Buzzing when I adjust tone

[6guns]

Okay, a real newbie here, so please be gentle. I'm pretty new to guitars and brand new to a used Tele I picked up recently. I've noticed a buzzing noise while adjusting the tone control. Is this just a matter of a loose wire or should the controls be replaced? Overall the guitar appears to be in good physical condition and not abused. It's a 2001 American model. Thanks for any suggestions.

[KokoTele]

What do yo mean by when you adjust it? Is it just while you're touching the knob, when it's on any setting besides full clockwise, or what?

[6guns]

It buzzes when I touch it or while I'm turning it.

[LarsOS]

Sounds like the potmeter is worn out. The "best" solution would be to replace it, the cheapest one to clean it.

[KokoTele]

Originally Posted by 6guns

It buzzes when I touch it or while I'm turning it.

Does it also buzz when you touch the volume knob? Or other metal on the guitar?

[6guns]

I think it's only the tone control, but since I'm not at home, I can't check the volume control. If it doesn't cost a huge amount, maybe it would be worth replacing both so I know what I have? Is this difficult. I have done a bit of soldering here and there. Thanks for the replies!

[waparker4]

I think what KokoTele might be getting at is, if the buzz presents itself when you touch ANY metal part of the guitar (strings, bridge, neck pickup cover, control plate) then the leads on your output jack may be reversed.

[6guns]

I see. Well, no not when I touch any metal part, only the tone as I recall. I hate to sound so indecisive, but it's been a couple of weeks since I last picked it up.

[LarsOS]

If you know how to solder, replacing one or both pots won't be a challenge.

I believe a soldering station with a flat-tipped iron, or a flat-tipped soldering iron with 40W (or at least 30W) would be the best tool for the job. You need some wattage in order to sufficiently heat up the pot casing for the ground wire(s).

[KokoTele]

Originally Posted by waparker4

I think what KokoTele might be getting at is, if the buzz presents itself when you touch ANY metal part of the guitar (strings, bridge, neck pickup cover, control plate) then the leads on your output jack may be reversed.

That's what I'm getting at! You need to do a little diagnosis to figure out what to fix. Either it buzzes when you touch the knob or other metal parts (not uncommon), or it only buzzes when you turn it (pretty rare).

[6guns]

Thanks, KokoTele. I'll give it a more thorough check and report back. I appreciate your help.

[6guns]

Well, it took a while, but I confirmed that the buzzing only takes place while adjusting or even touching the tone control....no other metal parts. Loose wire? Bad control? Thanks for any suggestions.

[Lazer]

Bad/dirty pot...

Cheers
L-zr

[andrewsclues]

Try turning the pot in its full range 20 times or so. If it's dirty this may clean the inside of the pot and fix your problem. If this doesn't work, replace it.

[6guns]

Originally Posted by andrewsclues

Try turning the pot in its full range 20 times or so. If it's dirty this may clean the inside of the pot and fix your problem. If this doesn't work, replace it.

Well, that didn't work. Still lots of buzzing/static sound when touching/turning tone control. So...what's the next step in replacing the pot? Should I replace volume pot as well? All electronics? Any recommendations on exactly what and where to buy? Thanks again.

[Peter Rabbit]

Maybe a ground problem on the tone pot?

[KokoTele]

It only happens when you touch the tone control? It does sound like the pot probably isn't grounded. Take a look and see if there's a wire soldered from the back of the tone pot anywhere.

[roland30x]

Originally Posted by KokoTele

It only happens when you touch the tone control? It does sound like the pot probably isn't grounded. Take a look and see if there's a wire soldered from the back of the tone pot anywhere.

I would not think its a ground problem if the guitar is working ok apart from the buzzing when touching the tone pot.

The volume pot would have to be grounded to work and both pots are then fixed onto a metal plate. both pots would therefore have the same ground potential.

I would reiterate the advice already given and replace the pot.

[6guns]

I checked to see if all the solder connections were good on the pots and all appears fine. For what it's worth, the tone control feels very loose when turning it and has play in it from side to side. When I just wiggle the knob is when I hear the most static/buzzing, but still some while actually turning it.

[KokoTele]

Originally Posted by 6guns

I checked to see if all the solder connections were good on the pots and all appears fine. For what it's worth, the tone control feels very loose when turning it and has play in it from side to side. When I just wiggle the knob is when I hear the most static/buzzing, but still some while actually turning it.

Sounds like the pot is about to fall apart. Time for a new one.