Crackling Volume Pots on H-150

[Kazwell]

I noticed that my new Heritage H-150 has not one, but two crackling volume pots. Both tone pots seem to be fine.

 

Since this to me is a very special guitar-I want to handlie replacing these carefully with only the best replacement pots I can to ensure the best tone possible. Although they appear to work OK for now,  I was thinking (since I'm already going to have the soldering iron warmed up) of replacing the tone pots and possibly the caps as well. I hear that using two different value caps for each pickup can improve the functionality of your tone knob.

 

Does anyone have any ideas as to what would be a good route to take to improve or at least maintain optimal sound. I am using Seth Lover PUPs and I wold like to stick with a vintage tone. Are the stock caps in these guitars considered pretty good or can I go one better?

 

I know there are music supply sites out there that offer a variety of packages for this very purpose. Any in particular that someone can recommend for my purposes?

 

Any and all suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Sparky]

They probably don't need to be replaced... just cleaned. Any quality contact/control cleaner would work... Radio Shack has a good one for like 5 bucks...

unless you really just wanna put some new ones in!

[Kazwell]

Thanks for the tip, Sparky!  I think the cleaning option sounds like the smartest route at at this point -if that's all they really need. What is the procedure for applying this cleaner?

[skydog]

I use the one from Radio Shack also, but it's closer to $10. You literally use the product to wash away what's fouling the pots.  I unmount the pots from the guitar and hold them to the side with a container under them. Liberally spray the product to wash away the "dirt". Don't try and clean them while in the guitar! Personally, the stuff that comes in Heritage guitars from the factory is close to "junk". Go to RS Guitar Works and order a replacement harness. The pots have equal range throughout the throw of the pot vs. the typical 0-4 sweep of a factory pot.

[GuitArtMan]

Caig CaiLube is the best stuff to use - it's the stuff you'll find on a pro electronics technicians work bench:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31slKK1WmNL._SS500_.jpg[/img]

As for the pots in your 150, they are probably junk anyway.  Mine were - Made in Mexico.  Get yourself some high quality CTS replacements from ACME Guitarworks, RS Guitarworks, MojoTone, Dr. Vintage, etc.

[Kazwell]

After hearing these are considered "cheap import" volume pots, I have decided to go ahead and replace the whole harness.

 

I didn't check when I replaced the pickups, but I presume these are short shaft. Right? Also, I guess I should go for the standard 500K pots/.022caps. -unless anybody has tried using different cap values for increased/differen't sound. ( I know I said earlier I am trying to keep a classic sound, but then again, I am open to anytime of mod that folks think is an improvement to the classic setup.)

 

Any kit type from one of these suppliers that someone suggests?

 

Thanks again folks.

[rooster]

Personally, I like paper in oil caps, I generally use old Sprague Vitamin Q caps or Goodman caps. Having said that, the Hovlands that are, I believe, stock in your H150 are very good caps, probably the next best thing. I definitely second the RS Superpots for volume controls. I have them in all my guitars, they are about the best ones you can get nowadays with the exception of the Allesandro pots, which run $50 each, a tad rich for my blood.

 

rooster.

[JohnCovach]

A quick question for those in the know: I have never worried about replacing pots because I simply don't use mine.  I've always got them on 10 and control my volume from a floor pedal.  So is the tone affected, and is the quality of this component a factor, if the pot is always all the way open like this?

[GuitArtMan]

Personally, I like paper in oil caps, I generally use old Sprague Vitamin Q caps or Goodman caps. Having said that, the Hovlands that are, I believe, stock in your H150 are very good caps, probably the next best thing. I definitely second the RS Superpots for volume controls. I have them in all my guitars, they are about the best ones you can get nowadays with the exception of the Allesandro pots, which run $50 each, a tad rich for my blood.

 

rooster.

Hovlands stock in a H-150?!?  I don't think so.  Let's see... ceramic disc cap, 15 cents... Hovaland musicap $12.95... it's simple math.  I doubt anyone at Heritage has even heard of Hovaland caps.

[golferwave]

I have an H-150 that I ordered through Jay and I ordered the RS upgrade kit that is available and it came with Hovland caps so mine are stock from the factory.

[GuitArtMan]

I have an H-150 that I ordered through Jay and I ordered the RS upgrade kit that is available and it came with Hovland caps so mine are stock from the factory.

Ok, cool, but that is by no means stock.  However, it's nice to know you can order them with the kit installed.  Did you send the kit to Jay/Heritage or did they order it themselves?  Maybe this could be the start of a new custom feature - RS electronics kits.

 

I custom ordered a H-535 years ago with Seth Lovers, long before they started being a standard upgrade.  In fact I kinda like to think I'm partialy responsible for them offering Seth Lover these days.  We tried to go with Antiquites, but Seymour Duncan would not allow them to be installed stock at that time.  Look how things have changed. 

[golferwave]

  It's an option called the "RS guitar works wiring kit"  It was listed as a $70.00 option installed by the factory during the buildup so I would call it a stock option.  I didn't have to supply it.  If you want more info you can call or email Jay. I also ordered it with an ebony fingerboard, Select flame top, translucent Amber finish, Sperzel tuners with pearloid buttons, and Seth Lover pickups.  I received delivery last Spring.

[GuitArtMan]

  It's an option called the "RS guitar works wiring kit"  It was listed as a $70.00 option installed by the factory during the buildup so I would call it a stock option.  I didn't have to supply it.  If you want more info you can call or email Jay. I also ordered it with an ebony fingerboard, Select flame top, translucent Amber finish, Sperzel tuners with pearloid buttons, and Seth Lover pickups.  I received delivery last Spring.

Ok cool.  Was that an option listed on the Heritage website or an option available from Jay? 

[golferwave]

  It was on a list of options that Jay emailed for me to consider and order from.  I don't think I've seen it on the Heritage website but that's not unusual for their site. Jay has always told me that Heritage is basically one big custom shop since you can order your guitar the way you want it within their ability to deliver. I'm sure that you can order a guitar with any pickups that are commercially available as well as the wiring upgrade. Very cool to be able to do that.