Greetings fellow SSL fans
I’m new to the forum. I’ve teched various SSLs at different studios for over 40 years.
I’m hoping I can pass on some wisdom and as a lurker of the forum I’ve already gained
some valuable knowledge.
For my first post I’d like to pass along a way to clean your 611 modules.
I see posts on here where folks have stripped everything off the modules to get at the faceplate.
This is a technique I worked out in the 80s and have used dozens of times.
You don’t remove anything.
You’ll need
- Windex
- a paintbrush about an inch wide with the bristles cut off about half way up.
This makes the bush stiffer
- wet capable shop vacuum – the smaller the better
- a box of plastic straws
Lay the module on its side on a table that can take some moisture.
One of those foldout plastic tables is perfect for the job
You will also be dripping onto the floor so cover the floor if necessary.
Have the module hang over the edge of the table a smidge.
Pour some Windex into a bowl or cup.
Dip the brush into the Windex and proceed to clean the front of the 611 with it. Get it nice and wet.
The brush should get between the switch caps and knobs as well as cleaning the sides of knobs
and buttons. Gently give it a good scrub. Be sure to loosen up the finger gunk on the knobs if your module is extremely dirty.
Now this is the part that makes this technique work so well.
Cut a straw in half and tape it into the end of the shop vac so the vacuum is sucking through the straw.
Use the straw to suck the dirty Windex from the faceplate. Get it between the buttons and knobs.
Because the area of the straw is so small it will easily get between button gaps. You also don’t have to worry about vacuuming up your switch caps. Suck up the Windex that collects along the bottom of the face plate.
Give the faceplate a wipe along the bottom edge with a clean, soft cloth to get any moisture remaining.
Put the module to the side to dry completely.
There should be little Windex left on the module if you vacuumed it enough. The trick is to vacuum the dirt away.
If you let the Windex dry the dirt stays on the faceplate.
If there is still finger gunk on the knobs clean the module again paying attention to the dirty knobs.
Once totally dry your 611 will look like new.
I also used to change the worn knob caps back when they were 10 cents each at Selco.
It looks like they’re more like 48 cents each these days.
A word of caution – your shop vac may not be happy about having its air intake reduced to the size of a straw. Make sure it doesn’t overheat. Those little 3 gal wet vacs are better for the job then the gigantic 16 gal ones. Too much suction may collapse the straw.
Make sure your 611 is completely dry before installing it back in the console.
Using this technique you can clean your whole console in a day.
I think you’ll find this technique quick, easy, and will give you good results.
Enjoy,
Richard
