Frozen guitar Pot - how do you loosen it up?

bluesky

bluesky

Lunatic Member
I have a 1960s Gibson Melody Maker, strat type body, 6 string electric guitar. It has been totally restored. All new everything.

It been sitting for 10 years and one of the pots has frozen. Won't move back and forth.

1. How can I loosen it up?
2. or... just buy a new one and install?

Appreciate the help!! Thanks guys!!
 
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As a last ditch effort, I'd hit it with some Kroil penetrating oil, followed by alcohol (to clean out the Kroil) followed by a water rinse (and allow to fully dry).

The Kroil is not cheap, but it's a good thing to have around for any future seized parts. I've used it often with great success, although not on any electronic parts. Still, as a last ditch effort, it wouldn't hurt to try.
 
I had that problem with a volume pot on my Gibson. After much use it became harder to turn. I had a bottle of Remington "Rem Oil with Teflon" (Amazon) that worked great for me. Pull the knob, lay your guitar on its back and put a drop down the shaft. Give it a bit of time. It's very low viscosity so had no problem sleeping down. The pot worked fine for many years after that.
 
Deoxit Faderlube F5 has a bit of lube in it. Put a spritz on the shaft and let it soak down in. I've done this with balance/volume pots and it works great.

Faderlube is used to clean resistive pots.
 
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Thanks guys!! I really appreciate it.

I think I have some F5 around here somewhere. Just have to find it. I'll try that. If all else fails, just get a new pot and install!

Seized up - that's the word I was looking for. I'll check out Kroil penetrating oil too!! Sounds like good stuff to have around the house.

Thanks again!! :thumbsup:

:music:
 
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