Fender Super Sonic 22

[Jay D]

Hello:
Has any member experienced the super sonic 22 clean channel that the volume control having very little range, 0 to 3 (very loud) with very little change from 3 to 10?
I have checked the volume pot, 30A1M, and replaced the pot with a new one to boot. The gain of the stage from Fender shematic is 188mV / 5 mV = 37.6, and with a new 12AX7A / ECC83 JJ, measured a gain of 38, which agrees with the schematic values.
The high gain channel volume control is good, and that value is 250KA (1/4 the value of the clean channel volume pot).

Any Suggestions?

All are appreciated.

Thank You,

Jay D

[soundguruman]

The stock controls have a very poor range. It's the way the control is built.
It's hard to find controls that are suitable for extended uniform adjustment range in audio circuits.
Most companies that make pots don't understand the concept. Especially ALPS, and most others.
(many alps pots are "zero" until you turn them to "3." then they burst ON)
There is one company Precision Canada that actually makes pots with an even audio adjustment range,
all the way up and down. These also have a 130 degree rotation, which is longer than a conventional control.
I have been installing these in Sovtek Migs, and they work better than anything else I have found.
Also has a stainless steel shaft and case. Made to last, definitely.
If these type of pots fit, they are way better than consumer grade controls, military grade they are more like.
But many times you will have to mod the amp to get them to fit.
Amazon.com: PEC Guitar Amp Potentiometer, 1 Meg Audio: Musical Instruments

[Gtr_tech]

The problem is the taper. They used a linear taper....so that causes the vol to come up all at once. I dunno why they do this other than to make it seem *reeeeally* impressive with the vol at "1". Replace it with an audio taper of the same value and it will bring it back to normal.

[soundguruman]

The problem is the taper. They used a linear taper....so that causes the vol to come up all at once. I dunno why they do this other than to make it seem *reeeeally* impressive with the vol at "1". Replace it with an audio taper of the same value and it will bring it back to normal.

The problem : the taper is rough.
It's not made for fine adjustment, whether you buy audio, linear, reverse log, etc...they all suck.
You have to get pots especially designed for audio, not just audio taper.
And 99% of the controls out there suck for musicians.
There are only a few expensive, specially made ones that have a really professional adjustment range.

[Gtr_tech]

I don't buy that. I've used garden variety audio tapers for over 20 years and the only problems I've had were with Rat Shack parts that were prob'ly factory rejects to begin with.

[soundguruman]

Depends on how critical you are. Once I started using good ones I realized how much the cheapos suck.
Alpha at radio shack is probably the worst of all.