How to fix scratchy pots | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 14 | Thomann

Don't panic if your guitar / bass pots start to scratch. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to swap them out. A good quality contact spray can save the day. Learn how to use it with Kris in this week's Guitar Tech Tips episode.
Gear used: tho.mn/eq4cz
We use Triad-Orbit stands for our cameras, lights and mics: tho.mn/triad
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/xuad
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:38 The scratchy noise
1:24 Open the electronic cavity
1:37 Cleaning the pot
2:01 Let's check if it worked
2:12 Now the other potentiometer
2:36 Cleaners don't always help
3:08 Time for a test ride
3:42 Outtakes
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[@TheMikeyC]

I have a brand new-ish Schecter and I have rarely played it. The volume pot became really scratchy. This honestly saved me from buying a new factory pot. You are a life saver dude!!🤘🤘

[@sylvieslug]

I actually just bought a used schecter, this beautiful sounding white thing that i picked up for 300 bucks at sam ash, and I got it home and i guess I didn't realize that the volume pot is just fucked, so I hope this works for me too

[@sylvieslug]

wouldnt it be funny if it was your bass i bought

[@qxpxqx]

SAME HERE, M.C.! I have an E-1! It's the shit, but it just started getting scratchy over the past few times of playing, when rolling the volume back after recording a track. PS Thomann: THANK YOU for the CAIG DeoxIT turn-on! 100% video instructions!

[@jasonspring6893]

1😊

[@momemor]

I had used the contact cleaner on a scratchy pot in my Gibson LP several times with no result. Your sharp tip about the open side of the potentiometer solved it! It seems I was aiming for the wrong spots. Thank you so much

[@bootchramey]

Thank you. Just did this on two of my guitars and it worked like a charm!

[@wasichu66]

Really like this series, even as a veteran these simple refreshers are great. Love the outtakes, they make you the Jackie Chan of music vids, and uuuh, that Cypress Hill cover of "insane with a spray can" was spot on.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot Christian! I love the Jackie Chan reference. Haha! I grew up on his movies. //cheers, Kris

[@johnsuggs3952]

Really glad to see in this video, he's using the correct Deoxit in the green can. The other thing he did correctly is using a small amount of the cleaner. So many times I see content providers on KZbin using the red can Deoxit and they spray way too much of it in the pot. You only need a small quick burst of it in to the pot. A lot of people use the Red can of Deoxit. Which is the absolute worst on potentiometers or variable capcitors. Because those components utilize a varied resistance that slides across a track resistor, Deoxit in the red can will over time mess up that track. Once that track of carbon is gone, the potentiometer is no good. For modern guitars and other gear, you can easily and cheaply replace the pots. On vintage amps and gear, those pots are usually custom made for the unit. You'll end up having to rebuild it or spend a ton of money trying to get a replacement pot.

[@michaelp5663]

Exactly -- Deoxit FaderLube (green) is the stuff to use for pots.

[@johnb4024]

The company behind deoxit has released a statement myth-busting that exact statement. It turns out that D5 in the red can does not harm carbon traces. And many corporations such as Rane have been using D5 for decades and even call it a Miracle Solution. The confusion arises from the fader Lube specifying safe on carbon traces.

[@joaquinojeda6519]

Worked perfectly. Thank you so much

[@StuartdeHaro]

I love the color of that guitar!

[@rimmysinclair]

Works like a charm! Cheers!

[@Heathaze813]

This can't be upvoted enough. My Jazz bass just quit working one day. I pulled everything apart and saw that the signal circuit and ground circuit was closed. I didn't know if it was input jack, pots or pickups. I was just about ready to desolder every piece until I could find the short circuit. I tried this with the F5 lubricant spray and instantly the circuit was fixed. $20 saved me a mess of soldering. Thanks.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Glad to hear that man! A good cleaner can really save the day. :) //Kris

[@petset77]

My '72 Precision has been in the case for over 15 years. It worked when I last played. A friend invited me to play a set at a festival in May, and I bought strings and pulled it out. Nothing... close to no volume. It's pretty dirty from playing days, so I just bought the Peavey version of pot spray cleaner from Sweetwater. Hoping it works.

