Scratchy pots

fnpt

The pots in my Laney Cub 12r are scratchy especially the drive and reverb ones with reverb being intermittent. Should I use wd40 or is it not advisable?

gringopig

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fnpt

Thanks

ICBM

Only use WD40 if proper contact cleaner has already been tried at least twice and failed - but then it is worth trying. At that point you have nothing to lose because the only remaining recourse is to replace the pots.

Sassafras

I swear by the special WD40 contact cleaner.
It's better than Servisol.

ICBM

Sassafras said:

I swear by the special WD40 contact cleaner.
It's better than Servisol.

I think the Electrolube EML is as well - I switched to it when RS stopped doing Servisol and it seems a bit better. They’re all good though.

fnpt

Thanks all - I'll look for servisol or electrolube.

fnpt

Is there any advantage in replacing the stock valves?

I've not used the amp in a couple of years due to a faulty thermistor which I've finally decided to give it a go at replacing a week ago and also because I was quite happy with my Helix.

However, having fixed the amp it took me 5m to realize that the sound of a valve amp is so much more satisfying than a digital emulator, regardless of how good it may be. So I'm upgrading it with a greenback celestion speaker and getting a couple of pedals.

However, not having played the amp all this time I get the impression that I'm getting less drive from it than I used to and was wondering if it may be due to the valves (they are fully glowing when the amp is on).

Also, is there a noticeable difference in sound by replacing fully working valves by other of supposedly better brand/ specs?

ICBM

fnpt said:

However, not having played the amp all this time I get the impression that I'm getting less drive from it than I used to and was wondering if it may be due to the valves (they are fully glowing when the amp is on).

If so it will be a preamp valve - first, just get one new one and replace them all in turn, and see if anything changes.

fnpt said:

Also, is there a noticeable difference in sound by replacing fully working valves by other of supposedly better brand/ specs?

Yes, but it's fairly marginal - and 'better' is very much a matter of personal preference/taste.

I would get a standard cheap Shuguang 12AX7 first - you don't need to spend any more to find out if it's a valve problem, and in my opinion they're among the best-sounding of the modern valves anyway.

https://www.karltone.co.uk/shuguang-12ax7b-ecc83-549-p.asp

fnpt

Thanks @ICBM I'll give it a go.