apart in a few weeks when I get my Neck Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Pup in the mail, so I got some time.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93DMTX1281734249 Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 ...is there a way to use tuner cleaner without taking them out? Don't have an opinion on this, but saw it the other day and thought it was interesting. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Electronics,_pickups/Pot_Cleaning_Cap.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=1320 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexygibson Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 I don't see why you would have take them out. Just remove the cover from the back to gain access to the cavity. You should be able to clean them just fine from there. I use WD40 and a good quality contact cleaner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93DMTX1281734249 Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 I'm not sure I'd do the WD40...I'd stick to something like DeoxIT. I think the WD40 would work for a while but eventually attract gunk. That's just my opinion though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevmanTA Posted May 20, 2010 Author Share Posted May 20, 2010 Well, I'm apprenticing as an Electrician, and work for a company who has large supplies of Contact cleaner, we also have a electrical lubricant.. I believe it's called Lubitall, from NASCHEM.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hungrycat Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 DON'T use WD-40. It WILL drastically shorten the life of the pot. Use a cleaner designed for electronic components. Available at Radio Shack and sores of that nature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexygibson Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 These guys may know more about electronics than myself so you may want to take their advice but the WD40 has worked for me in cases where contact cleaner alone did not. What would be a safe replacement for the WD40 ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93DMTX1281734249 Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 I've used the Deoxit products for years including professionally in a past life. WD40 will leave a residue that attracts and holds onto dust and gunk. Google "WD-40 on electronics" and read both sides of the debate. I think you'll come to the same conclusion that I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 Hey guys' date=' I haven't really owned any electric older than 98, so I'm not really sure what to do with this, when I turn the volume or tone up on all 4 pots, I get a crackling noise, Should I change the pots, or is there a way to use tuner cleaner without taking them out? I'm taking it apart in a few weeks when I get my Neck Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Pup in the mail, so I got some time..[/quote'] Changing the pots is always a good option unless you're keeping the git stock/vintage. I'm familiar with the products previously discussed, have not seen post as to HOW to do it, with pots either in or out of guitar. Some use a device that fits over TOP of pot, goes down thru shaft sleeve to reach contact point. I just go in thru the side, even if pots are still in guitar. The following method has worked for ME many times, others may have differing opinion! THE POT: (Mechanical contacts are inside the opening behind the solder tabs) A SPRAY: (De-oxit is good, I use what I have on hand) SPRAY HERE: Obviously, not while git is energized, spray is Flammable. Just a few quick sprays while turning pot knob back and forth several times to help clean contact surfaces. Then allow time for contact cleaner to evaporate from inside pot before energizing, use hair dryer on cool to help if you want. After cleaner has evaporated, plug up and see if it worked.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gl297 Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 When using an electrical cleaner be careful around the finish of the guitar and especially plastic parts. I used some electrical cleaner once (I forget what brand) on a collectable toy machine gun and it bleached the green plastic to a white color where it ran down the side of the gun. kinda ruined it. Just a note to anyone using this stuff. btw the can said it was safe for plastics,etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 When using an electrical cleaner be careful around the finish of the guitar and especially plastic parts. Thanks' date=' GL! I zoned out on that part! [drool] Damn, now the Wizard will NEVER give me a brain.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tflanster Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 Hey guys' date=' I haven't really owned any electric older than 98, so I'm not really sure what to do with this, when I turn the volume or tone up on all 4 pots, I get a crackling noise, Should I change the pots, or is there a way to use tuner cleaner without taking them out? I'm taking it apart in a few weeks when I get my Neck Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Pup in the mail, so I got some time..[/quote'] I have a '92 LP that developed noisy pots. I bought a can of spray electronic component cleaner from Radio Shack. Took the cover off the pot compartment, sprayed the pots while turning the knobs. Voila! Noise disappeared! I also have one of those little plug-in headphone amps from VOX. The controls became noisy on that little bugger too. There's no way to get it apart. I tried squirting the solvent into the pot knob area which did nothing. So figuring the amp was pretty much worthless anyway, I squirted a big shot of cleaner into the earphone plug hole. It worked. I guess the pots are open, no covers, so the solvent got on the wipers and carbon resistor and cleaned it up. Then I got "solvent happy" and started squirting on the switches and pots on all my guitars and amp pots. So far so good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93DMTX1281734249 Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 I also have one of those little plug-in headphone amps from VOX. The controls became noisy on that little bugger too. Hmmm...I'll have to give mine a big shot too...that thing's pots took no time to get scratchy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Buffalo Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 Note to all: Some contact cleaners are safe to use on energized circuits - some are not. Make sure you read the label & follow instructions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeks Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 I don't see why you would have take them out. Just remove the cover from the back to gain access to the cavity. You should be able to clean them just fine from there. I use WD40 and a good quality contact cleaner. DO NOT USE WD-40. WD-40 leaves a lubricant behind after use and that will simply invite and hold MORE dirt on the contacts. USE LPS CONTACT CLEANER It usually comes with a little thin long round red tube taped to the can... you can use the tube to get into tight spaces to srpay. The little tube will fit into the gab between the phonelic-resistor board and the metal cover of a pot (potentiometer) where the 3 solder lugs are located. We used it in the military. It works. I used it for 9 years' date=' restoring antique radios. It works and leaves NO FILM behind. Any film left behind WILL collect and hold dirt and dust to give you much grief later. [img']http://www.caloly-safety.com/images_products/plant_280/lps_00416.jpg[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvar Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 Yes DO NOT USE WD40 It has kerosene in its makeup- that can't be good for the thin carbon strips inside the pot, plus, as said before, it will encourage more dirt and crap buildup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GladToBeBack Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 Use a cleaner designed for electronic components. Available at Radio Shack and sores of that nature. i work at a Radio Shack and we carry an Contact/Control Cleaner/Lubricant spray. Guys use them on their guitars all the time. Myself and one of my employees included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeks Posted August 6, 2010 Share Posted August 6, 2010 i work at a Radio Shack and we carry an Contact/Control Cleaner/Lubricant spray. Guys use them on their guitars all the time. Myself and one of my employees included. Rat Shack contact cleaner leaves a lube behind.... so does WD-40. Bad idea' date=' as the [b']lube WILL TRAP AND HOLD dirt and dust[/b]. You want to clean ONLY and leave nothing behind. These are not wheel bearings, they are potentiometers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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