Rampdog Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 I have an American Standard Strat and find the pots, tone/volume knobs to be stiff...especially when I dial the tone knobs all the way up, just before I reach max, it sorta locks itself into place...I hope I'm explaining this right. Does anyone recommend changing these out? If so to what? I played a 59 Tele for years, (years ago) and loved how nice and easy the knobs were on that. (more of a smooth metal feel) I've picked up quite a few strats and they all feel the same... Thanks all... If it ain't fun...why do it...? http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=778394&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A String Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 I switched mine out, but to be honest, at the time, I didn't pay much attention to the brand. I needed my volume to be loose, for playing Cathedral, and doing those volume swells, so I bought one that turned really easily. Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Patrick Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 I don't think I've had that problem on any of my Strats. Interesting... You can buy an upgrade kit from RS Guitarwork that'll fix that right up... Buy Tangy's latest CD, "Sorta Like Very Ultra" The Official Tangy Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A String Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 I wonder if those pots are loose? Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluesape Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 I've not had this poblem, but I switched to Tele style knobs for my '71 Strat. The Blades and Freeway already have 'em. I prefer the look and feel of them, and it can't be a coincidence that so many custom-built models have 'em. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdrs Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 I don't think I've had that problem on any of my Strats. Interesting... You can buy an upgrade kit from RS Guitarwork that'll fix that right up... I've been looking at those kits....thinkin the next time I build a Strat or Tele, in stead of putting the wiring, pots, etc. together ad hoc, that I might just get one of these. I've never had that problem with any Strat I've ever had. MY KNOBS ARE ALL LOOSE!! LOL Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardtail Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 I have an American Standard Strat and find the pots, tone/volume knobs to be stiff...especially when I dial the tone knobs all the way up, just before I reach max, it sorta locks itself into place...I hope I'm explaining this right. Does anyone recommend changing these out? If so to what? I played a 59 Tele for years, (years ago) and loved how nice and easy the knobs were on that. (more of a smooth metal feel) I've picked up quite a few strats and they all feel the same... Thanks all... Are you talking about all 3 of your pots or maybe just the tone one closest to the floor? If the latter, you might have the duo-tone feature on your Strat like mine. When I dial the bottom tone control all the way up, it kind of locks in place and that signifies that my tone pot is being bypassed completely. When I dial down, past the lock-feeling, the tone pot is being used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Thorne Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Are you talking about all 3 of your pots or maybe just the tone one closest to the floor? If the latter, you might have the duo-tone feature on your Strat like mine. When I dial the bottom tone control all the way up, it kind of locks in place and that signifies that my tone pot is being bypassed completely. When I dial down, past the lock-feeling, the tone pot is being used. This was my thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdrs Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 What does locking the tone pot out do for your tone?? Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Ellwood Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Another trick is to use a Gibson speed knob with a little rubber band around it, like is used with dental braces, if you do allot of volume swell work. http://www.thestringnetwork.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdrs Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Thanks Ellwood.....that's a good one!! Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Thorne Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 What does locking the tone pot out do for your tone?? For those of us,especially old Tele dogs, who seek maximum twangage: any tone control in the circuit will color the sound by rolling off highs, even wide open. In fact, many players will remove the tone pot completely (Q:"Where do you set your tone control?" A: "In a box of spare parts in my garage."). This bypass would be the next best thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdrs Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 gotcha... Don "There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by." http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296 http://www.myspace.com/imdrs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Patrick Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Didn't EVH just have a volume control on the axe he built? Buy Tangy's latest CD, "Sorta Like Very Ultra" The Official Tangy Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Thorne Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Didn't EVH just have a volume control on the axe he built? My understanding is that Eddie didn't so much "build" that first guitar as "bastardize" it. He re-attached only the one volume control because, once he got it all apart, he couldn't figure out how to re-install the tone control and get the guitar to work! A true guitar player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Geoff Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Another trick is to use a Gibson speed knob with a little rubber band around it, like is used with dental braces, if you do allot of volume swell work. Try & get hold of some vintage Ibanez speedknobs - they already have the rubber collar built in. G. