switches cleaner

[mumra]

Hello.I have an alembic europa. I would like to clean my pots and switches and contacts. Can I use Deoxit D5 spray like this http://www.guitar-parts.com/catalog/deoxit-d5-contact-cleaner
that I have. Any recommendations?
Thanks

[adriaan]

They're actually self-cleaning, and sealed, so Deoxit won't even penetrate. What you can do is swipe the knobs all the way from fully closed to fully open a few dozen times. The same with the switches, and you should be done.

[mumra]

OK.thanks a lot.Actually the first 3position switch works fine but sometimes seems like it stuck a little bit between 1-2 position.But works fine in all positions.
Also when i turn a knob sometimes i can hear some scratches in tha amp.But sometimes.
Thanks

[jazzyvee]

I can vouch for that. I had a conversation with Ron Wickersham on the phone when I had problems with the knobs on my 1980 series I bass making a loud squeal sound through the speakers and in my case he suggested 300 times full rotation back and forward for each pot. The amount taken off is miniscule and you need to do it fully each way so that if there is any crud it is moved outside of the track in the pot. For now that seems to have cured the problem and if it happens again i may need new pots.

[mumra]

Thanks to all for the answers.I will try it.

[gearhed289]

I have to chime in on this. I have an '86 Distillate that had a slightly scratchy volume pot, primarily in the "9-10" position (almost-to-full volume). I tried the "rotate it it multiple times" trick and it never made any difference. So one day recently, I decided to try taking off the knob and carefully shoot some D-5 down the shaft right where it meets the threaded part for the mounting nut. And it worked! No more noise. Worth a try.

[mario_farufyno]

The pot is self cleaning, but switches also are? If a switch get stuck between positions it may have a mechanical issue, doesn't it?... and, if so, flicking it several times may be not so good idea. Just a doubt...

[mica]

The switches aren't self-cleaning, but there are conditions where mechanical cleaning will help. The lubricant can crust over or even congeal if the switch isn't used for an extended period of time. Then, when you use the switch for the first time in a long time, the crust or glop can shift positions and interfere with the contacts. By moving the switch back and forth 30 or 50 times (or more), it can break up the blockage and get access to the contacts again. Then just using it regularly keeps it healthy. If the glop is big enough, it can have a mechanical resistance that feels better once you exercise it. of course, it can also be a mechanical problem indicating the switch is ready to be replaced.

When the noise on the pot is in the 9-10 spot, it can sometimes indicate an electrical problem. If it's mechanical and can be cleaned by rotating, it's like rotating fifty or a hundred or more times or even more.

[mumra]

Thanks MIca.Im afraid that the pot problem is at 9-10.I will check it out.How much does it costs a new volume pot for my eyrope and also a 3 way switch?

The switches aren't self-cleaning, but there are conditions where mechanical cleaning will help. The lubricant can crust over or even congeal if the switch isn't used for an extended period of time. Then, when you use the switch for the first time in a long time, the crust or glop can shift positions and interfere with the contacts. By moving the switch back and forth 30 or 50 times (or more), it can break up the blockage and get access to the contacts again. Then just using it regularly keeps it healthy. If the glop is big enough, it can have a mechanical resistance that feels better once you exercise it. of course, it can also be a mechanical problem indicating the switch is ready to be replaced.

When the noise on the pot is in the 9-10 spot, it can sometimes indicate an electrical problem. If it's mechanical and can be cleaned by rotating, it's like rotating fifty or a hundred or more times or even more.