'56 Special...help me keep it original.

[sharq attaq]

The neck volume pot is very stiff to turn. I'm used to using my pinky when adjusting anything, and on this one I really have to use my thumb and forefinger to do it. It seems to operate properly in that there's no scratchiness or dead spots. If you have a spray product to recommend, I'd really appreciate it. And if so, please be specific. Product manufacturer and name as well as where to buy...if you can.

I have a sneaky suspicion that the shaft might be either slightly bent or something although I can't see anything just by looking at it. So I'm looking (I guess) for something that will lubricate it without gunking things up or otherwise ruining the pot.

To my eyes, the pots are all original (haven't checked the date codes...guess I should) down to the original solder joints, and if there's nothing to try...I guess I'll just keep it as is.

Also, if you do recommend somthing to try...should I do anything toward protecting the finish with the specific product?

Here's a pic of the control cavity. Lot of fade evident to the color, looking at the lip. Also, a pic of the control plate. I figured the sticker was part of the guitar's history, and just couldn't make myself goo gone it into nonexistence. Plus, I figured the person who put it there deserved that much respect for taking such good care of the old doll for me. :spabout
And just for the heck of it, a shot of the front and the hang tag that came with it.

 

[cryptozoo]

Shoot Dr. Vintage an e-mail and see if he can help you out. Very nice-looking Special, I certainly see why you wouldn't want to mess with it. Personally, I'd remove the sticker. It looks like it was added in the last decade or so.

 

[Heritage69]

I use CRC
2-26
plastic safe precision lubricant.
Using very little and working pot back in forth from 0-10. I am guessing a radio shack would carry.

 

[sharq attaq]

Shoot Dr. Vintage an e-mail and see if he can help you out. Very nice-looking Special, I certainly see why you wouldn't want to mess with it. Personally, I'd remove the sticker. It looks like it was added in the last decade or so.

zip code?

 

[MapleFlame]

Get Deoxit from Stew Mac and spray in the open side of the pot and work it in. Take off the knob, spray a q-Tip with deoxit and dab by the retaining clip. Don't spray too much as the excess will drip out to the finish.

 

[zombiwoof]

Get Deoxit from Stew Mac and spray in the open side of the pot and work it in. Take off the knob, spray a q-Tip with deoxit and dab by the retaining clip. Don't spray too much as the excess will drip out to the finish.

I always wrap a small rag or handkerchief around the pot when spraying pots in a guitar, to catch any drippage.

Al

 

[Unbound Dot Neck]

Sharq- I have in my hand , DeoxIT FaderLube F5
I have used it on any of my 50's era pots with good results. Surrond the pot area with a rag to catch the over flow, it shoots out pretty quick. As MF suggested , try to squirt into opening of the pot from the back side. Also, remove the top hat and squirt
down the shaft , and swivel 0-10 , 10-0 afew times. Keep a rag handy for quick clean up . Alittle bit goes along way , do not over do it

I got the DeoxIt at a local Electronics shop here in Virginia, but google it . Its easy to find online

nice looking special, this should do the trick.

Chris

 

[Unbound Dot Neck]

here is a link for the faderlube-


http://www.amazon.com/CAIG-DeoxIT-F...8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1277330826&sr=8-2

 

[latestarter]

Dude, that is a sick clean '56....

 

[sharq attaq]

Thanks guys! I'll let y'all know how it goes.

 

[JIMI55LP]

That is very sweet, loving the color.

 

[zombiwoof]

Wish my '56 Junior looked that nice!

Al