How do you clean pot?

[mplsdeadhead92]

Alright, alright, everybody simmer down, I'm talking potentiometers here.  I've got some scratchy noises in some of the tone control and volume knobs on my '78 series II.  Is there some safe way of removing the dust that is probably causing this?

[xlrogue6]

Nope--the pots are sealed, so replacement is the only option.  The pots aren't cheap, but replacing them every 25 years isn't a terribly demanding maintenance schedule!

[elzie]

Were they completely sealed on that? Are there seeds stuck in them??? It would make sense that if they were completely sealed, there wouldn't be any dust or dirt in them.  
 
 If they are not, get yourself to an electronics store and get some pot/tv tuner cleaner.  
 
If they are, while you are at the same store, buy some new ones, but make sure to write down all the info from the original ones.  
 
Personally, I use compressed air or alcohol (rubbing, not drinking!) and compressed air to blow them out. However, not everyone has an air compressor so this may not be an option.  
 
The Other Paul
 
(Message edited by elzie on August 14, 2003)

[mplsdeadhead92]

Thanks guys, I have a service request in for some other stuff, when I get through with that stuff, I'll discuss rehabbing the electronics with the kind folks in northern California.  I'll peek inside and see if their sealed on this early of an instrument.  BTW -- this is an awesome board....
 
Ted

[mica]

The pots on your 1978 shuld be identical to the ones we use now and they are sealed. If you haven't used the bass in a while, simply rotating the pots back and forth about 10-15 time should clear them (they are self-cleaning). Once enough of the 15 wipers decay, you will need to get replacements.  
 
Try the rotation cleaning first, as the replacments are expensive (it's why they have such a long service life).  
 
Glad you're enjoying the board.