500k pots with cools rails & vintage rails?

[MikeS]

Hey guys, looking to possibly replace the pots in my strat this weekend. I've got an SH-4 in the bridge, with which I assume I would want 500k pots (the guitar currently still has the original 250k pots, which I am going to replace regardless). I've got a Cool Rails in the neck and a Vintage Rails in the middle. Are these pups going to be alright with 500k pots, or should I stick with 250k?

[beandip]

Re: 500k pots with cools rails & vintage rails?

Use 250K on the tone and a 500K on the volume.

[ArtieToo]

Re: 500k pots with cools rails & vintage rails?

If it was me, I would go 500k on the tone also. Remember, a Cool Rails and Vintage Rails are both still dual-coil humbuckers. They just look like singles.
Having a 250k tone pot is exactly the same thing as having a 500k tone pot turned down to "5".

You can always turn the 500 down. You can't turn the 250 back up.

One more thing - Beandip may actually have experience with these pups. I'm just thinking about having experience with them.

[beandip]

Re: 500k pots with cools rails & vintage rails?

yeah, even though they're twin coils, they can still be pretty bright. I'm not worried about using a 500K on the coolrails, but it could prove too much on the vintage rails. If you plan on using stock strat wiring, only use a 250k on the vintage rails, and 500K on the rest. that should work out pretty good.

[ArtieToo]

Re: 500k pots with cools rails & vintage rails?

Yeah, I can't wait for my new Peavey Gen to get in, so I can actually try the CR/VR's.

[LesStrat]

Re: 500k pots with cools rails & vintage rails?

I only have experience with the CR. It didn't brighten up that much with the 500k tone pot. I have HR/CR/HR and 500k push/pull pots throughout. Frankly, I think I like all three better with the 500k (and I LIKE dark tones). I believe it added some harmonic response to the pups, definitely in the CR. I really fell in love with the CR AFTER I changed the pots.