Volume Knob Inconsistent

[cvillard]

Hey all,

I have a 1997 EBMM Axis. From what I know it’s all original, I bout it in 2000 and it’s a 1997. I would say it has had one owner but I bought it at Guitar Showcase/Center.

Over the years the volume has gotten more inconsistent… so now from 0-4 is silent, 4-7 is half volume, and 7-10 is max volume. I am guessing it may need to be replaced… but wanted to get your thoughts. If it does, how would I know what to get?

I also have a pickup that rocks back and forth a bit. Was planning to check that out too. Reference pic below so you can see the setup, will post actual pics later.

 

[beej]

Wow- that's a nice Axis!

The good news is that neither of those sound like big issues. Rather than replacing it, the pot could probably do with a shot of contact cleaner (DeOxit works really well). If you have some- open up the rear electronics cover, spray a bit inside the pot, and rotate the knob back and forth a good number of times. That should do it. If not, you can replace it with another 500k pot. (You can get it from Music Man or a variety of online and retail shops.)

With regards to the pickup moving- perhaps the screws affixing it to the body have come loose? I'd try to crank them down a bit and see.

 

[cvillard]

Thank you! I will give that a shot!

 

[jayjayjay]

My 2018 Axis has an issue w/ its pot as well. It cuts out at the top of the range if it's been sitting for anything more than a day. Usually if I work it a bunch it resolves. I may replace it sooner than later, though - I'm thinking about switching it to a push-push or push-pull pot to allow me to split the coils.

 

[cvillard]

You bring up something I had been thinking about if I had to replace the pot… putting in a push-pull. Had any experience with doing it? I have done most work myself including Nut replacements but haven’t delved into wiring…

 

[jayjayjay]

You bring up something I had been thinking about if I had to replace the pot… putting in a push-pull. Had any experience with doing it? I have done most work myself including Nut replacements but haven’t delved into wiring…

Haven't yet done it. However, I've wired up electronics in the past, and I've found a wiring diagram for the setup I want, so I'm not too worried. DiMarzio has a library of possible wiring diagrams for all sorts of different setups.

 

[beej]

What do you want to do with the push/pull? Coil splits are pretty easy. Something else?

The only physical constraint is making sure the shaft is long enough to go through the body (which is thicker than a pickguard would be).

 

[cvillard]

Y

What do you want to do with the push/pull? Coil splits are pretty easy. Something else?

The only physical constraint is making sure the shaft is long enough to go through the body (which is thicker than a pickguard would be).

Yeah just a push pull and split the coils. Just to have something a little different.