AA Mini pot out there????

[LastAAowner]

I recently acquired a 1969 Artist Award in the most exquisite sunburst I've seen in many years. Bought it from the original owner with all the paperwork and case candy. I promise to post pics soon.

The mini volume pot works but is quite scratchy even after repeated Dioxit sprayings. I would like to get a same size pot so that I could use the original knob but I'm not having any luck finding one through the regular sources such as Ebay and other vintage parts people. The problem is that It also has a very skinny shaft...like 1/16 ". (I tried to think of a description that would come off sounding better, but--oh well)The original is a CTS made in December of 1968. I would obviously hang onto it.

I have also sent an email to Hans. I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who can help or, better yet, would have one to sell.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

 

[AlohaJoe]

Please post some pics... sunburst AAs are a joy to behold.

StewMac has mini-pots but the knurled shaft size is about 1/4". With care, you might be able to enlarge the hole on the original knob and still use it which, while not ideal, would at least allow you to retain an original look. In fact, finding another original knob to experiment with might be easier than finding a working mini-pot with a pin shaft.

When you post the pictures be sure to get a good shot of the knob... you never know what folks might have laying around. Also, I don't think you harm the value of the instrument by changing the pot/knob, as long as you retain the original parts.

Does yours have the DeArmond pup, like this? http://www.archtop.com/ac_69AA.html

 

[LastAAowner]

Thank you. Yes, it is the identical pickup other than the fact that mine looks like it was installed yesterday, not a scratch on it. I have already made some adjustments to the pole pieces and it sounds amazing. I will post some pics in the next few days.

 

[GuildAAPlayer]

Aloha is right about the StewMac pot -- the shaft is too big for the standard knob. One advantage, however, is that this pot is available in both the 250K and 500k variety. I'm using the 250K and it warms up the tone nicely. Took a small black knob off another old piece of electronics equipment for the time being.

 

[LastAAowner]

Thanks, I found a same size knob in my parts drawer and I may just use that for the time being. I also have a 250K mini pot. I admit that I am a tad bit anal about such things. I also have no intention of ever parting with the guitar so no else will see it anyway.

What year is your AA or is it AA's?????

 

[GuildAAPlayer]

What year is your AA or is it AA's?????

Just one AA -- a blonde '92 model. Don't think I'd ever get rid of it unless an affordable Benedetto version came along.

 

[LastAAowner]

I wonder just how many Benedetto AA's like mine were made by Guild in addition to the Johnny Smith's.....

 

[LastAAowner]

Get a load of this. I called every vintage parts dealer in the country yesterday to find the correct mini pot. I finally gave up and was all set to mount a newer pot and knob when I got a call from one of the dealers with whom I had left a voice mail message.

He found an exact replacement Guild mini pot. He had no idea how long he has had it, but here's the real kicker. It was manufactured in 1969 so it will be a perfect match for my Artist Award. How crazy is that?????

 

[adorshki]

God takes care of fools, drunks, and Guild addicts.....

 

[AlohaJoe]

He found an exact replacement Guild mini pot. He had no idea how long he has had it, but here's the real kicker. It was manufactured in 1969 so it will be a perfect match for my Artist Award. How crazy is that?????

I guess now we know if you've been naughty or nice. :lol:

 

[LastAAowner]

HO_HO_HO!!!!!!!