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the World will know Peace": Jimi Hendrix http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=738517&content=music The Geoff - blame Caevan!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Ellwood Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Another trick is to use a Gibson speed knob with a little rubber band around it, like is used with dental braces, if you do allot of volume swell work. Try & get hold of some vintage Ibanez speedknobs - they already have the rubber collar built in. G. Yep those work great too and look better LOL... http://www.thestringnetwork.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b3_john Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 You can buy an upgrade kit from RS Guitarwork that'll fix that right up... I've seen this before, I thought it was just hyped up prices for normal components. Do you actually have this in your Strat? Is there really a difference? John GP sacred cow of the year: Jimmy Vaughan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Try & get hold of some vintage Ibanez speedknobs - they already have the rubber collar built in. G. Yeah, those are real nice knobs. I have them on my Ibanez AE200. They're the perfect diameter for curling your pinky around. Scott Fraser Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampdog Posted May 12, 2007 Author Share Posted May 12, 2007 Are you talking about all 3 of your pots or maybe just the tone one closest to the floor? If the latter, you might have the duo-tone feature on your Strat like mine. When I dial the bottom tone control all the way up, it kind of locks in place and that signifies that my tone pot is being bypassed completely. When I dial down, past the lock-feeling, the tone pot is being used. You got it Hardtail... it's only on the one closest to the floor although I still don't find the volume and other tone pot that smooth and easy... Why would they set up the bottom tone pot to lock? Just turn it up or down, correct? I've never done any pot work on a guitar before, (although I've played them on pot) so I don't want to screw it up... I would love to put a set of Tele pots in there as I always loved the feel of them... smooth as goose sh*t on a hot tin roof... Are the old Tele pots different than the new ones? Will changing out pots affect the tone? Thanks all that answered on this... If it ain't fun...why do it...? http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=778394&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardtail Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 Are you talking about all 3 of your pots or maybe just the tone one closest to the floor? If the latter, you might have the duo-tone feature on your Strat like mine. When I dial the bottom tone control all the way up, it kind of locks in place and that signifies that my tone pot is being bypassed completely. When I dial down, past the lock-feeling, the tone pot is being used. You got it Hardtail... it's only on the one closest to the floor although I still don't find the volume and other tone pot that smooth and easy... Why would they set up the bottom tone pot to lock? Just turn it up or down, correct? I've never done any pot work on a guitar before, (although I've played them on pot) so I don't want to screw it up... I would love to put a set of Tele pots in there as I always loved the feel of them... smooth as goose sh*t on a hot tin roof... Are the old Tele pots different than the new ones? Will changing out pots affect the tone? Thanks all that answered on this... Then you most likely have the duo-tone. Check the specs on the Fender site for your specific guitar to make sure. The "locking" feeling you get is turning the pot off/on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quixotica Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 I apologize if this sounds kinda' stupid, but you might check to see if your knobs are pushed too far down on your pots. I have a strat and I noticed that my volume knob was hard to turn after I replaced the pickguard. Upon closer inspection, I found that the outside edge of the knob was rubbing against the face of my pickguard, making the knob hard to turn. So I just slipped couple of picks under the knob to slide it out a little and the knob worked fine. Someone mentioned speed knobs... I saw some "Dimebag Darrel" style speed knobs somewhere (probably ebay). They looked like regular speed knobs with little rubber o-rings stuck to the edge to provide more positive grip. "No his mind is not for rent..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampdog Posted May 14, 2007 Author Share Posted May 14, 2007 Quix... It's not touching so that isn't the problem... They're just not as smooth and easy as my old Tele was... Now, my question is, if I change out the pots, what type should I use and does changing out the pots do anything for tone on the strat. I need some input here on that... Thanks... If it ain't fun...why do it...? http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=778394&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.