Wiring problem - SG

Jack_

So, I bought an SG that had EMGs in it, and me no likey EMGs, so I've put some DiMarzio PAFs in it.

It's all wired correctly and working, but I have a small fault that I can't fully diagnose.

If I turn the volume all the way down, and then turn it back up, the output gets all scratchy and quiet, until I give the knob a tap and then it's normal again.

My first thought was that the pot is damaged. However, it does exactly on the same on the volume pot for both pickups... and it seems unlikely that both are damaged in the same way?

The only other thing I can think of that impacts connects the two volume pots at any point in the chain is the hot wire from the selector switch to the output jack, but it's all wired and soldered fine, I've given all the connections a gentle pull and there's nothing loose.

Suggestions? Thanks.

Alegree

I'd think it's a physical connection between the pot case and the signal somewhere, and knocking it moves it away.
That would be my start point.

Jack_

@ICBM ;

ICBM

It does actually sound like it might be both pots, unlikely though that may be…

Either that or something to do with the switch or the output jack - although if it's tapping the pots that fixes it it's still most likely the pots, even though the vibration will transfer through the body too.

If it's *not* the pots, look for a stray whisker of solder or wire shorting something to ground between the switch and the jack.

roberty

Maybe some solder got inside the pot cases?

Paul_L

Also possibly a dry solder joint. You can try resoldering by adding some fresh solder to each joint. Also maybe check that any previous soldering hasn't melted away some insulation and exposed a bare wire. 

Funkfingers

Remote diagnosis requires some idea of what schematic diagram you followed and pics of your actual wiring.