Recording King Roy Smeck help with pictures

[Paul Smith]

Hello

I have a dilemma! I own a 1938 Roy Smeck Lap steel, and the Volume and Tone pots are a bit tight to turn, so I wanted to lube the pots, (as part of basic guitar maintanence) however, I noticed that their is no way to get inside the guitar to get at the pots? I did some google searches to find lots of these guitars had backs that screwed on, and you could remove the back, but not this one. Im trying to figure out what their thinking was when assembling the guitar? did they insert the electronics then glue the back on? , not thinking someone might need to service the instrument? Any information would be helpful, if anyone knows how to get at the electronics. I includeded some pictures below. thanks for the help!

Smitty

[Blake Hawkins]

If they are just tight to turn you can usually fix that by using one drop of oil applied directly to the shaft.
I have used "Three In One" oil with good results.
One drop is used because I only want to lube the shaft.
Let it soak in and give it a few turns.
Stew-Mac sells a device which screws on to the pot and will lubricate the resistance element as well.

Either technique does not involve removing either the pot or the back of the guitar. Only the knob.

[Cody Farwell]

I'm pretty sure the way to get to the pots on these is through the pickup cavity. Likely going to be a tight squeeze

[Peter Roush]

Even with the back off, you still have to oil it through the shaft. Those big old pots don’t look like they could be taken apart easily. It was easier just to use a drop of electronic cleaner. Loosened right up.

[Jack Hanson]

As Cody said, you'll have to pull the pickup. It's doable, but not a job for the faint of heart.

[Peter Roush]

I think Blake has it right. My back comes off with screws and looking at these antiques tank pots it seems access to lubricate would be best done through the shaft anyhow. Sparingly and gently. Mine loosened right up. If it works don't fix it LOL