How do I know these are CTS pots?

RevJToad

RevJToad

New member
I bought a couple sets of supposedly CTS pots from an online guy, and I put a set of them in my LP, and I don't really notice much difference between these and the old ones. What makes me suspicious is that I searched google images for "cts pots" and noticed that most of the pots in the pictures actually say CTS on the back, but these ones I bought do not - they say "EP686 500K 0545".

So, did I get ripped off?
 
Re: How do I know these are CTS pots?

The "EP686" is a code used for All Parts CTS pots.
These are indeed CTS pots, 500K, and the last set of numbers I believe indicate a date code... the 45th week of 2005.
 
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Re: How do I know these are CTS pots?

RevJToad said:
I bought a couple sets of supposedly CTS pots from an online guy, and I put a set of them in my LP, and I don't really notice much difference between these and the old ones. What makes me suspicious is that I searched google images for "cts pots" and noticed that most of the pots in the pictures actually say CTS on the back, but these ones I bought do not - they say "EP686 500K 0545".

So, did I get ripped off?
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Not sure, I have seen CTS pots that are infact CTS pots but, you cant see CTS on them. The big advantage of having CTS pots is not greater tone (they should sound about the same if not the same) its having a pot that will work correctly and be reliable for a long time. They also have a very even sweep instead of the all or nothing cheap pots give ya alot of the time. Cheap pots get scratchy in a hurry and can produce other noises that you wouldnt want. If there is anyway you can post a pic of them, I should be able to tell you if you were shafted or not.
 
Re: How do I know these are CTS pots?

theodie said:
Not sure, I have seen CTS pots that are infact CTS pots but, you cant see CTS on them. The big advantage of having CTS pots is not greater tone (they should sound about the same if not the same) its having a pot that will work correctly and be reliable for a long time. They also have a very even sweep instead of the all or nothing cheap pots give ya alot of the time. Cheap pots get scratchy in a hurry and can produce other noises that you wouldnt want. If there is anyway you can post a pic of them, I should be able to tell you if you were shafted or not.
Click to expand...

Sounds like I'm ok, but here's a couple pics anyways. Sorry for the orangyness, it's nighttime.

Edit: One thing I noticed that seems fairly unique is that the centre lug is a different shape than the two ends - it's round where the other two are... whatever you call that shape. :>

Edit 2: PS. Thanks mangs.

potback.jpg

potshaft.jpg
 
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Re: How do I know these are CTS pots?

Those are for sure the Allparts CTS pots, I sell hundreds of them. As to tonal difference, unless you are changing values (ie 300K to 500K) you will not hear much difference if any.

CTS just recently changed the design of the resistive element a little bit but I can't remember if the lugs you have are the older or new design.

On another note, I found out today that Allparts is no longer going to sell the long shaft CTS push/pull pot 500K with the SPST switch. Harry at Allparts also told me he thought CTS might be discontinuing it all together. Looks like we may have to use mini's if we want push/pulls!!
 
Re: How do I know these are CTS pots?

Wymore Guitars said:
On another note, I found out today that Allparts is no longer going to sell the long shaft CTS push/pull pot 500K with the SPST switch. Harry at Allparts also told me he thought CTS might be discontinuing it all together. Looks like we may have to use mini's if we want push/pulls!!
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I may need to snag a couple then, just to keep for future use. Have you still got some in stock?
 
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