Fender Potentiometers

[dodgnofski]

Hi Chaps, I realise it's just a chance in a scrillion - but does anyone have, or know where I can obtain a 1960/61 Fender volume and a tone potentiometer please??

[gary mac]

They come up on Ebay, particularly from the U.S.
Expect to pay a fair bit though and then is it genuine and will it work?


I ended up putting a brand new one in my 70's P, figuring that at least it would be reliable. I will include the original when I sell though.

If you have the pots they can sometimes be repaired or at least adjusted to get them working again. If you are not confident in going down the DIY route, get in touch with Bass Doc he's the man

[Scrubnut]

[quote name='dodgnofski' timestamp='1385561539' post='2289648']
Hi Chaps, I realise it's just a chance in a scrillion - but does anyone have, or know where I can obtain a 1960/61 Fender volume and a tone potentiometer please??
[/quote]

Like this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1960-Pre-CBS-Fender-Precision-Bass-Telecaster-Pots-Potentiometers-Jack-/170768181236

I've seen a few at specialists online but they are horribly expensive. Trouble is with replacement on an old Fender is that any changes mean it's not 'original' which may affect the value to some buyers even if the original part is included. If it can be repaired, preferably without touching the solder, that would be best.

Edited November 27, 2013 by Scrubnut

[dodgnofski]

Thanks Guys - gulp, better start saving !!

[6v6]

[quote name='Scrubnut' timestamp='1385569155' post='2289769']
Like this?

[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1960-Pre-CBS-Fender-Precision-Bass-Telecaster-Pots-Potentiometers-Jack-/170768181236"]http://www.ebay.com/...k-/170768181236[/url]

I've seen a few at specialists online but they are horribly expensive. Trouble is with replacement on an old Fender is that any changes mean it's not 'original' which may affect the value to some buyers even if the original part is included. If it can be repaired, preferably without touching the solder, that would be best.
[/quote]

It's nuts really isn't it, $500 for two pots and a jack, which will work and sound exactly the same as two decent CTS pots and a switchcraft socket, which would probably cost less than $10 in total.

I buy the old instrument mojo, really I do, but IMO it's the old wood/pickups and possibly finish which has the mojo, not the solder joints, wire or pots.

If you have a vintage instrument, you end up faced with keeping it original, or keeping it working and actually using it, I know which I choose..

[Scrubnut]

You are right. It's bonkers. You can buy a full Fender harness brand new from the US for about £20!

Since I've been into, and buying old JBs, I've learned a lot and its eye opening. It's like running a vintage car and that's the commitment you make. A refin knocks about 50% off the value and I've read it's 10% for each pot or knob.

I have no idea why an old JB can sound so good but I've just got an all original 68 and it makes my new one sound and play like a dog....and I thought it was pretty good !

[brensabre79]

I've never understood this. You buy a classic car and expect it to have been maintained in good working order, tyres, brake pads and worn out parts will have been replaced along the way to keep the thing running.