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Topic: 1938 Model 59 Rickenbacher |
Randy Reeves
From:
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 26 Jun 2014 11:10 am |
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I had to open up this instrument today. The jack began shorting. As is well known, the inside is stuffed with newspaper. This one shows the LA Times financial section; dating October 11, 1938.
The jack was replaced with a modern one; the connection is much better. I also confirmed my suspicions about the volume pot; it is stuck. I put in a new 250K pot from my extras box. It works as an on/off switch now, as there is no taper. Full output is reached with a nudge from hard off. I use a volume pedal and like big signals from guitar to pedals. So this will work for me.
I am curious of the original pot. It is large and sealed in plastic or bakelite. Could it double as a tone control as well? Model 59's have one knob.
anyway, a friend from this forum that lives nearby assisted with the fixes. my favorite lap steel is working and sounding big with the new output. the new flat wounds I added are nice. |
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John Dahms
From:
Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 27 Jun 2014 5:41 am
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As I remember, these old pots have wiper that runs along a ribbon that makes contact at a point to vary the resistance seen at the output instead of a track like a conventional pot. It can be freed up with a little patience and contact cleaner/ lube.
There is no tone control on model 59s until 1939.
_________________
Time flies like an eagle
Fruit flies like a banana. |
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Blake Hawkins
From:
Florida
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Posted 27 Jun 2014 6:02 am
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John is correct. The pot can be restored. On difficult shaft problems, I start with a drop of penetrating oil down the shaft. After it wicks in,
put a knob on the shaft and work it back and forth.
To finish off, one drop of "3 in 1" or gun oil the will keep the shaft free. You can use a cleaner/lube such as "Caig DeOxit" on the element.
These pots were made in the '30's by Yaxley. Later Mallory took over and the pots were labeled "Mallory Yaxley." Since I've been restoring
old gear since 1949, I've worked with a lot of these pots and always had good luck with them.
You can see from the way it is made that it is a quality product. |
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Randy Reeves
From:
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 28 Jun 2014 3:53 pm
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| great picture. I hadn't thought to investigate the stuck pot. shame on me. I will work on it, thanks to your great input. much appreciated. |
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Randy Reeves
From:
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 1 Jul 2014 4:01 pm
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the penetrating oil worked. after a few hours the shaft loosened. the next day the shaft moved with little effort, but there was a chirping squeak sound. the next day the strange sound went away. the shaft moves almost like the new replacement.
I will put the original back in. I did forget which wire is ground. Green or Black? |
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John Dahms
From:
Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 2 Jul 2014 2:57 am
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Randy, I believe the black is hot.
_________________
Time flies like an eagle
Fruit flies like a banana. |
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Randy Reeves
From:
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 2 Jul 2014 8:40 am
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| I'll let you know. I remembered that the orientation of the original and are pot were the same. I will attach the wires accordingly. thanks for your input. always welcome and appreciated. |
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