noisy pots - replace? with what?

Sorry for the stupido question of the day but I know nothing about these things. My 1994 MIM Strat has very noisy pots - they snap crackle and pop everytime I twist.

Should I replace them? Can they be cleaned (compressed air)?

What to buy? Specifics please?

You guys (and gals) know everything and I stand humbled in your presence. :smile:

Clean them out with Tuner cleaner.

I use MG Chemicals Electrosover Contact Cleaner Zero Residue.

Try to clean em first if that doesnt work they arent that expensive to buy new ones. It already has good CTS 250k pots a good cleaning should fix em.

Just do not clean them with WD40. Go get something specifically for cleaning electrical connections. WD40 leaves a film of oil. NOT good.
The things aren't complicated so crackling usually just means a bit of dust or dirt. But if cleaning doesn't work there might be something bent or scratched up inside. Then you replace the thing. Spray the bejaysus out of the things....into them... and twiddle the life out of 'em. If it's dirt or grime that will sort it.
In my experience 90% of the time it's just dirt. The other 10% is either poor quality cheap pots...which manifests soon after buying the thing... or the result of me doing too many mods and destroying the poor thing with my soldering iron.

If cleaning doesn't sort it out get back to us and we'll help.

thanks - I'll try cleaning them first. I'll report back once I get this project completed.

It worked. I bought a little can of the cleaner from Radio Shack. A couple of squirts in each pot and the switch, twist, twist, twist and BAM - silence.

Great tips - thanks again!

Nice post. Thanks.


Bubbanov