chengin

Hi, when I try adjusting the gain or volume controls on my lead 12 combo they are very noisy and sometimes nothing happens. I have to keep adjusting before I maybe get any gain or volume output. Any idea what might be cauing this. When it settles and I can get a sound its ok but it seems to be a bit random to actually get desired settings from these 2 controls.

Thanks,
chengin.

Pete240885

Sounds like the variable resistors need cleaning/replacing nice simple task

chengin

Thanks Pete. Whats the best way to clean these, they looked ok externally when I opened up the combo. They are not sticky either when I turn the knobs, the seem smooth enough. The sound is terrible though when I twist them.

Thought they might need replacing but I can't find components anywhere on the web specifically for marshall vr1 & vr2 replacements. Anyone know a good source for these. I'm in Ireland so I suspect web might be my only realistic option.

Thanks again.
/Chengin

PaoloJM

Get yourself a tube of lubricating switch cleaner. I use Servisol Super 10 but other brands will do the same thing (€5 will get you a canister). You just need to spray a bit into open part of the pot at the three lugs. Spray in a bit and twist the knob back and forth to work out whatever grit is in there and keep repeating until it clean and noise-free. Grit will sometimes get in there and cause a dodgy and noisy connection between wiper and resistive wire.
I don't know how this stuff works or where the grit goes but it definitley works!!
Best of luck,
Paolo.

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Andypandapedal

If you change them to the same type of pot it will do it again, I change them out and use high quality ones that make a big difference, especially in the EQ section. You may need to mount them off the board and use small jumper wires to the pot from the board as the originals are pc mounted. Problem is the original knobs do not fit back on, but mine is not a beauty queen, I just use it as a pre-amp into a power amp and never play with the knobs.

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chengin

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated.