what to use in place of a 2K audio pot?

[joel_ostrom]

i'm replacing the pots in an old Fender amp, the old pot is a 15A 2K pot - but i was wondering how i might go about replacing it with something else if i can't find 2K pots available anywhere. could i possibly compensate for the difference in resistance by adding a resistor to the circuit between the pot terminals and the trace on the PC?

[DrGonz78]

Can you post a picture of the type of pot in question? It would be nice to see close ups of the pot to help know what it looks like. Also, I have found several links to this type of pot as far as specifications you have given - 15A 2K. However, it would be helpful to describe the pot or post a picture to better help find the right one.

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[Enzo]

This is spillover from his Fender M-80 thread.

Joel we've told you what professionals would do. A bunch of folks have suggested at least TRY the cleaner, and Gonz here has suggested places your exact part is availaible, as we did in the other thread.

[joel_ostrom]

This is spillover from his Fender M-80 thread.

Joel we've told you what professionals would do. A bunch of folks have suggested at least TRY the cleaner, and Gonz here has suggested places your exact part is availaible, as we did in the other thread.

I understand that what you and several others have suggested is probably a successful option to pursue, but with all due respect - i don't want to do it this way. I don't want to go out and spend $10-20 on a can of high end electronics cleaner, unsolder all the pots, spray a bunch of chemical gunk into them, solder them all tediously back in one at a time and find out that it worked in some or none of them and then, in the end, wind up replacing all the pots anyways. I'm not saying your method wouldn't work - i just don't really want to try a method that "might-or-might-not" work.

I'd appreciate it if you didn't call my posing a separate question thread "spillover". It's related, but separate. Nowhere in *this* thread did i ask "is this time/cost effective?". I just wanted an answer to *this* question. It almost sounded like your reply is implying "nobody answer this thread, we've already given him the best answer possible in another thread".

I've done my research and what i aim to do (replace the pots with generic, non snap-in type 16mm pots of the same values) is entirely possible and cost effective. It might not be time effective, but i don't mind a little tedious tinkering. I enjoy it.
And don't make the assumption that just because you'd choose the easiest/cheapest/quickest method that i would also. Or the assumption that you're doing me a huge favor by not answering my question and merely telling me "don't do it".

[nashvillebill]

errr....You don't unsolder the pots to use the Deoxit cleaner. You merely spray it in. Nothing to lose other than a couple of bucks for the Deoxit and a few minutes time.

I've soldered a few pots in (though only a tiny tiny fraction compared to the experts here) and it's not quite as foolproof as it seems. There is the very real possibility that the PCB traces can get damaged. Or that the heat and flux from soldering the new pot in...can damage the new pot. I've had that happen myself (and again, while I'm nowheres near to being an expert, I'm not a complete noobie to soldering either).

Why the aversion to trying the Deoxit? The folks that are telling you to use it, are some of the best in the world. They know that it has a very high probablity of it working.


All your research ain't worth squat. Cost effective my a$$. LISTEN to the folks here, try the Deoxit---- or just shut up and do whatever the f*** you want to and quit posting.

[joel_ostrom]

errr....You don't unsolder the pots to use the Deoxit cleaner. You merely spray it in. Nothing to lose other than a couple of bucks for the Deoxit and a few minutes time.

I've soldered a few pots in (though only a tiny tiny fraction compared to the experts here) and it's not quite as foolproof as it seems. There is the very real possibility that the PCB traces can get damaged. Or that the heat and flux from soldering the new pot in...can damage the new pot. I've had that happen myself (and again, while I'm nowheres near to being an expert, I'm not a complete noobie to soldering either).

Why the aversion to trying the Deoxit? The folks that are telling you to use it, are some of the best in the world. They know that it has a very high probablity of it working.

I just want to put in new pots - why is that such a bad thing? It mostly has to do with the fact that the amp is 10-12 years old and most likely has 10-12 years worth of dust and other gunk built up causing defects in it. I don't really see how spraying in a bunch of chemical crap is gonna just magically clean that gunk out. I just want to pull out the old and put in some new ones. A small reason for wanting new pots is because i want to put on vintage dome style knobs and they only fit 1/4" pot shafts. The pots on right now are D-Shaped. But i wanted to avoid the inevitable argument that would ensue when i based some of my motives on aesthetics...

I don't care if its time consuming, or seems like a waste of time or a "bad idea" to all the "experts" as you say. I'm new to this. I'm experimenting. Its not like i'm gonna come back on here if something goes wrong and raise hell with everybody on the forum. If something does go wrong - oh well, life goes on.

I came to this forum to gain some knowledge and understanding, but instead i'm having opinions thrown at me and people basically saying "don't ask questions, just do what i say - its the best way".

I already said it once, but i'll say it again. I'm NOT saying that your methods DON'T work. I'm choosing to take some risks and go it the non-conventional way at my own risk. All i'm looking for is information, not advice (at least on this thread)>

All your research ain't worth squat. Cost effective my a$$. LISTEN to the folks here, try the Deoxit---- or just shut up and do whatever the f*** you want to and quit posting.

wow, where is this coming from? I can't believe how much attitude has been thrown my way in just 2 threads. Either I do as you recommend without question or screw off? I think i know where i won't be coming for help and advice in the future...

[DrGonz78]

What you are doing by coming into the forums here is getting a free education by the payment of your ISP provider. Now if you want to have a bad attitude w/ the generous information that is passed onto you then that is your decision. To assume that anyone here is a tech Nazi then your just blowing your own horn. The best approach on this forum (IMHO) is to be humble and accept help as to your situation that you present in your posting. At no time has anyone told you to do something in a way that is incorrect. Replacing pots can cause problems to your PCB board or other components that are connected to the joints, but mostly it is a really easy procedure that most anyone can do. You were late in telling the whole story about the types of pots and shafts involved, or the knobs to replace/add. So, cut some slack to the audience that you have here and explain your situation better in the future. I mean no disrespect but this site really does help people. This can be valued in many ways but not if you just want play a game.

So, it is not about changing out pots it is about the attitude and explanation. You have explained your situation now to the fullest degree but still you come off as someone who is blowing his Nazi tech horn. Stop the defensive approach and just keep going w/ your project and I guarantee you will see that all people here will help you along.

[nashvillebill]

You've already said you know what you want to do so why are you bothering the folks here that actually are the experts? You said you wanted to come here to gain some knowledge and understanding-- but you aren't willing to heed the advice given to you? That's why I'm dishing your attitude right back at you.

There's a whole lotta amps out there in the field that are 30, 40, even 50 years old. Do you think folks replace those pots every 10 to 12 years when they get crackly? NO---they spray cleaner in the pots, get them working smoothly again, and go onward with their lives. This isn't rocket science. Pots get noisy. Pots get sprayed with cleaner. Noise goes away. When pots get noisy again in a few years, they get sprayed again. Big whoop.

[nashvillebill]

I'll paraphrase this thread and the other thread:

Beginner: Help! My amp does this {symptom} and I want to fix it by doing this {complicated procedure}

Multiple experts: Have you tried this {simple fix} first?

Beginner: No, I'm convinced I should do this {complicated procedure}

Multiple experts: We really recommend trying this {simple fix} first, it almost always works and is a whole lot easier.

Beginner: Stop telling me about this {simple fix} I want to do this {complicated procedure} Why won't you tell me how to do this {complicated procedure}

[Dave Curtis, dB AudioTech]

You can lead a horse to water, but he wants to change his knobs...

[J M Fahey]

Well, changing all pots can be done any day.
Just do it.
Don't need to post any question at all anywhere.

[52 Bill]

I think i know where i won't be coming for help and advice in the future...

Thank you very much for this posting.

[MikeH]

To answer the initial question: Electronics 2000 | Series / Parallel Resistor Calculator You make make a smaller value resistor by putting 2 resistors in series (If you don't know, a pot is just a resistor). For example, 10K + 10K in series = 5K. Use the calculator to figure out the value you need to strap across the outer lugs. The taper will be a bit off, but should still be usable.

And to pile on: Cleaning pots with Deoxit is just an every day part of being an amp tech. It's amp maintenance 101, and that $20 can goes a long way. If you want to do any of this repair stuff, you should get used to doing that particular part of it. You don't need to desolder the pots to do it. I have a doo-dad that I use, so that I don't even have to pull a chassis to clean the pots with deoxit.

