Pot damping on USA JB-2

bassclef29 · #1 03-20-2008, 05:06 PM

Finally, I've learned to tame the tone of my JB-2 without resorting to flatwound strings. To my satisfaction, anyway...

Here's my issue: The bass is still in as-new condition, but the pots (especially Tone) have lacked damping since Day One. You turn the knob to dial in your sound, but it doesn't stay where you put it because it spins too easily.

Onstage, I find myself having to frequently check and often, reset, the pots to maintain my desired tone. In all other respects, the pots work perfectly. They don't jiggle, they're noise-free, and so on.

Is there a way to treat, adjust or repair the pots so they don't rotate overly freely? Or do they just need to be replaced?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

saxofunk · #2 03-21-2008, 10:23 AM

Surprised no one offered help yet.

It is possible to open a pot, you may be able to open her up and bend a wiper or some little part to add resistence to the turning mechanism.

For $5 you can pick up a new CTS pot, maybe $7-10 if you don't find a cheaper source. If you're handy with soldering that may be a more certain fix.

PS - I am not an expert in this field, by any stretch of the imagination.

bassclef29 · #3 03-21-2008, 10:40 AM

Saxofunk,
Thanks for the reply. I played the bass last night and showed it to my our guitar player, who's also an expert tech. He opines that if I'm serious about talking care of the problem, I should just drop in new pots.

Rather like the balky car that runs beautifully as the mechanic test drives it, the pots seemed to have adequate damping last night. Maybe it's all in my mind.

Templar · #4 03-21-2008, 11:10 AM

Interesting. So, what is causing the pots to change position? Are you bumping into the knobs or something?

Hey, is your guitard tweeking your knobs when you're not looking? They'll do that, that's how they are. lol

saxofunk · #5 03-21-2008, 10:12 PM

Glad you found some advice from someone in the know.

Jimtoonz · #6 03-21-2008, 11:42 PM

You might try lifting the knobs and placing some thin felt washers between the knobs and the body, then pressing down on the knobs slightly while tightening the set screws. This should increase the friction enough that your settings will hold.

Infernal Affair · #7 03-22-2008, 03:34 AM

I was thinking the same thing with rubber washers, but felt is a much better idea.

bassclef29 · #8 03-22-2008, 11:30 AM

Thanks all for the replies.

I do move around onstage, but I don't smack the bass against anything or inadvertently make contact with the knobs.

The felt washer idea sounds like a plan. In all other respects, the pots work great, so I'd rather not replace 'em.