[@giofrongia1379]

It worked, easy and fast! Many thanks!!!

[@5cHnuT]

Thanks for this Video. I‘ve cleaned the potis from my musciman stingray in this way. It works. 👍🏻

[@bernardf.6337]

You just saved me some bread and I just subscribed. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@carlosfigueroa790]

Cheers from Central America! Guatemala City!

[@ELECTROxigeno76.]

excellent video my friend, a question where can I get the cleaner and what is it called exactly ?, 🎼💯🔧

[@danielgarzaromusic]

thanks! I bought a brand nee PRS that came with scratchy knobs and I just fixed it! Also, what if my pick up switch is also scratchy? Or is that just normal with humbuckers? (I’ve only owned a tele before)

[@CanuckQuest]

Thank you

[@aligator381]

This video was really useful, really helped with my Harley Benton SC-450Plus, which had scratchy volume pot since day 1, some it's smooth as butter. Although, the lubricant is not available at Thomann, I had to look for it a bit amongst similar products, but I didn't know which were fine to use or not. A list of recommended alternates lubricants / contact cleaners in the description might be useful for any future viewers. Or the properties to look for in a recommended contact cleaner...

[@user-ry5hm7ho8t]

JUST USED WD40 SPECIALIST CONTACT CLEANER ON MINE AND TWO OF THE POTS SEIZED. I NORMALLY USE ORDINARY WD 40 AND IT WORKS FINE. I ONLY USED THE SPECIALIST STUFF BECAUSE SOME ONE ON YTUBE RECOMMENDED IT.

[@adriandaigle8651]

That did the trick for me!!

[@ronnienose8608]

That was much appreciated. I'd love if someone could help me. I've a couple of guitars where when you try to fret the low E string from around the 14th fret and up it makes a 'plink' kind of sound rather than a note. The action isn't particularly low and I recently did a fret level and polish, but it still happens. Please help.

[@FlorentChardevel]

Ronnie Nose Check if one specific fret higher than 14th is slightly going up. I had this issue recently on a guitar and some frets had to be re-glued and evened by a professional. It can cost you a bit, sadly.

[@user-zn4qy7tw9t]

Do you guys add shipping charges during the process of delivery?

[@ARCHDEACONMUSIC]

Contact cleaners are the BEST! I have the CRC QD Electronic Cleaner and I see a lot of people use the Deoxit Contact Cleaner...are they basically the same? Also, what is that black thing on the end of your guitar?

[@ceebee2881]

hi.. did you use the DRY or WET contact cleaner?

[@Dominik42158]

hi, he always does this to me before playing the first few minutes and then it's okay, could you advise? I did it exactly according to the video, thank you very much

[@finley490]

i like how yours looks so simple on the inside and my Hellraiser has a billion wires running through it for the active pickups. is it okay if the other wires get the fluid on them too? ill obviously wipe off what i can but i just wanna be sure its fine before i do it lol

[@shawnriffninjareacts7316]

I have Fishman Fluence pickups and yeah, it's a nightmare in that cavity lol

[@funkygamer2251]

Should I spray the input jack too?

[@andy_182]

Does this work for a scratchy 3-way toggle switch ?

[@kostis6]

Hello! I see that you used deoxit f5, I have the deoxit d5. Is the f5 more suitable for this type of work? Thank you ;)

[@liamflynn6929]

F5 is preferable as it has a tiny bit of lubrication which helps keep the carbon tracks in good condition

[@kostis6]

Thanks!

[@rickhammel9541]

does this work on toggle switches too?

[@zollezollezolle]

Hello, I need some help: I hear the scratch also after change the pot wit a new one. Besides the scratch exist only when the Guitar is sounding, when I turn the pot witouht playing notes, there is no scratch. It's strange! :/

[@johnsuggs3952]

You might have an issue with another part. If its happening when it sounds, you might have an issue with your actual pick ups

[@hartlee1160]

Can air duster work? I'm sorry if that's a silly question

[@GTSViperman]

What is that device on it?

