Pots Knowledge

[EagerBeaver]

I'm new to building and wiring guitars and I'm confused about Volume Pots and Tone Pots. Are there specific pots that are dedicated only for volume and tone or is it about how you wire them from the pickups that makes the pot a volume or tone? Also are there specific pots to have a master volume/tone? I greatly appreciate any knowledge you can give.

 

[Artie]

Re: Pots Knowledge

. . . or is it about how you wire them from the pickups that makes the pot a volume or tone?

Exactly. A pot is a pot. It's how you wire it that makes its function. Although, some people prefer a log taper for volume and linear for tone. Or vice-versa.

 

[SoPhx]

Re: Pots Knowledge

As used in guitars, the same potentiometers are usually used for both tone and volume, both in terms of value and taper. You can monkey around with these values and tapers to get different results which or may not be useful and pleasing to the ear.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Pots Knowledge

the volume pot has one grounded outside leg
if that ground comes loose
it acts just like a tone pot
which doesnt have a grounded leg

look at some of the wiring diagrams
it is really simple if you take a minute to grasp it