Tone Knob Problem

Hank Scorpio · February 9th, 2008, 03:40 PM

Anyone else have the following problem with the tone knob and how did you sort it out.

Have a 76 Tele, standard control plate etc., which was unused for a number of years. The tone is always on full no matter where you turn the knob. If you take off the knob and pull the tone pole control up and turn at the same time it lowers/raises the tone as it should. Tried tightening the nut at the control plate but this has had no effect. Have I a loose connection somewhere or have I a problem with the tone pot and how do I rectify this. I don't particularly want to go the new pot route as I would like to keep as many original parts as possible.

Any input would be appreciated.

Newfie_J. · February 9th, 2008, 04:07 PM

It sounds like the wiper inside the pot is not making contact with the carbon track. You will have to open up the pot to fix this.

Be patient and carefull and you can do it.
Bend back the 4 small tabs that hold the pot casing onto the plastic part.
Inside you will see small spring steel arms that are supposed to run along a black semi-circlular track that is attached to the pot lugs.
The track maybe worn down a little so the steel arms will have to be carefully bent a little so they touch the track again.

Or you can replace the guts with that from a newer pot and keep the original casing.

When you pull up on the tone knob it seems like the wiper is touching the track again and it works like it is supposed to. So that seems to be the problem.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

Ed Bickert · February 9th, 2008, 05:26 PM

Before you crack open the pot you can try spraying some "Deoxit" in there. Most times this fixes it. Directions on how to use this with a guitar pot are all over the web, and probably in a number of places on this forum.

I have had a few 70's Les pauls that the pots were repairable with Deoxit. Likewise, I have had some where the oxidization is so bad that sometimes removing the crud can actually further damage the pot.

My expereince with damaged pots (not just scratchy) is about 50/50. Sometimes they can be fixed, sometimes you need to replace them.

All that being said, I agree with Newfie, if you have to pull up on the knob to get it to work then it might jhave some crud in there. But it also might just be a build-up of carbon that can be flushed with Deoxit.

Opening a potentiometer is easy if you're technically inclined, but if you're not one to poke around in things like that, then it could be a Pandora's Box and you may find you wish you didn't open the case.

Hank Scorpio · February 10th, 2008, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the help lads. Will let you know how it goes.

February 9th, 2008, 03:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
Hank Scorpio TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 13	Tone Knob Problem Anyone else have the following problem with the tone knob and how did you sort it out. Have a 76 Tele, standard control plate etc., which was unused for a number of years. The tone is always on full no matter where you turn the knob. If you take off the knob and pull the tone pole control up and turn at the same time it lowers/raises the tone as it should. Tried tightening the nut at the control plate but this has had no effect. Have I a loose connection somewhere or have I a problem with the tone pot and how do I rectify this. I don't particularly want to go the new pot route as I would like to keep as many original parts as possible. Any input would be appreciated. __________________ TDPRI Member

February 9th, 2008, 05:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ed Bickert Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cape Cod, MA Age: 40 Posts: 946	Before you crack open the pot you can try spraying some "Deoxit" in there. Most times this fixes it. Directions on how to use this with a guitar pot are all over the web, and probably in a number of places on this forum. I have had a few 70's Les pauls that the pots were repairable with Deoxit. Likewise, I have had some where the oxidization is so bad that sometimes removing the crud can actually further damage the pot. My expereince with damaged pots (not just scratchy) is about 50/50. Sometimes they can be fixed, sometimes you need to replace them. All that being said, I agree with Newfie, if you have to pull up on the knob to get it to work then it might jhave some crud in there. But it also might just be a build-up of carbon that can be flushed with Deoxit. Opening a potentiometer is easy if you're technically inclined, but if you're not one to poke around in things like that, then it could be a Pandora's Box and you may find you wish you didn't open the case. __________________ Sorry, not the real Ed Bickert. Just a fan.

February 10th, 2008, 02:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hank Scorpio TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 13	Thanks for the help lads. Will let you know how it goes. __________________ TDPRI Member

February 9th, 2008, 04:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Newfie_J. Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Bay Age: 28 Posts: 204	It sounds like the wiper inside the pot is not making contact with the carbon track. You will have to open up the pot to fix this. Be patient and carefull and you can do it. Bend back the 4 small tabs that hold the pot casing onto the plastic part. Inside you will see small spring steel arms that are supposed to run along a black semi-circlular track that is attached to the pot lugs. The track maybe worn down a little so the steel arms will have to be carefully bent a little so they touch the track again. Or you can replace the guts with that from a newer pot and keep the original casing. When you pull up on the tone knob it seems like the wiper is touching the track again and it works like it is supposed to. So that seems to be the problem. Hope this helps. Good luck.