Schecter After Hours: How to clean dirty/scratchy volume or tone knobs

Schecter Guitars Tech Manager Todd Reich explains how a potentiometer (volume/tone knobs) work and what you can do to maintain proper functionality. This how-to instructional video can help you fix scratchy pots and maintain functionality.

[honkytonkinson]

I just cleaned the pots and switch in my strat after watching this video. Feels like new again after almost 20 years. I should have done this sooner because I spend a lot of time fooling with settings while I play, and it’s really discouraging to have a scratchy volume pot. It was really easy if you’re handy at all. Contact cleaner was $11 and will probably last the rest of my life, even with 5 guitars.

[jeffreylewis]

I love this raw, unbiased information. I mean at this moment, I don't need to lube any pots, but in 7 minutes, I just learned the process. Keep this up guys! Really enjoy watching your videos, AND playing your guitars. ; )

[Canuplease]

I was having a problem just like what Todd was using as an example. I have a Schecter Omen-6, which I ADORE ❤ It's honestly the best guitar 🎸 I've ever owned, but I've noticed since I bought this axe used that the volume knob was scratchy like white noise... Today, I bought Deoxit D5 at Guitar Center and Woohoo 🎉 Not only is the noise gone, but my knob is now a Speed Knob!!! I'm doin volume swells now 🤘🤘🤘

[MarsCapone]

I called Schecter about a possible warranty claim and Jake told me about that Deoxit stuff. I am a skeptical person but I gave it a shot. That stuff is magic! Happy to have fixed it myself and learned a new trick!

[lamina]

Fixed my 25 year old Altec Lansing PC speakers with this video. I used brake/contact cleaner. Thanks for the video.

[teddyrascal]

Excellent job Todd. Super precise and straight to the point. This guy is an asset to schecter.

[michaelgaurnier]

Super helpful! Multiple guitar techs were mistyfied by the noise in by guitar pots.

[silverdragon]

You seem like a very knowledge man. I had no need for this. It was just in my recommendations. I’m glad I learned something lol

[sludgemind]

Damn those shaky hands on zoom shots almost made me throw up my pot brownie

[robertpurdy]

I've got a Solo-6 Custom Lefty that has a noisy tone pot. I'm ordering some DeOxit tonight. Thanks for the video.

I love my Schecter Solo-6 Custom LH. It's the one guitar I will never get rid of.

[ToneObsessed]

Know your potions. Caig DeOxIt D5 is a CONTACT cleaner, to be applied to clean metal contact surfaces. Caig DeOxIt F5 (aka Faderlube) is made specifically for conductive plastic faders and pots. The latter product is the more appropriate one for cleaning pots.

[LedGuitar]

I had an amp I was about to throw in the trash, but I sprayed all the pots with contact cleaner and she sounds new again. It really works

[OwleeMusic]

Thank you so much for this video! I've managed to rescue one of my old guitars after watching!

[vivanasvegas]

Deoxit D5 should not be used on things that MOVE such as pots. It may work but in the worst case it may cause the pot to freeze up or wear out prematurely. Deoxit F5 is what you should use for pots and faders as it contains a lubricant and cleaner.

[didienshairwan]

Isn't the intro tune is from Loudwire? 😂

[stevennemeth]

I love the use of the highly technical term "Do-hickeys and works" @ 2:44....At least I know I'm using the correct terminology.

[RobertCorrington]

CAIG also offers "DeoxIT® Fader F-Series is a precision lubricant specifically formulated to improve conductivity and lubricate conductive plastic and carbon compound faders, switches, potentiometers and other similar components.Oil, grease and acids build up on the membrane surfaces due to repeated finger contact and can lead to device malfunction. Applying DeoxIT® Fader will provide a long-lasting barrier against these types of contamination."
Which is best for pots... DeoxIT D5 or DeoxIT Fader F5?

[LUckybones]

I used a quick spray of deoxit in my guitar switch, which wasn’t switching properly, and it immediately fixed the problems I was having.

[StrokedGT]

Seems like an easy fix.. I was getting frustrated with that scratchy sound when I was messing with my volume pods.

[Alicesweetalice]

I am most interested in that vice!! What is it and where can I get one?!