Crackly Epiphone pots

[jcoriha]

Has anyone ever had crackly volume pots in a Les Paul?

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a good replacement for the stock Epiphone pots.

[jcoriha]

It's only the like 7 to 10 on my neck Volume, and I use the neck a lot so it's a real drag for swells.

[Malcolm203]

No need to replace the pots. Get yourself some electronics cleaner (basically rubbing alcohol i think), you can find it at most electronics/hardware stores (radioshack). Strips the crap off and leaves everything else. Worked like a charm for my pedals and stuff. Squirt the stuff on, use an old toothbrush or something to scrub the pot, twist is back and forth to make sure all of the pot gets cleaned and you should be good to go.

If there's still a prob, you may have to look into the electronics...but most likely the pot is just dirty, don't waste money on replacing it.

[jcoriha]

Good call

Thanks

[Ryan_77uk]

I just sprayed my pots with WD-40 because they crackled pretty bad, but they are sweet now. You can hear NO crackling. Go get some WD-40.

[corvette]

A word of warning about WD-40.........

WD-40 is a penetrating lubricant, not a cleaner. If you spray your pots with it, eventually, they will disintegrate. I've seen a lot of amps damaged with the stuff. Better to use an electronic cleaner that evapourates, and isn't destructive.

You can clean the pots with electronic cleaner, but you should also clean the control cavity as well. A lot of times there is leftover rubbing compound dust in there, and it erodes the wiring by getting into the pots, switches, etc. You can scrub it out with a soft toothbrush and you'll be set.
BTW, scratchy controls are common in import guitars, so you're not alone.
Good Luck,
corvette

[Ryan_77uk]

What brand of electronics cleaner is best? I looked for some the other day but couldn't find any.

Thanks for the advise.

[Ryan_77uk]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=030515031300259&moduleno=4153&modulecode=

this?

[ledfloyd]

Originally posted by corvette
A word of warning about WD-40.........

WD-40 is a penetrating lubricant, not a cleaner. If you spray your pots with it, eventually, they will disintegrate. I've seen a lot of amps damaged with the stuff. Better to use an electronic cleaner that evapourates, and isn't destructive.

You can clean the pots with electronic cleaner, but you should also clean the control cavity as well. A lot of times there is leftover rubbing compound dust in there, and it erodes the wiring by getting into the pots, switches, etc. You can scrub it out with a soft toothbrush and you'll be set.
BTW, scratchy controls are common in import guitars, so you're not alone.
Good Luck,
corvette

In my experience with WD-40 you hafta keep using it regularly or it'll cause premature corrosion.

[Malcolm203]

I just used the RadioShack stuff (it comes w/ a brush thing). THere's a brand called "Blue Shower" or something, but i couldn't find it, so i shelled out the extra scrilla at RS for its availability. Its alcohol based and won't damage finish or your pots

[jacobhimself]

i say get new, high quality gibson pots.all these cleaners and **** are just a temporary fix, and they just might decide to stop working during that big show. i also reccomend changing the pickup selector on your epi guitars. they go pretty quick.

[lancita]

you might want to take the knobs off and see if you could tighten the screws on it... when i got my v i had some crackling after a little while and i had no idea what the hell it was, turned out one of the volume knobs and the tone knob were'nt screwed on as tight as they could have been....tightened them up and the problem was solved.

[corvette]

Originally posted by jacobhimself
i say get new, high quality gibson pots.all these cleaners and **** are just a temporary fix, and they just might decide to stop working during that big show. i also reccomend changing the pickup selector on your epi guitars. they go pretty quick.

Good point......THAT would certainly fix the problem!
If you're going to replace parts, then do it all the way......Audio Taper pots, a better 3 way toggle, and a better Output Jack. I use a Switchcraft 12A jack, cause they hold better than the standard fare. I also upgrade the plastic jackplate to metal, cause they're prone to breaking as well. The other thing you can do is remove about a pound and a half of excess wiring that the factory shoves in the guitar.....that will help with the noise a bit.
Myself, I shield all my guitars with Copper Foil, but that is quite expensive.
I guess it comes down to how much you want to spend.
corvette