[Guitarman121319]

My amp has a bad connection. When I am playing and I hit the cable hooked in the amp it makes a loud buzzing noise. I have tried contact cleaner, it worked for a day.

My knobs (bass, trieble, and mid.) Make a kinda loud static sound as you turn them. And if I turn one (I can't remember which) past 5 you can't hear nothing besides the normal hum you get.

Are there any ideas?

~Jamey

[Rainer.]

Have you tried a different cable?

Your pots for the controls are also dirty.

What amp is this, by the way?

[Guitarman121319]

Originally Posted by Rainer.

Have you tried a different cable?

Yes, that was the first thing.

Your pots for the controls are also dirty.

How do I clean them?

What amp is this, by the way?

Fender M-80.

[Major Tom]

A real common problem with pc board amps and other devices is that over time, stress causes connectors to break the solder connection. If that is the case, it will get worse and worse over time. Looking at the bottom of the pc board, it looks like a hairline circular crack around the lead(s) where it is soldered in. Easy fix; just re-solder.

It could also be the connector itself - sometimes they get physically broken, or the metal pieces that contact the plug get bent and don't make good contact. Sometimes you can re-bend them, sometimes it need to be replaced.

To avoid either of the above from happening in the future, always strain relieve the cable - I wrap mine around the amp handle. That will also extend the life of your cable.

To clean the pots - remove the chassis. The pots have an opening that is right above (or below, depending on which way you look at it) the solder terminals. Spray a tiny bit of WD-40 in there, and rotate the knob back and forth a few times. If you sprayed too much, turn the chassis so the excess will drip out of the opening. You could also use compressed air to blow it out. If you get excessive amounts on the pc board, sop it up with a cloth or something. Sometimes you may have to repeat the process. Yes, I know that WD-40 is not a contact cleaner or a pot cleaner, and some guys will say it is not suitable or whatever, but trust me, it is like a miracle cure for scratchy pots.

[Guitarman121319]

Originally Posted by Major Tom

A real common problem with pc board amps and other devices is that over time, stress causes connectors to break the solder connection. If that is the case, it will get worse and worse over time. Looking at the bottom of the pc board, it looks like a hairline circular crack around the lead(s) where it is soldered in. Easy fix; just re-solder.

It could also be the connector itself - sometimes they get physically broken, or the metal pieces that contact the plug get bent and don't make good contact. Sometimes you can re-bend them, sometimes it need to be replaced.

To avoid either of the above from happening in the future, always strain relieve the cable - I wrap mine around the amp handle. That will also extend the life of your cable.

To clean the pots - remove the chassis. The pots have an opening that is right above (or below, depending on which way you look at it) the solder terminals. Spray a tiny bit of WD-40 in there, and rotate the knob back and forth a few times. If you sprayed too much, turn the chassis so the excess will drip out of the opening. You could also use compressed air to blow it out. If you get excessive amounts on the pc board, sop it up with a cloth or something. Sometimes you may have to repeat the process. Yes, I know that WD-40 is not a contact cleaner or a pot cleaner, and some guys will say it is not suitable or whatever, but trust me, it is like a miracle cure for scratchy pots.

Thanks, I will try that.

I can't believe I let my pots get dirty.

[mulletman]

I can. I'd say almost all potentiometers will get some sort of dirt on them at some point in their life.