Looking for quality pots

[CapnCrunch]

Which pots are you all using? I have re-done the pickups and electronics on a handful of guitars and have used what is available locally, usually CTS pots. All my pickup swaps have worked out really well, but I am really unhappy with the volume pots I have replaced. Tones suck as well, I just don't use them as much, so I haven't come to hate them with the same passion that I have for the volume pots.

I'm lucky enough to own several really killer amps, and I like to get my OD from them (no need for pedals). As a consequence, I ride the guitar volume constantly. I have a couple of old guitars that are stellar for this (a 59 gibson ES 225 and a 58 tele). The pots in my newer guitars, don't even come close to operating and sounding like the pots in these old guitars. By this I mean the pots do not operate smoothly or evenly. The majority of the pots' function seems to be bunched at the end of its' travel (I'm not using logrithmic pots either) They are also very stiff, which makes volume knob swells really difficult.

I know that you can buy "vintage" pots on ebay, but I am afraid of getting scammed. Does anyone know of any quality pots that would get at least in the ball park? (with the exception of Allesandro, which are $50 a pop). If I could even get close, I'd be happy.

[bradpdx]

CTS pots are fine, but you have to get the "fancy" ones that have the metal shaft that goes all the way through the back of the pot. Fender sells these as official replacement parts.

They turn very easily for quick swells and effects, and last for many years. "Vintage" means "worn out".

[mabley123]

check out rs guitarworks. they have cts make pots espescally for them with brass shaft and +-10% tolerance instead of 20%... Among other physical upgrades to the pots

you really need look no further if you want professional quality parts..

they have a 280 super pot that is great for the volume control but not reccomended for tone controls.

they also sell complete kits. check them out. great parts and great service.

[CapnCrunch]

Originally Posted by bradpdx

CTS pots are fine, but you have to get the "fancy" ones that have the metal shaft that goes all the way through the back of the pot. Fender sells these as official replacement parts.

They turn very easily for quick swells and effects, and last for many years. "Vintage" means "worn out".

The CTS pots I've bought are Fender replacements. I don't know if they are the "fancy" ones. I know that they are really stiff, so maybe not. Any other recommendations?

[CapnCrunch]

Originally Posted by mabley123

check out rs guitarworks. they have cts make pots espescally for them with brass shaft and +-10% tolerance instead of 20%... Among other physical upgrades to the pots

you really need look no further if you want professional quality parts..

they have a 280 super pot that is great for the volume control but not reccomended for tone controls.

they also sell complete kits. check them out. great parts and great service.

Thanks Mabley! I'll check them out.

[CapnCrunch]

So I Googled RS guitar works. Found the description of their pots to be spot on with what I'm looking for. I ordered 3 280K pots and 2 500K pots. I will try them out on 3 different guitars.

They are having a sale on their pots right now. 50% off so $7 and change each. That's not a bad price at all if they're better then your standard CTS pot.
Thanks again Mabley!

[cleatus]

I also googled the site and then saw this



I am in love

[CapnCrunch]

Cleatus,

You'd have to be a slack jawed yokel not to love that.......

Hehe.

Love your name!