[@herrpepe1355]

I have a 335 semi hollow, with this problem, where I can’t see the bottom of the pots. Any tips?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

That's pretty complicated with semi-hollow and hollow body guitars unfortunately. You will need a tiny mirror, probably a tweezer, definitely a contact spray with the extension tube (needs to be bendable too). Or you can undo the pots and squeeze them out through the f-hole to fix them. It's not easy to do though. We will shoot an episode on semi-hollow guitars in the near future. Stay tuned! //cheers, Kris

[@n00dyl69]

i only got that scratchy sound when im turning the knob while not touching the strings.

[@jasperhazel4173]

Can I use Windex or alcohol?

[@onlyfacts4me]

I used Deoxit D5 on my guitar pot, -now it has zero resistance when turning .. it turns by even just slightly bumping it with my finger.... How can I get it like it was?? Is it permanently damaged?

[@johnsuggs3952]

Probably. YOu may need to get that pot replaced. When you decide to clean it in the future, make sure you use the green can of deoxit. DO NOT use the red can

[@chrisgrabowski2678]

nice

[@pjvmusic]

Now obviously the Deoxit is the preferred choice but what itlf you're simply unable to get any actual contact spray? Are there any alternatives that we could use? I saw that you can use acetone and what not but that won't lubricate it just clean

[@johnsuggs3952]

Acetone will destroy your components. You can probably get away with using CRC QD Electronic Cleaner. But absolutely DO NOT use acetone

[@normcorecowboy6863]

WD40 makes a contact cleaner, haven’t tried it yet tho

[@PooNinja]

With contact cleaner/ lube less is more👍🏽 just enough to clear the 💩 Synth a riffic selection devices ???

[@xxdr34m5xx_4]

Thank you so much 4 this @_@

[@chukcanuk]

Helpful tips. Weird camera angles. Thanks!

[@jacobyap4517]

Can I use wd40 rust remover as a contact cleaner?

[@abd-ix5qd]

I noticed a rattling noise when I put my guitar volume to maximum (10) but on the neck pickup only, is it a pickup issue or a pot issue?

[@user-ry5hm7ho8t]

PROBABLY THE POT.

[@omarugoletti3328]

No residue spray?

[@adriandavidpayne]

Let's talk about that Crunchy Tone at the end! Is there a video on your channel that breaks this down?

[@renatosuetake]

The pots on my guitar are not really scratchy or crackling, but the knobs are quite stiff. Would this also make them a bit smoother to roll?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

A little bit, yes. But if they are way too stiff for your taste, you might wanna swap them at one point. A tip: Mojotone pots are very smooth and easy to turn. Plus they don't kill the tone of the pickups. 👍 Cheers //Kris

[@renatosuetake]

Ahh I see. Yeah, I can't turn them by just sliding my hand down or up, I have to really grab and turn them. It's a 2016 Gibson Tribute I bought second-hand that was left in the corner untouched (and probably without any maintenance as well) for a long time. I wanted to try and avoid swapping parts just yet, but I guess it would solve the problem. Thanks for the help, Kris!

[@noprob250]

YES

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Yes Yes Yes! :) //Kris

[@ml8991]

Can I use WD-40? Also, what is that black thing at the base of your guitar, leading up to the bridge?

[@tastysalad114]

The black thing is midi pickup, so guitar can be hooked up to synth

[@craiger2399]

WD-40 does make a contact cleaner, but don't use regular WD-40, as it will potentially ruin the pot.

[@RapttorX]

it cleans, but it will make your entire pot and electronics cavity oily ...better stick to contacts cleaner for this one

[@Barry101er]

WD-40-only for water displacement (WD)

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

That company does different WD-40 products. Please don't use the basic version, that's not gonna do your pots good. I highly recommend using a good quality cleaner like this Deoxit. It's a bit pricy but the can lasts for years and protects your pots and switches so much more (instead of ruining them like some other contact sprays). //cheers, kris

[@antldemons]

I’ve heard you can use WD-40 also. Will that work ok?

[@GuilhermeSantos2003]

Hey, did you use wd-40?

