Vintage Potentiometer repair DIY article

[Mark Hammer]

I only *wish* I had a nickel kickback for every time I mentioned this but old pots with worn carbon CAN be rejuvenated with this Stabilant contact enhancer I keep going on about.  It forms a conductive layer on the resistive strip and wiper, and bridges that little 2-micron gap between wiper and strip that makes for the scratchiness that plagues us all.  It is chemically stable so it won't break down over time.  I have successfully used it to rejuvenate lots of pots, and I keep harping to folks that I don't know why boutique outlets don't tout it as a quality performance feature the way they make a big deal out of switchcraft jacks and true bypass switches.

[Harry]

I only *wish* I had a nickel kickback for every time I mentioned this but old pots with worn carbon CAN be rejuvenated with this Stabilant contact enhancer I keep going on about.  It forms a conductive layer on the resistive strip and wiper, and bridges that little 2-micron gap between wiper and strip that makes for the scratchiness that plagues us all.  It is chemically stable so it won't break down over time.  I have successfully used it to rejuvenate lots of pots, and I keep harping to folks that I don't know why boutique outlets don't tout it as a quality performance feature the way they make a big deal out of switchcraft jacks and true bypass switches.

A quick search; you've suggested this at least 18 times! 

[yeeshkul]

Thanks for the hint.  Is there any difference between Astrotone and Sam Ash fuzzz boxx?

[analogmike]

Thanks for the hint.  Is there any difference between Astrotone and Sam Ash fuzzz boxx?

No, but some will sound great and others poor.

I remember hearing about Stabilant years ago, have not heard of it in a long time. Are there any distributors in the usa? I think it would be great to use it on some things, and to restore some old gear.

[Gilles C]

In Canada, we (where I work) buy it from http://www.e-sonic.com/acc/products.aspx?partID=STABILANT+22A&partIDExt=256&command=detail

or elsewhere http://www.stabilant.com/sizes01h.htm

Gilles

[britelite]

USA Distributo: rhttps://www.micro-tools.com/store/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=22

Peace

[Noplasticrobots]

Love the enclosures on those old Sam Ash pedals.