DIY - How to Clean Amplifier Pots - Fix Scratchy Volume Control on Guitar Amp Peavey Backstage Plus

This video demonstrates how to fix a guitar amp when the volume knob is scratchy. This how to video would address the same problem on most any electronic potentiometer. The repair on other amps such as Marshall, Fender, VOX, Orange would be the same or similar.

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Mark Jenkins, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Mark Jenkins assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Mark Jenkins recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Mark Jenkins, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Mark Jenkins.

[imoses]

I got my Backstage Plus with the scratchy volume and reverb knobs out of storage today. I followed your instructions and now my 1985 amp sounds like new. Thanks, man!

[vyrnmn]

This just so happens to be the exact same amp I have that needs the pots cleaning! Perfect! :-)

[garyengdahl]

I bought a backstage plus at auction a couple of years ago. I didn’t like it and the reverb was funky. The reverb tank was loose but your video taught me how to clean the pots and now the amp, not just the reverb, sounds great! Thank you

[bobbyruggs]

Did this to my Peavey Bandit 75 and now its working really well and sound so much better. This video was very helpful. Thanks for posting.

[acousticshadow]

You're spot-on about keeping this amp. I have a 1984 Backstage Plus model. Best practice amp I have ever owned, and I favor tube amps. The 10" speaker loves HB pups. Thanks for a most practical demo. I learned something useful here.

[jremi]

Just found this video! I happen to have a Peavey Studio Pro 112. I thought the preamp was shot because no sound was coming out at all, but as I was moving the knobs this morning I could hear some sound, but mostly very scratchy pots. I got it to the point where it is mostly working again just by turning the knobs, but they are still very scratchy. I'll follow your instructions. Thank you very much!

[garthosborn]

I am gonna do that with my Backstage Plus! Thanks for posting this.

[andycowley]

i just bought a "spares or repair" PA system, and everything was crackly and dropping out. i watched this, bought some contact cleaner, and did what he said. WOW! it's like a new amp! fantastic advice dude.

[mrbooker]

This is the video I was looking for. I'm going to claen my pots now. Thhanks.

[michaelmorales]

Thanks in 1984 i was blessed at the local Church with both this Peavey Backstage great for tuning before playing and the solid state Peavey Renown channel switching travelled with it slept next to it kind of the usage did make the Gain channel pots scratchy now its going to be 2019 this is an excellent channel very well presented 10 stars and bye the way i said ..man.real easy didn't i .apology in order now my battery is gone

[obliviousmode]

Thanks for you video! It really helped! I found a Marshall 5005 Lead 12 in a pawn shop. 3 of the knobs made crackling noises the Gain, Volume and Treble. After doing this simple fix made it sound like new!! This is my very 1st amp. I'm wanting to learn how to play guitar. Your video made me save some money and time on a possible unnecessary.trip to a repair shop. Great job!!

[MikeLike]

Yeah, I've had this amp for almost 40 years, never had a problem, good earthy sound for solid state, loud for its size, rugged construction. Only issue recently: the pots are a bit problematic on volume so this video is genuinely appreciated to give it a tune up and see how it works out. I've been looking for a new amp but holding off until I really need something a lot louder, it works for band practice and jamming in small halls....perhaps this might do the job in small clubs and if not, that is the time for a proper Marshall or Fender Twin Reverb.

[marc]

thanks,
just got hold of a mid 80's Peavey TKO65 bass amp with similar problems and sorted it all out after watching your vid.
Wouldn't have done it without seeing this.

[MikeT]

I have a 1982 Peavy Solo Series Special - it has exact same problem with saturation knob! Thanks so much for this vid

[petert]

Great video and nice guitar rif at the end. Thanks for taking the time to show this video

[bettyboo]

Thanks for the vid I have a Peavy Bandit 75 that need this treatment badly. Just not usable at the moment 😕

[longboren]

Thanks so much! I had some equipment that I had thought was gone. I can't wait to try this!!

[I_Really_Enjoy_Not_Seeing_You]

It's probably my OCD acting up, but the color configuration on the knobs (from left to right) is white, dark grey, blue, grey, grey, grey, black. Good amp, though. Mine, the previous owner left it in a gazebo for 12 years, so it got a lot of humidity and freezing and probably wind blown rain on it. The bottom is fairly rotted, and the baffle, but it still works flawlessly. I've had it for 7 years now, and only replaced the speaker (I guess from the all that water the cone got messed up, because it sounded like I was playing out of a cardboard box.) Amazingly enough, the pots didn't need this until within the past year. Peavey built them like tanks at the time.

[carobosley]

Thanks for this video!Cleaned my Backstage Plus and it sounds like a new amp.Great for blues.Used it as my lead amp in the mid 90s.Used WD40 and had no problem!

[grmelectric]

Hey man, thanks for the video. Def don’t get rid of the amp!