Cleaning scratchy pots on a Shuttle 6.

fettbass · #1 02-17-2011, 09:24 PM

Hey all, I have a Shuttle 6 with some scratchy pots, and I was wondering what was the best way to go about cleaning them. I was going to use some contact cleaner, but I wasn't sure how to go about getting it inside the pots. Could I foreseeably just remove the knobs and spray contact cleaner down the shaft? Are the knobs removable? If so, how? Any other advice?

DocPBlues · #2 02-17-2011, 09:33 PM

I am hoping one of the GB reps will pop into this thread, because I was wondering what kind/brand of spray they use in the factory to clean up dirty pots. I have the same problem you do except it is with a GBE 1200.

fettbass · #3 02-18-2011, 05:55 AM

I'm gonna bump this just in case there's an answer out there...

lelandcrooks · #4 02-18-2011, 06:00 AM

http://www.caig.com/

This stuff. Industry standard for years. Great product. Regular contact cleaner strips everything, leading to a scratchy pot that's shot. This stuff lubricates also.

mojosimone · #5 02-18-2011, 06:19 AM

My Shuttle 6.0 gain knob is scratchy as well. Where do you spray to take the scratch out?

mojosimone · #6 02-18-2011, 06:22 AM

Would this work?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKw1T...eature=related

Tunaman · #7 02-18-2011, 06:29 AM

Subd, my Eden Navigator is a little scratchy, its 8 years old now.

Youngspanion · #8 02-18-2011, 06:31 AM

Sorry no answer from me but I'm interested. I've got a Littlemark II with a scratchy gain knob too. Only when there is sound coming out of the cab. Not when silent. Y'know how when you turn a knob and you hear the scratch? Well I only here it when I hit a note and then turn the gain. I'm just waiting for the experts to chime in on this thread.

Foz · #9 02-18-2011, 06:36 AM

yep that's DeOxit - a Caig product.

rumblinbass · #10 02-18-2011, 06:39 AM

I wouldn't even bother trying to clean a pot. unless you take them apart you can't really get them clean. pots are cheap enough that I would just replace them.
I don't know what type of pots they are but carbon pots develop this problem over time. conductive plastic pots last longer.

JTE · #11 02-18-2011, 09:55 AM

It might work to just spray it down the shaft of the pot, but what you really want to do is get it inside the body of the pot by spraying it into the opening where the terminals are. Some pots have a small indented hole in the pot's housing that works OK too, but you need to get the De-Oxit onto the track where the wiper runs against the resistance medium. Spray, and work the pot while you're spraying by turning the pot rapidly back and forth.

I'd do that well before I started trying to replace pots in an amp. Compared to instruments, many amps have fairly specialized pots that aren't as easily sourced for reasonable money, and getting them on and off a crowded circuit board can cause a lot more damage than it's worth.

John

TyKao · #12 02-18-2011, 10:32 AM

Is using WD-40 a really bad idea? I just took the master volume knob off and sprayed that pot because it was scratchy. It seemed to work, but I don't want to cause any long term damage to it.

rumblinbass · #13 02-18-2011, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

I'd do that well before I started trying to replace pots in an amp. Compared to instruments, many amps have fairly specialized pots that aren't as easily sourced for reasonable money, and getting them on and off a crowded circuit board can cause a lot more damage than it's worth.

John

sourcing? contact the manufacturer.
yes, you do need to know how to use a soldering iron.
I guess I have an advantage over most given my professions. neither one of those points is an issue.

rumblinbass · #14 02-18-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyKao

Is using WD-40 a really bad idea? I just took the master volume knob off and sprayed that pot because it was scratchy. It seemed to work, but I don't want to cause any long term damage to it.

I would consider WD-40 a bad idea.
considering the amount of trouble and cost of proper cleaners and lubricants - I would replace the pot.
and replace it with a better quality pot.

**mikeddd** · #15 02-18-2011, 10:58 AM

I'm pretty sure WD40 contains petroleum based lubricant. I.E. Oil. Dunno about you guys, but I don't want oil in my pots.

rumblinbass · #16 02-18-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeddd

I'm pretty sure WD40 contains petroleum based lubricant. I.E. Oil. Dunno about you guys, but I don't want oil in my pots.

it usually just ends up collecting more dirt and dust.

NickfromSOS · #17 02-18-2011, 11:52 AM

I had the same issue with my Shuttle 6 and I was put in contact with Jeff Genzler who told me what to do. I used Deoxit, which Jeff recommended. Remove the top plate of the head to expose the pots from the inside. there is a small hole on the base of the pot. extend the tube to the hole and spray. Wipe away excess. rotate the knob a few times to work it in. May take a 2nd squirt. Cleared it up right away. never heard it again.

NickfromSOS · #18 02-18-2011, 11:54 AM

forgot... It won't work if you spray the rod.. has to go into the pot from the inside of the head. Use Deoxit only.. never WD40

Bassmec · #19 02-18-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickfromSOS

forgot... It won't work if you spray the rod.. has to go into the pot from the inside of the head. Use Deoxit only.. never WD40

Deoxit is good, Servisol IPA 170 is very good and leaves no film
at all.
WD 40 is good for many other things but not potentiometers.

vin*tone · #20 02-18-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickfromSOS

I had the same issue with my Shuttle 6 and I was put in contact with Jeff Genzler who told me what to do. I used Deoxit, which Jeff recommended. Remove the top plate of the head to expose the pots from the inside. there is a small hole on the base of the pot. extend the tube to the hole and spray. Wipe away excess. rotate the knob a few times to work it in. May take a 2nd squirt. Cleared it up right away. never heard it again.

This.