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1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sat 06/15/19 9:38 am
by fernieite
Hi guys,

My 64 Pro Amp (1x15" combo) has developed a loud cracking sound with the volume pot on the Normal channel. You can't even use it because of the noise! Even just turning the knob a hair is brutal.

Instead of taking it into a tech, I'd like to first determine if this could be a simple pre amp tube or something, like shooting some Deoxit into the pot?

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Re: 1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sat 06/15/19 11:24 am
by JMPGuitars
It could be a number if things, including the pot, a connection to the pot, or a filter cap. With an amp that old, you can be certain the electrolytic caps need replacing if they haven't recently been replaced.

Do any of the other pots act that way? What happens when you adjust the tone pots in different positions and then try the volume pot again?

Re: 1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sat 06/15/19 12:11 pm
by fernieite
Thanks! I hadn't thought about the caps, they might be old. All of the other knobs on the amp are quiet. I'll have to try the tone knobs (treble and bass) and then the volume test...

Re: 1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sat 06/15/19 12:21 pm
by fernieite
Btw, here's an interesting article with a description of the mods and work that was done on my amp.(and a few pictures) I bought it from David Wilson from the Tonequest Report.
http://www.mercurymagnetics.com/pages/n ... RJUL08.pdf

Re: 1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sat 06/15/19 12:27 pm
by fernieite
Here's a more recent photo with the rest of my amps.
IMG_0278.JPG

Re: 1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sat 06/15/19 2:38 pm
by crgfrench
Nice collection! Have you played the Herzog with the Marshall? I bet that would sound groovy.

Re: 1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sat 06/15/19 3:31 pm
by fernieite
Thanks! - Oh yeah, you bet. It's fantastic! The Herzog can be added for just a little bit of overdrive, or just flat out fuzz! :twisted:

Re: 1964 Fender Pro volume pot cracking sound

Posted: Sun 06/30/19 6:20 pm
by fernieite
Update: Turns out it was just a dirty pot! Deoxit fixed it. :mrgreen: