lpdeluxe
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Post by lpdeluxe on May 12, 2006 12:23:27 GMT -5
I am sure others have run into this problem: I pulled my '63 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gent out of the case after a number of years and found that the volume pots would no longer turn. I plugged it in and got no sound, which I expected, since I have always had the habit of turning the volume pots off when I put it away.
I would rather not replace the original pots, obviously, but would like to know if resurrection is likely? I sprayed in each pot with some contact cleaner, but if that doesn't work I don't know what the next step would be (I bought new 500 KOhm pots if I end up having to replace them).
Any advice would be welcome.
Oh yeah, to answer your question: because I've been playing a Les Paul goldtop instead!
edited to correct pot value to 500KOhm
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Post by sumgai on May 12, 2006 14:43:41 GMT -5
lp, If the pots remain frozen after spraying contact cleaner onto the working surface (the resistance element and the wiper, in the main body), then you need to deposit several drops of machine oil down the shaft itself. 3-in-1 brand is good, but there are others. Don't go overboard, as this stuff will collect dirt like you wouldn't believe, but it should free up the shaft. (If you do get any more on the part, then take it all apart and clean out the residue, or you'll be doing it later, to clean out all the collected dirt.) If you feel like spraying something like Liquid Wrench down the shaft - stop! The official word is, never spray anything down a shaft - you will overdose the poor pot by about a million to one. You could, however, spray into a container, then use an eyedropper to pick up that film of oil, and deposit a small amount of that on the shaft, that would work. Why did it lock up in the first place? Good question. I'd vote for sweat, that always does the trick. Like anything else that is designed to move, you have to exercise it once in awhile. HTH sumgai
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lpdeluxe
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Post by lpdeluxe on May 12, 2006 15:43:47 GMT -5
Thank you, Mr Sumgai.
It's not sweat, more likely humidity here in East Texas. It's true that lack of use is a factor, mea culpa.I'll try your method. The goal isn't so much a "vintage" instrument as a playable onel
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Post by pollyshero on May 12, 2006 17:50:23 GMT -5
Radio Shack Tuner Cleaner has never done me wrong.
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Post by Runewalker on May 12, 2006 18:24:58 GMT -5
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Post by UnklMickey on May 12, 2006 19:40:55 GMT -5
more likely humidity here in East Texas. that'll do it! humidity + temperature changes = condensation. condensation + dissimialar metals = electrolysis. electrolylsis x time = corrosion. i fear the mild approach might not be enough. but, try it first, of course. you may have to use LiquidWrench (get the liquid type), Sili-Kroil, or something even more aggressive. protect the guitar finish from an accidental drip. put a drop between the shaft and bushing. just let it work it's way down. gravity is your friend. let it sit for a while. (1/2 to 1 Hr.) put another drop on. wait. but the knob back on and try to turn it, but don't be too aggressive. if it doesn't turn, read my signature line, take the knob off, and start again. if, after a few attempts, no success, go the replacement route. it may be a p-i-t-a, but sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do. we'll have a good thought for you, unk
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lpdeluxe
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Post by lpdeluxe on May 13, 2006 11:10:31 GMT -5
Thank you all. Apologies to sumgai, if I misinterpreted gender, or otherwise abused my privileges here.
So far the RS contact cleaner has soaked in, but the shafts still don't turn. I tried Dan Erlewine's method of spraying in cleaner until it ran out (being careful to put a paper towel under to catch the overage) but that hasn't had any effect. Next up is to buy some Liquid Wrench.
In the course of all this I spoke to the local music store owner, who cautioned me not to disturb the originality...he sold a Bigsby solid-body instrument a couple of years ago for $50K, so I trust his judgment.
Next up is to look for a source for the oval black plastic rear body cover (it resides under the snap-on vinyl pad). The original is warped all around its perimeter, making it very difficult to remove the screws. I'm not sure if I'll even be able to reinstall it.
In fact, I am thinking that it's time to sell Chester, and get something I play more often.
Thanks again. I'll keep everyone posted.
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Post by sumgai on May 16, 2006 4:30:45 GMT -5
Rune, Hey, I'll take a promotion anywhere I can get it!
sumgai
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Post by sumgai on May 16, 2006 4:32:24 GMT -5
lp, No harm, no foul, so the drinks are on me! sumgai p.s. Check the avatar to the left - that really is me!
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lpdeluxe
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Post by lpdeluxe on May 16, 2006 11:10:35 GMT -5
Quite a handsome portrait, at that. ;D As to the pots: they never freed up, so I replaced them with new CTS 500K pots. I had to exchange one that had splines instead of a smooth shaft, but that wasn't much (the store is 1 mile from here). Ol' Chester's making music again. His neck got straightened last week (the last truss rod adjustment was in the '80's ); I restrung him with D'Addario Medium electrics (.049-.011, with a wound 3rd). Bigsbys don't like slinkies! Everything is now very cool. Tonight he goes to rehearsal with me so the guitarist can check him out (I play bass). Finally, the original pots went into a ziplock bag, just in case....
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Post by sumgai on May 16, 2006 16:35:51 GMT -5
lp, Good plan! One can never tell if or when the guitar's resale value might be saved from a dump in the toilet by having the original parts on hand, even if they've gone gunnysack.
sumgai
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