[@brinkwerks]

same question

[@greatwhite61967]

If only the preowned vintage Matsumoku made Aria Pro II SBR-60 was making that sound on the first of 2 sets of dual concentric pots... Mine arrived from another country 6 days ago but I could only get it booked in for today but I'm almost certain the Luthier will have a few other guitars to do before he gets around to mine... I've always had no issues with any of the preowned bass guitars I've bought but that's because I bought them from my local Instrument Store... But if you want any of the original Matsumoku made bass guitars from the mid 70s to 1986 you have to search far & wide & it's only natural that the country they came from has most of the vintage original Matsumoku made bass guitars & lead & rhythm guitars... The Aria Pro II SBR-60 Bass arrived on Monday & since I always check swtches/the pots & and any other type of switches I do this before plugging it in , as I want to hear if there's any noise before plugging it in & sure enough the first dual concentric pot (bottom one) is not making your usual scratchy sounds but grinding sounds were as the top one is absolutely fine... It doesn't take a genius to make a guess that the first dual concentric pot will need more that electric contact spray as this needs a new dual concentric pot & I'm hoping there won't be any issues getting one that work on a vintage 40 year old guitar but this is what you get , even though I bought it from a guitar store , when you but guitars that are this old & the Store I bought it from stated & I quote: " It's an old bass guitar & will need the pot cleaned or replaced " This , to a certain degree I don't mind , but to not even take any responsibility by offering the option of me returning it back to be fixed or paying the luthier if now got it booked in & I'll admit I was taken back by the Store Manager's indifference to this matter & what he stated in his email was all he had to say on the matter... Hopefully the luthier will have no issues finding a new dual concentric pot but it goes to show that even though I've done business with this store for years that at times Instrument Store's can fob you off & though the dual concentric pot will not be that expensive but its the prices Luthiers charge that's really going to cost me alot of money... Well I'm just going to have to deal with this myself & take the hit for the money charged to get that rare bass back to working order but the Store I bought it from has lost a loyal customer... If this was in my country I'd send it back for a repair or refund but being outwith my country I have to send it all the way back to a Store Manager who sounds like he won't fix it or refund me , so be careful , & this was a store...

[@richardrichard5409]

I've owned four old Matsumoku bass, and worked on many more, pretty much all have had electronics issues. ....the OE pots weren't spectacular and the pups can fail early due to the wire insulation breaking down. SB series soapbars are very prone to this, where as the Westone split coils not so I owned an SBR-60 in beautiful red Padueck, prefered the neck to of it to my SB-1000, but neither were keepers.

[@pascaltoyer4665]

Thanks, but what about the switches that scratch ?

[@johnsuggs3952]

Switches shouldn't scratch because they're not sliding on anything inside the component. Pots have a part that slides across a piece of pressed carbon which increases and decreases the resistance. If you're having any kind or crackling or scratching in a switch, check the connections to that switch. You may need to replace the switch.

[@Alexanderzzzzon]

I really like the series and everything you do Kris. But I can't for the love of god figure out WHY someone would put that Roland synthesizer pickup with the cable pointing upwards!! It hurts my eyes :'(

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot Andreas! I really don't know why that happened. It's not my guitar. I can ask the owner though. Haha! //cheers, Kris

[@stefanw2123]

because that's the way it has to be installed (at least for the GK3)... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mquuqJSooaqVb9U

[@Alexanderzzzzon]

@@stefanw2123 My dad (yes lol) has that system on a guitar of his (A rare one - Fender Heartfield!) And on that Roland model the cable comes in from underneath. But I was thinking when I saw this video that if you would come from below on THAT module the module itself would need to be upside-down. Logo and all 🤔 So i figured that it was probably installed correctly. But WHY do they (Roland) want to do it that way 😬

[@omarugoletti3328]

What kind/brand of spray you used?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey, it's called Deoxit and it's a very high quality cleaner / contact spray. //cheers, Kris

[@ChelseaColeslaw]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses is Deoxit F5 preferable to D5?

[@LeftCoast_TomP]

Expensive spray but fixed the volume pot cutting in and out. Cheaper than a replacing the pot.

[@RJW14]

Nobody ever shows this with push pull pots, similar though slightly different.

