Potentiometer and Knob Splines - Coarse vs. Fine, Where to Find?

[Sunshine1901]

I'm looking for pretty specific potentiometers that I can't seem to find. Specs are:
- 500k
- split shaft
- 3/8" (short) shaft
- push/pull
- fine knurled shaft (for 24 spline knobs)
- Preferably made by Bourns

The internet market seems to be of no avail here, since I can only find coarse knurled (18 spline) pots. That's what I get for buying my volume knobs before my pots i guess. So with this, my questions are...

1. Would 24 spline knobs do damage to shafts designed for 18 spline knobs, or visa versa?

2. Does Bourns make a pot with these specifics? I know that they make coarse splined pots (18), but not fine (24).

3. If the answer to #2 is no, then who does?

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Potentiometer and Knob Splines - Coarse vs. Fine, Where to Find?

CTS are fine spline.

I use both CTS and Bourns (mostly Bourns) but not on the same guitar for a couple of reasons. Mainly, I don't want to have to mix knobs, I want either coarse or fine and the coarse and fine knobs don't always match up color and clarity wise.
Bourns push pulls are easy to find and cheap, an I like them fine. CTS has some push pulls available now (again) but they cost more. So basically, your easiest solution is to pick up some CTS pots. The standard CTS pots are not expensive and they are fine. They have some specialty pots out ... vintage taper, tighter tolerance etc. They usually cost more. But they are all readily available. Check Mojo tone if you want to find them quick. They have them. Some of Mojotones branded pots are CTS as well. If you need a fine spline push pull, Mojotone has one in their brand with fine shaft for $5. I know you didn't ask about push pulls but for future reference, the info may help you.

Short answer ... CTS pots. If you are set on Bourns, then buy coarse spline knobs to fit.

You may be able to jam a fine spline knob onto a coarse shaft (and vice versa) but you may not get it off without trashing the pot. And if you do, it may end up being a single use knob. Buy the appropriate pot.

 

[santellan]

Re: Potentiometer and Knob Splines - Coarse vs. Fine, Where to Find?

Be aware that Bourns makes both coarse and fine knurled pots. Hopefully the vendor tells you which ones they are using.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Potentiometer and Knob Splines - Coarse vs. Fine, Where to Find?

Be aware that Bourns makes both coarse and fine knurled pots. Hopefully the vendor tells you which ones they are using.

I think those may be Bourns "pro" series pots that are 24 spline. That's a good catch, Thanks. I have seen them before but I couldn't say where. Bourns also has some plastic cased pots (I think they use conductive plastic traces as well) and I think they are fine spline as well.

I have quite a few Bourns pots in the bins, older and recent, and recently bought a bunch of push pulls and they are all coarse spline. The coarse are all I've run into at the vendors I usually buy from.

 

[harmonix1234]

Re: Potentiometer and Knob Splines - Coarse vs. Fine, Where to Find?

Stewmac has them. CTS pots.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Potentiometer and Knob Splines - Coarse vs. Fine, Where to Find?

Found some. Guitar Electronics lists these Bourns 500K as fine spline. http://www.guitarelectronics.com/pr...-500K-Audio-Taper-Guitar-Pot-Fine-Spline.html