CTS Pot

General discussion area for tube amps.

Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal

Post Reply
User avatar
Karl
Posts: 54
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 4:36 pm
Location: Hafnarfjörður, Iceland

CTS Pot

Post by Karl »

Hello

I don't have much experience with amp building but I built a Vibroverb. I think that it came out pretty nice for my first build and I am currently planning my next build with the help of this great forum.

But now to my question. I having problems with the volume pot in the normal channel on my amp. It worked fine the first month and now it is completely shut from 0 - 2 and when it hits 2 it has the same level as it was at 5 when it worked.

It's a CTS pot with a white plasic shaft.

Is this a common problem?
Is there a way to fix this without replacing the pot?

I attached 2 pics of the amp for you guys to check out.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Karl Fridrik
doctord02
Posts: 430
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:21 am
Location: Northern California
Contact:

Re: CTS Pot

Post by doctord02 »

I'd replace the pot. For the labor involved to remove the damaged pot, open it up and check that the wiper is making good contact and that the conductor traces arent broken, and then reassemble the whole mess and hope you didnt make it worse, I'd just replace it and call it a day. For a < $10 part my time is worth too much to fiddle with the existing pot.
User avatar
Structo
Posts: 15446
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:01 am
Location: Oregon

Re: CTS Pot

Post by Structo »

Sounds like the wafer the wiper rides on got corrupted somehow.
Usually it is either phenolic or plastic with layer of carbon on it.
I don't know of any fix short of replacing the pot.
But hey, it's only about a $2.00 fix.
I actually like the Alpha pots better for amps.
Tom

Don't let that smoke out!
User avatar
Karl
Posts: 54
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 4:36 pm
Location: Hafnarfjörður, Iceland

Re: CTS Pot

Post by Karl »

Ok, I have checked both the supply stores here in Iceland and neither have this value. I'll just wait until I order from USA for my next build.
Karl Fridrik
User avatar
Structo
Posts: 15446
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:01 am
Location: Oregon

Re: CTS Pot

Post by Structo »

Ah, you didn't mention you were in Iceland.
Sourcing is difficult?
Got any Telefunkens over there? :D
Tom

Don't let that smoke out!
Post Reply