Vol Pot replacment

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Ground Control
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Vol Pot replacment

Post by Ground Control » Fri Jul 19, 2024 1:24 pm

Hey guys, well my 1965 Fender Jaguars Vol pot it not making the complete vol sweep when turned. I have full top vol but when I turn it about1/8 turn it stats to go down in Vol but then goes dead with about 3/4 of a turn on the pot left till full down.
I will open it up and see if I can fix the issue but if not does anyone know if I can keep the outer can of the pot and just replace the guts and if so what brand. The outer pot can is the orignal with date.
Any help welcome
Cheers
I Never Fret - I just Play

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seenoevil II
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Re: Vol Pot replacment

Post by seenoevil II » Fri Jul 19, 2024 5:04 pm

Literally replaced a volume pot this afternoon. My first thought would be contact cleaner and really work the wiper.

My second thought is, replace the pot and toss the original in the case for posterity?

My third thought is, if originality is the priority here and the pot still functions, why not leave well enough alone? Maybe get a volume pedal.
If it wasn't for disappointment, I wouldn't have any appointments.

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OffYourFace
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Re: Vol Pot replacment

Post by OffYourFace » Sat Jul 20, 2024 3:39 pm

The original pot will be more valuable if you leave it alone, if you sell the guitar in the future etc. It's not worth the hassle. If it's a centralab pot, you most likely won't be able to find a modern replacement that will fit anyway. Just replacement with a good pot and enjoy.

I prefer Bourns for feel and taper but I'd just get one of the CTS 1 meg pots that Fender sells. They usually have the proper taper for a vintage Jag or JM.

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GreenKnee
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Re: Vol Pot replacment

Post by GreenKnee » Sat Jul 20, 2024 3:57 pm

Try a squirt of some contact cleaner with lubricant (there's different brands depending where in the world you are) through the small hole in to the pot. Just a small squirt and then work the pot it's full travel a few dozen times. Rinse and repeat. This has brought many dead pots back to life for me.
If this is no good, and the guitar is for playing not collecting, then just swap for a modern CTS and keep the old one in the case.

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JSett
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Re: Vol Pot replacment

Post by JSett » Sun Jul 21, 2024 2:21 pm

Pots are a consumable. They have a lifespan. Don't feel bad changing it out for a functional one...if a guitar is 'broken' the originality is a moot point. Replace, keep old one is case, enjoy.
Silly Rabbit, don't you know scooped mids are for kids?

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