Little '59 Volume Pot Value

[dystrust]

Sounds like you were using the wrong cap value. What you described sounds like a .047uf cap (which is usually the recommended cap with singles). I have also experienced what you described when I have used a .047uf. I have never had that issue when I started using .015uf or even .010uf caps (yes, even on singles). Those will remove the highs without removing much of the mids, leaving you with an un-piercing yet clear tone...not that muffled tone that you described, which is typical with .047uf caps.

The Little 59, even though it's a single coil sized pup, should never be used with a .0470uf cap! It will definitely sound muffled/muddy. Even a .033uf is too much. I wouldn't even try a .022uf with it. That pup should be used with a .015uf or .010uf cap.

+1

I find .047 to be too much rolloff regardless of the pickup or pots in question. In most guitars I start off with a .022, except that I don't go larger than .015 for a neck position humbucker. On guitars with a master tone control, I typically start with .022 but will go smaller if that's too much rolloff.