What are the best Potentiometers?

[Roubster]

I just wanted to know what brand was best to put on my Silhouette. I want to try and put the 500K on there and see what it's going to do. I dont know if there is a big difference between the different brands or what not, but I'm sure there has to be something to it. What kind is the EBMM pots anyway? I need solid shafts since I put the dome knobs on there anyway .

 

[beej]

the best ones are free ones

really, it doesn't matter for the dome knobs- you can use split shaft pots. just align the knobs so they don't crush the split shafts and turn evenly. another option is to put a piece of toothpick, etc in the gap between the split shaft so it won't compress.

i use whatever is in stock at my local guitar store.

 

[Roubster]

So it really doesnt make any difference then in sound or anything eh? Well than any pot I get should fit in the guitar properly without any hassle? I guess I'll go check out what the places around have. I know that radio shack has whole bunch of different ones, but all the shafts are MASSIVLY long lol. From what I saw they were like 2 inches!

 

[beej]

Sorry dude, I should clarify. Any guitar store will have what you need, but the sizes and tapers at a regular electronics store will probably be off.

What you need is a 500k audio-taper pot. The electronic shop ones will probably be linear taper. It affects the sensitivity of the knob at different ranges. (The audio ones taper off exponentially - it's a log taper. The linear ones are, well, linear.) Also, as you'd mentioned, the size of the shafts is key.

Go to a guitar store and ask. They'll probably have CTS or fender replacements- they'll work just fine. If you need to order (nothing locally) you can try Stewmac, Allparts, etc.

 

[Roubster]

Thanks man! I'll go look around tomorrow, since no work and possibly no appointment because of transit strike in NYC .

 

[rocker4203]

I've had extremely good luck with Carvin pots! Used them in several guitars and they have a nice taper!

 

[CodeMonkey]

Besides writing code, the CodeMonkey is pretty adept at guitar electronics and guitar effects building. CodeMonkey finds that parts he buys from http://www.smallbearelec.com/home.html are almost always of the quality you will want to use. CodeMonkey begs you to stay out of Radio Shack at any cost. Even if you are dying and they have your heart transplant in their breakroom fridge, there is still no reason to go into Rat Shack.

 

[tommyindelaware]

ernie ball sells pots ......& i believe they are manufactured by CTS..
CTS has long been the industry standard.

 

[Roubster]

Yea, I was initially going to order them from EB, since I KNOW I can rely on all the things they sell. However I wanted to see if I could get some good quality stuff from around the city without having to wait a week. But me thinks I will just order from EB ANYWAY, since I cant go wrong with that !

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I am sure the last time I took my EVH apart, the pot said Dimarzio on it! But CTS seem to be the industry standard.

 

[Roubster]

Alright I got the 500K pots today from my local (would not say exactly local, cuz I had to walk 50 blocks due to transit strike in NYC). I already replaced them myself, which was the first time I have done that and the soldering. I have already changed the PUPs before, but had my brother do the soldering, but this time I did it and it worked out perfectly and I was satisfied with my work, AND most importantly the sound. It definatly added the tone that was missing to my ears ! I have no idea what brand it is, but they are nice and have solid shafts, so my dome knobs are nice and even .

 

[beej]

Nice work- now you're a pro at it

 

[Roubster]

Yup ! And it is much more satisfying to do it than some stranger you dont know anything about. Plus the thought of not knowing how those people are handling your baby, and wether they even know what they are doing. That has happened to me already, that I had some techs replace PUPs and in the process they overheated the volume pot and it got all messed up. Good thing that that was my Ibnz. On my Silo I basically did ALL the modding, except for the set up that I needed. I personally dont like many people touching my guitars or playing them unless I know them and can be sure they respect the instrument and most importantly me, since one goes with the other.

 

[beej]

And not having to wait two weeks to get your guitar back ... priceless