If anyone suspects their Alps Blue might be responsible for the hash way-down in the depths of their system, then I would suggest they try one of these for around the same price (18 euros):
https://www.ebay.es/itm/321583838149?rmvSB=true
A 50K log version has certainly worked wonders for my Sugden A21Se, takes up less room and is a piece of cake to fit. All over much cleaner sound and would seem to be well made.
What´s to lose - it can be changed back in 5 minutes.
Sorry, wrong place. Mods please move to DIY projects (amps) if it is deemed fit.