How to Fix a Tone Knob on a Guitar

The tone controls on a guitar can be manipulated to produce a variety of effects. Eric Clapton produced his famous tone in the 1960s by turning the tone control almost all the way off. Some players are able to manipulate the tone knob and simulate a wah wah pedal. The tone and volume controls accumulate a lot of dust, dirt and other debris underneath the potentionmeters or "pots". This can cause a number of problems. They may make odd hissing and humming noises when moved, respond poorly or become difficult to manipulate. These problems are easily solved through proper maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Contact spray

Instructions

1. Remove the strings on Fender-style guitars. The volume and tone pots, as well as the pickups, are on the back of the pickguard. The strings must be removed before the pickguard can be removed. Remove all the screws on the edges of the pickguard, then slowly lift the pickguard out and turn it around and lay it on its top. This gives you full access to the tone and volume pots. It is not necessary to remove the strings for a Les Paul-style guitar. The rear panel covers the volume and tone pots. Remove the rear panel and you have access to the pots.

2. Spray the bottom of the tone pot with contact spray. Insert the little red tube into the spray and then aim the spray. Inside the tone pot are little brushes that move back and forth over a horseshoe structure. This is where sweat, dirt, and debris accumulate. Some tone pots have a little hole where you can insert the spray. On other tone pots it is necessary to spray along the lead wire and this will work itself down into the pot. Spray the pot and move the tone control back and forth to help spread the spray around. Go ahead and do the volume pot as well.

3. Inspect the electrical wires. If the wires are worn or frayed, then fix them with a soldering iron. This is a delicate procedure that should be down slowly and carefully.

4. Reassemble the guitar. Plug it into an amplifier, turn it on and evaluate your work. All the hissing and humming noises should be gone.

References

• Fret Not Guitar Repair: Electric Guitar Electronics Repair