Volume control problem! Could someone help me out?

[Barry Canada]

My Ryder Mandolin's volume contro only becomes effective towards to highest volume setting. It has no volume until I turn it about 2/3 clockwise.
I am not a techie at all!
Anyone know what I should do

[Tom Wright]

Please check by turning the amplifier up a lot, whether there is a zero or just not much volume at the low settings. It might not be the original control, and if it is not an audio-style control its response might be unexpected.

If it is actually dead in the lower range it can be replaced, not a hard job for a beginner.

[Barry Canada]

Thanks Tom,
Even if I increase the volume on my amp the problem remains.
How do I select the proper pot for replacement?

[Tom Wright]

Go to a Radio Shack and pick up a can of spray volume control/tuner cleaner. Remove the back cover and spray right into the slot where the wires attach to that control, while twisting back and forth. That may be all you need to do, but if they have the volume control get one while you're there, it's not more than a couple of bucks. Ask them to show you a 250K or 500K ohm audio-taper pot, with split shaft for press-on knob. (My old Ryder has 500K, now he uses 250K.) You could also ask Steve to send you one for a few bucks.

If you have experience soldering you could replace it yourself, but any radio/tv repair shop could replace it for not much.

[Barry Canada]

Thanks Tom, your an incredible information source.
Cheers

[Mandobart]

Yep I was thinking it's likely not an audio taper pot. Linear pots don't work well for volume controls.

[Barry Canada]

What type of pot do you think it is?
I suppose not the smokeable type!!
Just kidding.....
Please be more specific.
I sent Steve an email and am waiting a response

[Soundfarmer Pete]

Here we go....the A vs B debate!
I would suggest checking the pot first - should be stamped or printed either A or B followed by the value.
If it has an A on it, suggest you swap it out for a B and see if it makes any difference