Older Vibe Motor/controller boxes.. Be careful

I wanted to put this out to the community because I have seen potential electrical problems with several vibe motors/controllers, especially the older Bodine Motors and controllers. I want to provide a little food for thought. Bottom line, it's always better to be safe. I don't want to scare anyone, rather my hope is that someone may be helped by this post.

As a disclaimer, this general advice ONLY. Of course anything that you do by these suggestions is at your own risk. The 110 volts in the US and 220V other places is certainly enough to kill you under the right circumstances. Shocks are not fun, Vibe fires generally aren't either.

I have seen cracked insulation, bare wires, broken wires, dust, dog hair and grease. All that stuff together is NOT a good combination, unless you want your mother-in-law to take up vibes.

Here's a couple of things to try:
1) After playing with the motor running for a while, unplug it and see if the motor is hot. Warm to the touch is OK. If it burns your fingers, or there's a burning smell, that's not good.

2) Get a flashlight and look into the controller box. Is it dirty? packed with grease etc. Unplug it, and without bumping the wires, you may be able to vacuum out some dust. The older Bodine controller boxes have an open back. Check for broken insulation cracks in the wires etc.

3) Unplug it if you aren't playing it and/or using the motor.

4) Take it to a licensed electrician that specializes in motor or machine tool repair. If you aren't handy just take the whole frame in, if you have a Musser Century, just take in the side. I would call around and tell them you have a musical instrument with a variable speed motor that you'd like to have checked for safety. They should be able to take a look for a minor charge. It may be just a matter of replacing a couple of wires. Another thought is ask if they can install fuse that can be easily replaced. If they say everything is bad, you may want to remove it (if you never use it anyhow) and toss it. Another option is to upgrade to the newer Musser (Oriental motor and controller). I am guessing that a vibe repair place like Century Mallets, Salazar, or Fall creek may be able to upgrade you.

5) If you buy an older vibe with a Bodine motor, go to step 4. Especially if the cord has been cut off of the motor.

6) If you are gigging, or have your vibe apart, stick your ear by the controller and give it a little shake. If it rattles inside the box, that's not good either. I have found looks nuts and metal pieces inside controller boxes.

I hope this helps someone...