Capacitors and Pots - Any wise words?

hey ya fools :P

Can anyone tell by the looks of this spaghetti mess if the capacitors or pots should be replaced, I'm a noobie :p

Electronics haven't been touched in I'd say seven years or so.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb382/MartinEddie1/ControlPlate.jpg


If not what is a good rule of thumb for future reference indicating signs of replacement e.g. rust or evidence of deterioration ?






Cheers,

Welcome! As long as it's all functioning, nothing needs to be replaced. Pots will last an extraordinarily long time. Switches will wear out sooner, but still infrequently.

Wiring doesn't look bad and the components look new.

That looks very clean, and you've got good quality components. As my colleague Scrumley says, if it's functioning as it should I wouldn't change a thing. Another important part that often gets overlooked is the output jack. Replace it only if it's noisey or won't hold the plug securely, and if you do replace it go for the Switchcraft jack.

As for future reference, I play the guitar, and see if I get sound in all switch positions, and note any pops and crackles from the switch or controls. Most of all, I pay attention to the sound, does it seem that the pots and caps were chosen correctly (does the volume and tone control act like I think it should)? Then crack it open and look at the soldering and wire lengths. If it's messy I rework it, even if everything functions I never want someone years down the road to open up one of my guitars and instantly think 'ewwww'! Corrosion, melted insulation, globs of electrical tape all have to go, and butchered routes have to get cleaned up.

So, how 'bout a picture of the rest of the guitar?

That looks very clean, and you've got good quality components. As my colleague Scrumley says, if it's functioning as it should I wouldn't change a thing. Another important part that often gets overlooked is the output jack. Replace it only if it's noisey or won't hold the plug securely, and if you do replace it go for the Switchcraft jack.

As for future reference, I play the guitar, and see if I get sound in all switch positions, and note any pops and crackles from the switch or controls. Most of all, I pay attention to the sound, does it seem that the pots and caps were chosen correctly (does the volume and tone control act like I think it should)? Then crack it open and look at the soldering and wire lengths. If it's messy I rework it, even if everything functions I never want someone years down the road to open up one of my guitars and instantly think 'ewwww'! Corrosion, melted insulation, globs of electrical tape all have to go, and butchered routes have to get cleaned up.

So, how 'bout a picture of the rest of the guitar?

Thanks for the help guys, very informative good advice. I'll post another picture when the warmoth neck comes in and I begin rewiring with the texas custom pickups and 4-way switch. I have a wiring diagram but have never soldered before, so spending most of my time listening to others and watching tutorials. If done right this is going to be really exciting.

Cheers or as they say here in Germany 'Prost'!

CTS pots are good


I know I will get a lot of flack for this, but Paper In Oil caps are good too.

make sure evrything is unplugged.

no one can tell from an image whether a pot or cap works.

when pots no longer function the way you expect them, it's time to fix or replace. scratchy pots can be cleaned or replaced. caps either work or they don't. that's about it. prost!

They can last a lifetime. If they function and aren't scratchy they are fine.
If pots are scratchy spray them with cleaner/lubricant and they should stop sounding scratchy. If not, then you can replace them.

Thanks for the help guys, very informative good advice. I'll post another picture when the warmoth neck comes in and I begin rewiring with the texas custom pickups and 4-way switch. I have a wiring diagram but have never soldered before, so spending most of my time listening to others and watching tutorials. If done right this is going to be really exciting.

Cheers or as they say here in Germany 'Prost'!

4 way switch? Don't forget that the neck pickup cover ground must be run separately!