I need to have a potentiometer replaced. Get it done locally or send to Alembic?

[DDerek]

Appreciate any suggestions. I have a Spoiler bass that I’d like the potentiometer for the volume knob replaced. I submitted a question to Alembic directly over a month ago . I know they’re busy so thought I’d post it here for any advice or suggestions you may have. Thanks for your help.

[JimmyJ]

Derek,

Can you tell us what is wrong with your volume pot?  It's odd for them to fail unless they've taken a physical blow and actually broken into pieces.  Much more common is a noise problem after the pot has not been turned for a long period of time.  But if that's the case all you need to do is sweep the pot back and forth about 40-50 times because they're self-cleaning.

That said, I have seen pictures of the Spoiler electronics but I'm not sure which pot is which.  If the volume pot is the one mounted to the circuit board then it's a little complicated.  But if it's the independent one then it could certainly be replaced by you or somebody with minor soldering skills.  Then it's just a matter of sourcing the right component.

Jimmy J

[DDerek]

Hi, thanks for your reply. The knob spins all the way around , so if I turn the volume up too much it actually turns the volume off. I’ve only had the bass a few months so not sure how long it has been like that but I’ve heard of other spoilers that did the same thing

[edwardofhuncote]

This sounds like the 'stop' in that pot has sheared off. I've never had a Spoiler, so I don't know what those electronics look like. Are the pots mounted on a circuit board? If so, you may need to send it in for replacement. Or maybe you know a really competent wiresmith who can do it.

Here is a quick-n-dirty hack; (doesn't really solve your issue but will help keep you from spinning the Volume pot too far accidentally...) Those old pots spin very easy. You need something to create some resistance.

1.) Remove the witch-hat knob, there are two set screws. Takes a small Allen wrench. I forget the size.

2.) Make a washer of adhesive-backed felt or cork, exactly the diameter of the knob's skirt, and seat it over the nut and washer.

3.) Fit the witch-hat knob firmly back onto the shaft and tighten the set screws. Not too much.

4.) Mark the end of the sweep with something, so you won't spin too far when turning up.

5.) This is an optional - if you're as OCD as me, do the same thing to the Filter pot.

[pauldo]

Nice!

[Artgeckko]

Hey DDerek,
Think your choices would really depend on the skill of your local shop and how long you can be without the bass if sent to Alembic?
Regarding Hat screw sizes and pots...
 
My hat knobs are all early to mid 80's, with 1/8' shafts. The allen set screws are sometimes different??  Consistently .050 or 1/16 allen screws.
The volume pot on my spoilers are on a singular separate pot.
The small circuit board having the (pan / selector) and frequency pot attached.
Included a picture of spoiler cavity.

[gtrguy]

The sealed blue pots have a very small plastic stop inside them to keep them from spinning all the way around. Sometimes a stop can break off and the pot will just spin. Usually the pot still functions but just does not stop at the end of its sweep. However, the pots are sealed and that bit of loose plastic is in there somewhere.

Of course, The blue squares with white slots in the above photos are not the pots but trimmers.