How stiff/resistant should pots and switches be?

jake_xms3_punk

jake_xms3_punk

New member
This might seem like a stupid post, but lately I've been thinking... I've always preferred switches and pots to be on the more stiff/resistant side but on my Gibson LP 60's tribute I can pretty much blow my switch to change pickups and lightly flick my knobs to turn down.
I really don't like these pots and switches as I'm pretty heavy handed and was wondering if Gibson just gave me cheap parts (wouldn't surprise me) or is it just that I've got used to cheaper, stiffer pots and switches over the years and that they SHOULD be easier to move and less resistant/stiff?

how SHOULD they be?
Its annoying because I prefer stiffer pots, but about 50% of the CTS pots and switchcraft switches I've bought in the past have been stiff and 50% have been smooth. It seems there's no "standard"
.
 
Re: How stiff/resistant should pots and switches be?

They are different, by design. CTS has some that are advertised as minimal resistance. The Bourns full size pots are very low resistance while their mini pots are stiffer. I prefer the Bourns minis for that reason. The Bourns push pulls are stiffer as well. The "standard" CTS full size pots with the pot metal bushings also are stiffer. I don't know about the full size CTS with the brass bushings and the c-clipped shaft but the mini versions of those pots are also stiffer. I don't know about any of the special versions of the CTS pots like the ones advertised as 7% tolerance or vintage taper or the ones made for Dimarzio or SD or Fender, Gibson, Mojotone etc. I don't have any of those. As far as 3 way toggle switches, I have imports in my guitars and they are all about the same. They aren't super easy to switch but you have to be deliberate moving them to the middle for example. They don't have the nice, positive "detent" feel between positions like the Switcraft toggles. Not much experience with the 5 way switches, I only have one and it's the type used in MIM Fenders.

Also, the CTS pots seem to be a little smoother than the Bourns, although the Bourns mini's are pretty smooth. I haven't had any noisy pots from either company, right out of the package. Also, when I refer to all the stiffer pots, I don't mean that they are actually hard to turn. Just that they turn with a moderate resistance. I prefer that feel over the ones that turn real easy. This stuff is still in my memory because I recently replaced a bunch of cheap pots in some of my imports.
 
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Re: How stiff/resistant should pots and switches be?

If a switch is an open design you should be able to "modify" it to give a little more resistance. (Bend the spring, increase the detent, etc.) Pots have different amounts/type of grease inside which changes the physical resistance.
 
Re: How stiff/resistant should pots and switches be?

I prefer them loose, I only have one that's stiff..... its on my Jackson RR and I despise it! Where do I lube that bastard?
 
Re: How stiff/resistant should pots and switches be?

There's a slot right behind the wiring tabs. Squirt some slick'em in there and twist the knob to work it in.
 
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