Help Newbie again please: pots

[Hardrock ThreeFives]

I'm back.

I'm building a lap steel guitar. I've got the plans and wood and I'll start that part soon.

I'm thinking (not committed) to 2 PAFs or Humbuckers. I don't have a clue re: potentiometers.

The plans call for a Kent Armstrong single coil PUP and 500k ohm pots, but I think that's for a more twangy or Hawaiian sound. I'm after a gritty, blues tone, probably E tuning, 25-1/2 inch scale.

Any help? 250k vs. 500k, or other? Brands? Anything else?

Thanks a heap. In advance. Again.

-jbb

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help Newbie again please: pots

If you are using humbckers, use 500k pots all around. If you are using the stock single coil, go with 250k pots. As far as pickups, I'd go with Seth Lovers for a grittier sound.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Help Newbie again please: pots

CTS makes the best all around pots. Just watch the tolerances. The norm is a 10% variance from stated value. Some are 20%. You canary more for specifically valued singles, pairs, quads, etc; at a premium of course.

There are other brands, cheaper or more expensive but for all around use, CTS is just fine. As Mincer said, 500k all around for humbuckers and a 2nd recommendation for Seth Lovers.

 

[Adieu]

Re: Help Newbie again please: pots

Formula:
-Newbie
-Help
+Lap Steel

And probably 10x more effective on a lap steel forum

Here, we really wouldn't know, and could just guess and suggest trying for your application what has worked for ours


Wellm except for one thing: when adapting pups wound for a totally different use, a multiband equalizer pedal might just be your new best friend

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Help Newbie again please: pots

500K CTS pots. That's all you're going to need for your build. Enjoy!

 

[blueman335]

Re: Help Newbie again please: pots

The type old slide you use is a factor. Most A5 pickups with 500K's and a metal slide are going to be pretty bright. Too bright for me. I'd use a 250K or two, or a glass slide. Or a warmer PAF, like a Seth.