[@bloodreyna6700]

Don´t you sell the contact cleaner?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Unfortunately not. It's easy to find this one though, it's called Deoxit. //cheers, Kris

[@bloodreyna6700]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Thank you very much. My tone pot is scratching so I need one. Thanks again

[@marcionobrega5117]

Gostei 😅

[@user-ry5hm7ho8t]

I always used WD 40. I just used WD40 speialist contact cleaner and the pots seized. Has anyone else had thaT PROBLEM?

[@NJtheawesome]

Is that WD40 or is it completely different?

[@pjvmusic]

Completely different.

[@NJtheawesome]

@@pjvmusic what is it?

[@pjvmusic]

@@NJtheawesome wd40 is a lubricant for metal and what not. The residue does not evaporate and it attracts dust. If anything you'll be making it worse. Contact cleaner whether Deoxit, CRC or other brands. The lubricant "dries" and doesn't leave a sticky film. It also cleans, which WD40 doesn't do. So not only are you lubrication the pots but you're also cleaning the dust out from it. WD40 has their own contact cleaner but have yet to see anyone use it on pots

[@patrickr6505]

Done this on my one year old bass.. didn't work.. maybe I didn't put enough on🤔

[@johnsuggs3952]

Spray one quick burst like he does in the video. Immediately after, you turn the pot to work the cleaner into it. Let it dry or blow it out with some compressed air to losen any debris. Repeat it until the pot cleans up. If that doesn't help, it could be that the carbon slide surface in the pot is damaged or worn away. Make sure to use the green can of Deoxit if you use it. The red can will make it worse over time. If nothing fixes it, you have a bad pot and it needs to be replaces. Again make sure you do not use the red can of deoxit

[@djc5897]

it just boggles my mind how crap gets inside those little pots when everything is all enclosed its crazy and the guitar cavity as well is shielding things technically as well with the back plate like it all should be protected from harm but guess not

[@filswift2556]

do you know what the spray is called

[@raulunzue3159]

How crazy you need to be to make part of thomann's crew?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Haha! Pretty crazy. Man, these video shooting days are pretty intense and we get quite tired at the end. :D //cheers, Kris

[@raulunzue3159]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Continue rocking that hard Kris! You all are awesome crew!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Somebody is cutting their own hair and watching Fifth Element too many times during lockdown ... 😬😬😬

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

You just gotta love Gary Oldman!! :) //cheers, Kris

[@boomerbassmeme]

Nice tip! Have you had a tetanus shot lately? That fretboard looked nasty! LOL

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

HAHA! No I didn't. But I know the owner so I'm not afraid anymore. You're right though, the fretboard does look pretty nasty. I'll have a talk with the owner... :D //cheers, Kris

[@stefanw2123]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses message received ;-) I gues it's time for some lemon oil and tlc..

[@bryanmacaldo8966]

can i use WD40?

[@ChelseaColeslaw]

No, that can actually harm your equipment. Deoxit is the only brand I consistently hear musicians say is best

[@StuntcatTV]

Mit Ballistol geht's auch.

[@C0zyDunt]

I think you'll find contact spray works well on hair clippers, so you can finish the job and don't have to put up with the comedy haircut.

[@tanishplaysguitar4438]

Hi guys, I am a 13 year old guitarist, who owns an ibanez 121 par kbf, is in a big problem, which could also lead me into leaving Guitar; the problem is that, whenever I use the volume pot on my axe it starts humming and a buzz sound starts coming out of it, this sound does not come when the pot is turned all the way up or all the way down but only occurs when the pot is in the middle, pls help me if you have any explanation or any other similar experience... Thankyou. I went to a guitar tech to get this fixed, but when he played throught his amp, he said that there was no such noise he could hear. But when I brought it hone and plugged it into my setup which consists of a Bluetooth speaker and a multi FX processor, the noise was there. He suggested me to come back again at his shop on 27 of March with my processor and the lead wires that I use as they're also not very quality.

[@hassanulbannaromi5367]

What is the spray you are using?

[@Barry101er]

DeoxIT Fader F5 Fader Lubricant, around $17.00/14 Euros

[@hassanulbannaromi5367]

@@Barry101er Thank You😊

[@hassanulbannaromi5367]

@Kizzy C Thank You So Much😊