Volume pot issues - always on...any thoughts?

[bobbyperu]

I'm back again with another tech question. Built up a parts-o-caster and the wiring was nothing short of a nightmare. Two bad switches one new and made in china another used and semi functional. Gave up in frustration took it to a local shop bought Fender factory switch and had their "Fender Guy" wire up the pickguard for me. All positons work however the vol pot is always on so there is no volume control. Can anyone help? I assume that the fact that it is always on means that the pot is functional. The guy I bought my pickups from noted that the capcitor was a bit low in terms of rating would that be the problem? Any help - and I've had lots in this forum - would be appreciated.

thanks

[Michaell]

volume pot should work

I coulldn't play an electric that didn't have one that worked

[RodeoTex]

Take it back to that 'Fender Guy'. He should fix it for ya.

[Jim.Collins]

What do you mean when you say the volume pot is always on? Does it have no effect, no matter where you set the control, or does it drop volume as you turn counterclockwise, but never shut off, completely?

If it is the second, and it is wired properly, the volume pot is defective. If the volume pot is wired properly, the low lug (the one on right, as the lugs are facing you, and the shaft is pointing to the floor) should be soldered to ground (the volume pot casing). When the volume is turned all the way off, the wiper lug will contact the low lug, sending everything to ground. The result will be no sound. Thus, if you still get sound when the volume is all the way off, and everything is wired properly, the volume pot is defective.

If the volume pot makes no difference, regardless of its setting, it usually means a wiring problem.

[bobbyperu]

Originally Posted by Jim.Collins

What do you mean when you say the volume pot is always on? Does it have no effect, no matter where you set the control, or does it drop volume as you turn counterclockwise, but never shut off, completely?

If it is the second, and it is wired properly, the volume pot is defective. If the volume pot is wired properly, the low lug (the one on right, as the lugs are facing you, and the shaft is pointing to the floor) should be soldered to ground (the volume pot casing). When the volume is turned all the way off, the wiper lug will contact the low lug, sending everything to ground. The result will be no sound. Thus, if you still get sound when the volume is all the way off, and everything is wired properly, the volume pot is defective.

Thanks Jim, it is the first issue you mentioned in that it has no effect no matter where I set it, it simply is always on. So, sounds like a defective pot. The guy I bought the wiring harness from mentioned that it might be the treble bleed resistor/capacitor I had wired in. I cut out the treble bleed and the same thing is still happening. So, I'm off to get me a new vol pot and wire it in. I'm tempted to send it back the "Fender Guy" but I'd rather just sort this out myself and get it functioning properly.

[boris bubbanov]

I had to think about the question for a while.

Reason is, I've pretty much got my Strat volume pots dimed all the time anyway.

If they aren't real effective, they're not right, replace 'em. Get some nice CTS pots from Bill Callaham; the price differential just doesn't justify the grief of trying to save some money.

[Old Cane]

Originally Posted by bobbyperu

Thanks Jim, it is the first issue you mentioned in that it has no effect no matter where I set it, it simply is always on. So, sounds like a defective pot. The guy I bought the wiring harness from mentioned that it might be the treble bleed resistor/capacitor I had wired in. I cut out the treble bleed and the same thing is still happening. So, I'm off to get me a new vol pot and wire it in. I'm tempted to send it back the "Fender Guy" but I'd rather just sort this out myself and get it functioning properly.

Reread what Jim said: If the volume pot makes no difference, regardless of its setting, it usually means a wiring problem.