Measuring potentiometer value in a guitar???

[azzzy]

Is there a way to measure a potentiometer value in a guitar? I can't read what it says on the pot - it's either hidden under the blob of solder or just isn't on there. But I suspect the pot is the culprit of the less than ideal sound I'm getting out of one of my guitars.

 

[Dopethrone]

multimeter

one prong on right lug

one prong on left lug

measure above 500k on the meter

 

[azzzy]

multimeter

one prong on right lug

one prong on left lug

measure above 500k on the meter

That simple? Cool. Thanks much!

 

[splatter]

u will have to disconnect the pickup first

 

[Dopethrone]

u will have to disconnect the pickup first

Truth!

I'm getting old

 

[azzzy]

Yeah, it didn't work without disconnecting the pickup. Alas I am not confident in my soldering skills. Probably just will take it to a shop and have them replace everything at once...

 

[fretout]

The simplest way is to simply read the value in the circuit board of the potentiometer. You can find the markings on the top, opposite from the lugs, right behind the shaft (he he).

 

[LP Freak]

All pots have a tolerance so it’s best to read them with a meter

 

[azzzy]

The simplest way is to simply read the value in the circuit board of the potentiometer. You can find the markings on the top, opposite from the lugs, right behind the shaft (he he).

As I mentioned in my original post, in this particular guitar the pot value is either hidden under the blob of solder or simply isn't there.

 

[fretout]

The simplest way is to simply read the value in the circuit board of the potentiometer. You can find the markings on the top, opposite from the lugs, right behind the shaft (he he).

As I mentioned in my original post, in this particular guitar the pot value is either hidden under the blob of solder or simply isn't there.

Sorry man, I assumed solder was on the casing, not up on the board. Who the hell did that solder job? It’s guitar electronics, not a bukkake film.

As mentioned above, text with a multimeter on both outside lugs, but unsolder any loads attached to them.

 

[azzzy]

Sorry man, I assumed solder was on the casing, not up on the board. Who the hell did that solder job? It’s guitar electronics, not a bukkake film.

Well, I'm no expert but I thought it's pretty common to solder one of the pickup leads directly to the top of a potentiometer, no? Ground, I think?

As mentioned above, text with a multimeter on both outside lugs, but unsolder any loads attached to them.

Probably will take the guitar to the shop and replace the pots altogether - might as well just get it done.

 

[fretout]

Sorry man, I assumed solder was on the casing, not up on the board. Who the hell did that solder job? It’s guitar electronics, not a bukkake film.

Well, I'm no expert but I thought it's pretty common to solder one of the pickup leads directly to the top of a potentiometer, no? Ground, I think?

As mentioned above, text with a multimeter on both outside lugs, but unsolder any loads attached to them.

Probably will take the guitar to the shop and replace the pots altogether - might as well just get it done.

I’ve always soldered my lugs to the case of the pot. So, literally, the leg is bent in the exact opposite of the board. Most guys solder the same exact way I do, so I’m really confused how the inscription on the circuit board could be covered in solder, but anything is possible. In short, there shouldn’t be any solder in this area of the pot under any circumstances I can think of.