Dimension IV - MMK45, small issue

[beavis]

Hello!

This should be an easy one for you guys (and gals) (ah no, forgot, no gals here anymore ).

As you maybe know, I am a very happy owner of a Dim IV. Only problem, and it truly is the only problem, is that the bridge pup sounds extremely thin. No point uploading audio samples, trust me.

Now, I check the resistance with my multimeter and it reads at 11k ohms, exactly like the neck pickup.

Am I right in deducing from this fact that the pickup is fully functionnal and that the problem lies within the one of the pots (especially the bridge tone pot, which also is supposed to do the phase out of phase thing but doesn't do any of that, actually the sound doesn't change whether this pot is pushed or pulled)?

Apart from that, the soldering seems in place and there are no loose wire within the cavities.

Thanks

[Westbone]

http://www.westoneguitars.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Dynasty-Guitar-Wiring.jpg

[beavis]

The wiring matches. Forgot to mention that.

[Westbone]

Well try changing the pot or switch cleaner not WD 40.

[Barry]

This kind of thing is commonly caused by oxidation on either the pots (typically) or the selector switch. It's amazing how much signal can be lost, so check this first.

Easily remedied will liberal squirts of a good quality electrical contact cleaner (not WD40! Westbone beat me to it) Soak everything and work the pots vigorously to ensure coverage of the surface area. Works like magic. We see at least two of these kinds of problems every week in the shop.

[Iceman]

DeOxit is amazing stuff for the job but also has an amazing price that tags along wherever it goes.

You can usually find a product by CRC called QD Electronic Cleaner at Walmart which will work as well. It should be in the automotive section in a red & white 11 oz. spray can.

[Barry]

Products will vary from place to place, but the thing to remember is that there ought not be any lubricant in the formula. You want to clean the crud off, not add more to it. The usual active ingredient is something similar to what is used for dry cleaning.

[beavis]

Hm ok. I live in Switzerland and I remember looking for some pot cleaner but could not find anything. Either I did not look well enough, or else the hardware stores here don't have it in which case I would have to order some on the internet. I would like to find some as my SansAmp is not working right either.

If worst comes to worst and I have to replace the pot, which one of the ones listed here would be the best replacement for the westone pot?

Thanks a lot guys!

[Westbone]

http://www.westoneguitars.net/fixme/wiring-diagrams/dynasty/

It's all here for you.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330569167664?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[beavis]

Great!
I was asking about the best brands to use but I think I will follow your advice Westbone, should this pot cleaner not work out.

Thanks!

Edit: oups, this ebay seller doesn't ship to Europe... He has the longest exclusion list I've ever seen, well anyway. Gotta get some pot cleaner first.

[Barry]

You may find a restriction on sending this kind of material through the post (aerosol container plus the content).
In a pinch you can use isopropyl alcohol but try to get one that's as pure as possible (fewest additives, highest alcohol content )
Use a cotton tipped swab to apply it and make sure it's completely evaporated before trying the switch.

[Westbone]

Any good electrical repair shop will point you in the right direction. Shouldn't be difficult to obtain at all.
Don't you have any Radioshack/ component stockist is Switzerland? Or haven't you really tried hard enough.

[beavis]

There are only very few specialized stores in Switzerland. Things tend to be grouped into bigger, more general stores. For instance, if you want to buy components such as potentiometers and even small diameter electrical wire, you will have to order it over the web.
I do remember checking one of the 2 hardware stores in my area and didn't find the cleaner but that doesn't mean they don't have it. I will check again, and check better, I promise

And if I don't find it, I'll toss in some of my best Islay or speyside as Barry recommends

[Barry]

...I'll toss in some of my best Islay or speyside as Barry recommends

Nooooooooooo!!

[corsair]

Sending aerosols thought the post isn't even roughly do-able these days; I couldn't even get a rattle can from England to Jersey last year!!

[beavis]

Yup but it's actually the dpdt switch that Westbone found on ebay that cannot be sent anywhere but Hong Kong, UK and US or smth silly like that

Guess great harm can be done with a 10gr dpdt pot...

[Westbone]

Try here..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A500K-Dual-control-pull-pot-18mm-length-shafts-E14-/130541819418?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1e64e6161a

But I'd certainly try the cleaner first.

[grogg]

I would try the cleaner and if it works replace the parts. Cleaner is a short term fix imo.

[Barry]

Cleaner is a short term fix imo.

Shouldn't be. If the problem returns it's likely a function of the environment the guitar finds itself in i.e., dampness, dust, etc

[grogg]

I agree about the environment which can accelerate component deterioration. To me these issues are the first signs of a pending permanent failure and certainly a reduction in reliability. Why take the chance when youve had the warning and the components are relatively cheap to replace?

Thought Id share this story, a friend's son bought a semi-acoustic (335 style) cheap on ebay because it wasnt picking up well. He decided it was the pickup switch (not sure why) and whatever he did with cleaner etc couldnt get an improvement and decided it had to be changed. Dont know if youve ever tried this but its incredibly difficult. A lot of fiddling and threading of string etc managed to get the switch out, on checking with a meter it was fine. Then he realised the previous owner had strung the instrument with nylon strings.