How to clean dirty pots?

Reynolds 101 · #1 03-21-2010, 12:06 PM

My GK head has been acting up for a while and the gain and boost knob has been crackling when you move it, which I read is because of dirty pots. I'm about to go to radioshack and pick up some contact cleaner, but how do I go about actually cleaning them? Do I take apart the head? What do the pots look like and what do I spray?

Any help is appreciated.

Rick Auricchio · #2 03-21-2010, 12:27 PM

Most pots have an opening near the connectors: the metal cover doesn't seal tightly around that area. Just shoot a bit in there, then work the pot back and forth.

If you get a CAIG product it will be better than the cheap RS product. I use their "Gold" contact cleaner spray. For other connectors, the liquid DeOxit and PreservIt work well.

**baba** · #3 03-21-2010, 12:29 PM

The pots are the other side of the knob. Yes, you'll need to open the head. They are usually circular silver hockey puck looking things. Look for an opening in the casing, spray a shot in there, and turn the knob back and forth to distribute the contact cleaner. Repeat as needed until crackle free.

Rick Auricchio · #4 03-21-2010, 07:07 PM

And, of course, make sure the head is powered off (and disconnected from the power line) when you clean the pots.

Give the pots five minutes to dry thoroughly before applying power and testing.

Calaverasgrande · #5 03-21-2010, 08:04 PM

I second the Caig DeOxit or Caiglube suggestion. It is pricey, but one spray can will last the average musician a decade or more.
I wouldnt do it to often on the same pot. Give the juice a while to work. Contact cleaner will eventually clean off the resistive element in the pots if you use it too much. (never actually had it happen, but then I have been cautious).