software

So I get scratchy noises on the volume pot when I turn it. I checked the connections and cleaned them with alcohol but it is still schratcy sounding and even cuts completly out at certain stops. My knowlage in electronic componets says yes, but the guitar is only one day old!!!! and I just changed the pickups in it. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there just something I'm overlooking? By the way, It is in that limited Edition Jackson and the dimebucker does sound pretty good! Thanx

If you used alcohol odds are that you've pooched the pot.
A pot operates by a thin metal wiper making more or less contact,(for sake of simplicity),with a thin trace of carbon.
Sometimes dirt builds up or gets between the wiper and the trace.That interferes with the signal,(the crackling noise that you hear).
Blowing pressurized alcohol in will force the dirt out and break down the oil.
However,it does need to be lubricated.
Many people use contact cleaner to blow out the dirt and oils and WD 40 to lubricate.
Bad choice,the contact cleaner completely dries out the trace and the WD 40 greases it but doesn't lubricate it properly.It also acts as a dust and dirt magnet.
Tuner cleaner will blow out the dirt and oila and leave a fine silicon bead on the trace.
You will have to replace the pot and should switch to tuner cleaner,which is readily available at stereo stores and places like Radio Shack.



@JJ


Originally Posted by JohnJohnIf you used alcohol odds are that you've pooched the pot.
A pot operates by a thin metal wiper making more or less contact,(for sake of simplicity),with a thin trace of carbon.
Sometimes dirt builds up or gets between the wiper and the trace.That interferes with the signal,(the crackling noise that you hear).
Blowing pressurized alcohol in will force the dirt out and break down the oil.
However,it does need to be lubricated.
Many people use contact cleaner to blow out the dirt and oils and WD 40 to lubricate.
Bad choice,the contact cleaner completely dries out the trace and the WD 40 greases it but doesn't lubricate it properly.It also acts as a dust and dirt magnet.
Tuner cleaner will blow out the dirt and oila and leave a fine silicon bead on the trace.
You will have to replace the pot and should switch to tuner cleaner,which is readily available at stereo stores and places like Radio Shack.

I never knew about that. Thanks.