Furthermore: Guys here are pros. They do this for a living. They have forgotten more about amp repair than most of us will ever know. The reason they poo-poo on you for wanting to replace all your pots because they're dirty, is because it's unthinkable to do so as a pro. At least not before they've at least been cleaned. They're giving pro advice, but you want advice on doing something that generally none of them would do. That's why you're not getting the answers you want to hear here.

[joel_ostrom]

To answer the initial question: Electronics 2000 | Series / Parallel Resistor Calculator You make make a smaller value resistor by putting 2 resistors in series (If you don't know, a pot is just a resistor). For example, 10K + 10K in series = 5K. Use the calculator to figure out the value you need to strap across the outer lugs. The taper will be a bit off, but should still be usable

Thanks man - i'd done some research elsewhere and gotten a variety of answers but pretty much what you've said is the consensus. I've had guys tell me i could just use a 1K or a 5K pot instead and it wouldn't make much of a difference. Is that true?

And to pile on: Cleaning pots with Deoxit is just an every day part of being an amp tech. It's amp maintenance 101, and that $20 can goes a long way. If you want to do any of this repair stuff, you should get used to doing that particular part of it. You don't need to desolder the pots to do it. I have a doo-dad that I use, so that I don't even have to pull a chassis to clean the pots with deoxit.

Furthermore: Guys here are pros. They do this for a living. They have forgotten more about amp repair than most of us will ever know. The reason they poo-poo on you for wanting to replace all your pots because they're dirty, is because it's unthinkable to do so as a pro. At least not before they've at least been cleaned. They're giving pro advice, but you want advice on doing something that generally none of them would do. That's why you're not getting the answers you want to hear here.

I get that. That's legit - but i have my reasons for wanting to do things my way. People shouldn't be so quick to take offense when i say i'm going to take the risk and go against the grain. I want to experiment a little and try something different. Its fine if a person wouldn't do the same thing themself, but please don't tell me i'm being stupid and to:

shut up and do whatever the f*** you want to and quit posting

just because i'm doing something unconventional that pro wouldn't do
(though with all due respect i'd hardly call that "professional" language...)

[joel_ostrom]

I'll paraphrase this thread and the other thread:

Beginner: Help! My amp does this {symptom} and I want to fix it by doing this {complicated procedure}

Multiple experts: Have you tried this {simple fix} first?

Beginner: No, I'm convinced I should do this {complicated procedure}

Multiple experts: We really recommend trying this {simple fix} first, it almost always works and is a whole lot easier.

Beginner: Stop telling me about this {simple fix} I want to do this {complicated procedure} Why won't you tell me how to do this {complicated procedure}

this still doesn't really answer the question of where you get off coming and posting a reply to a *DIFFERENT* thread with a *DIFFERENT* question than the first thread, with the same response except loaded with attitude.

The first time i asked
"Is this {complicated procedure} possible?".
The answer was yes, albeit "...but don't do it - there's an easier way" was always attached to it.
My response? "That's okay, i understand there's an easier way but i want to experiment a little and i don't mind the extra work. I enjoy it <-- key words here"
(If you go back and check all my posts, never once did i simply ask "Should I replace the pots? or Clean them?")

Then, in the *DIFFERENT* thread i asked:
"Hey, can i use a resistor across the pot terminals to change the value of the component?"
The responses? Pretty much the same as the other thread.
Oh, except for this one:

All your research ain't worth squat. Cost effective my a$$. LISTEN to the folks here, try the Deoxit---- or just shut up and do whatever the f*** you want to and quit posting

The point here is, you're being rude and chewing me out for making a decision that in NO WAY affects anybody else but me, which was made for reasons that are completely unbeknownst to you and are really none of your business. You have no right to criticize MY method, regardless of the fact that i'm not a professional. You don't know the context in which i'm making my decisions. Maybe I really am just a young hobbyist who wants to tinker around and experiment a little and doesn't mind doing things the hard way.

The other point is that *THIS* thread was posted with a "how does this work" question - NOT a "what would you do" question. But that's how it was answered. In the first thread your advice was given and received but when i decided to post a *DIFFERENT* question in a *DIFFERENT* thread, the same people came back with the same answers as before to shove the same advice down my throat that (in this thread) i was NOT asking for.