H535 noise when using and touching the volume control for the neck pickup

[BoogieJohn]

I get a "cracking" sound when using or even touching the volume control for the neck pickup - but only when I have hit a string first. If no strings are ringing the problem is not there. Very strange. Any good ideas as to the cause of this minor issue with my (otherwise) wonderful H535?

[H]

I get a "cracking" sound when using or even touching the volume control for the neck pickup - but only when I have hit a string first. If no strings are ringing the problem is not there. Very strange. Any good ideas as to the cause of this minor issue with my (otherwise) wonderful H535?

Hi, interesting problem! How old is the guitar? Do you play it and use the controls regularly? Are they the stock items or have they been changed? Apologies for all the questions

 

There's a spray/liquid that can be used to clean the insides of pots but I can't remember the name of it. I'm sure someone here will chip in with it.

[brentrocks]

sounds like a bad pot

[donnie]

Is it by any chance a new-ish guitar?

[GuitArtMan]

 

[DetroitBlues]

Bad pot, bad solder joint... I think everyone about has you covered.

[mars_hall]

Is there a braid hitting a contact on one of the pots when you pluck? Move the wires away from the pots with your fingers

[High Flying Bird]

Welcome to the HOC BoggieJ. This stuff is commonly called "pot cleaner." Be damn careful about getting it on your finish. My money says it would make a mess. Like Mark suggested, try using your fingers or a tool of some sort to move the wires around first. Spread every thing out and away. When this doesn't work get you some pot cleaner.

 

535s are the guitars of the Gods. If I had to have just one guitar......

[gary0313]

Welcome to the HOC BoggieJ. This stuff is commonly called "pot cleaner." Be damn careful about getting it on your finish. My money says it would make a mess. Like Mark suggested, try using your fingers or a tool of some sort to move the wires around first. Spread every thing out and away. When this doesn't work get you some pot cleaner.

 

535s are the guitars of the Gods. If I had to have just one guitar......

It's not cheap ($18.35) but Stew Mac sells a pot cleaning cap that screws on to a CTS pot without removing it from the guitar and has a hole for the DeoxIT spray extension tube that should keep the spray inthe pot and off your finish.

[BoogieJohn]

Hi all - thanks for the replies.

 

The guitar is from 2007 and 100% original to my knowledge. I haven't had from brand new - bought it about 1 year ago from a friend. I play it regularly. I will try to follow the suggestion to move things around with my fingers first.