Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

[ACR4V3N]

Searched the forum seeing if this information was on here, and it wasnt. I'd never heard of converting pots until last night after sifting through many google results.

You can find the theory here:
http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/potsecrets/potscret.htm

And a simplier version here:
http://www.jt30.com/jt30page/potfix/

I tried this today and the results were more than impressive. I put a 100k resistor from radioshack ($1 for 5) on a 500k linear pot and it worked like a charm. I couldnt notice the reduction of the signal. This is especially useful considering audio taper pots are hard to come by, and when you do finally order them, they could be linear (which is why I learned this mod). More over, they're cheaper and if you prefer linear pots, you got them. Chances are you wont ever need to buy an audio taper again, unless you're really just that picky.

 

[McQ7]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

I just tried this on my linear tone pots, and it didn't work. Instead, it was like a bypass, where the tone knob didn't do anything. I'm sure I connected the resistor incorrectly, and would love to know what I can do to make it work.

I used a 100k resistor on a 500k linear pot just as you did. First try, I soldered to the center connection and bottom (in the pic) connection, and got the bypass. Then, I tried leaving the center connection soldered and the other end got soldered to the back of the pot. I figured it was interfering with the capacitor when it was soldered to that connection. Again, no luck. Anyway, I thought I could just try every variable or just ask someone who's already successfully done it.

Using les paul type (Agile) with 50s wiring.

It did occur to me that maybe this conversion only works with pots wired in the volume position?

Here's what it currently looks like:

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

I think its center(wiper) to ground

 

[McQ7]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

I came across that diagram too, and I guess I thought ground was the bottom tip (in my pic). So I guess I'll try center and the top/open one and see what happens.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

I just tried this on my linear tone pots, and it didn't work. Instead, it was like a bypass, where the tone knob didn't do anything. I'm sure I connected the resistor incorrectly, and would love to know what I can do to make it work.

I used a 100k resistor on a 500k linear pot just as you did. First try, I soldered to the center connection and bottom (in the pic) connection, and got the bypass. Then, I tried leaving the center connection soldered and the other end got soldered to the back of the pot. I figured it was interfering with the capacitor when it was soldered to that connection. Again, no luck. Anyway, I thought I could just try every variable or just ask someone who's already successfully done it.

Using les paul type (Agile) with 50s wiring.

It did occur to me that maybe this conversion only works with pots wired in the volume position?

Here's what it currently looks like:

You've got your center lug grounded??

You've got your resistor going from ground to ground. That's not going to do anything.

 

[McQ7]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

Yeah, center lug is grounded--I really am a true beginner when it comes to wiring, but managed to hook up 50s style lp wiring in this Agile. Will my conversion project not work because of this? Or will center lug and top lug work?

 

[dlc1953]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

Yeah, center lug is grounded--I really am a true beginner when it comes to wiring, but managed to hook up 50s style lp wiring in this Agile. Will my conversion project not work because of this? Or will center lug and top lug work?

[/HQUO Hi, was wondering what kind of change's you've seen since changing your wiring from stock on your Agile.I have a 3000 and I'm looking into wiring upgrade. Thanks

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

ok now I see where the horkage is

resistor between center (grounded leg) and outside (unused leg)

 

[McQ7]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

Much thanks everyone--greatly appreciated comments. I'll try leaving it at center lug and moving the top-of-pot connection to the top/outside/unused lug and see if that does it.

 

[McQ7]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

Originally posted by dlc1953:
Hi, was wondering what kind of change's you've seen since changing your wiring from stock on your Agile.I have a 3000 and I'm looking into wiring upgrade. Thanks

Don't want to get the thread off topic from the op, but I'd like to briefly reply. Since I use the vol knobs to clean up, the 50s wiring made the most sense to me. Replaced caps with .022uf 400v K40Y-9 PIO for the bridge and .015uf 400v K40Y-9 PIO for the neck. Purchased from ebay seller axegrinderz. These caps seemed like a good purchase to me, as I prefer a classic LP tonal world. They are reportedly (mylespaul forum) used in the Luxe bumblebees (except they cover them in the "bumblebee" paper). These from axegrinderz are like $12 total rather than $90. Maybe the Luxe are better for a R59 Gibson custom shop LP, but for an Agile I'll take the regular ol' NOS Russians caps.

 

[McQ7]

Re: Convert Linear pot to Audio/Log

OK, well, center and top lug didn't do it either--seemed to bypass again. Turning the tone knob did not alter, and it seemed to let all the treble through. I think at this point I'll just get some log pots. Maybe this conversion only works if one doesn't have the center lug soldered to ground.