Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

[TinPan]

I have both alpa and CTS-DPDT style 500k pots on hand, I prefer to use the CTS pots how ever every wiring diagram I can find is for the alpha type pot, my problem is the CTS pots are numbered but the alpha pots are lettered, am I to guess that "A" on the alpha pot is the same lug as #1 on the CTS pot? and so on #'s 23456? & B to E?
Or if anyone can direct me to the correct wiring diagram for both split coil and series/parallel with CTS-DPDT pot's I would much appreciate it.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I never knew either were numbered or lettered. I just know how they work and wire according to a diagram.

 

[TinPan]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I never knew either were numbered or lettered. I just know how they work and wire according to a diagram.

Thank's! The good news is I found wiring diagrams for both at stewmac,

 

[TinPan]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

 

[David Garner]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I just posted a link to this in another thread. It corresponds the numbering between the two types of pots. I used it to wire my JB with no issues.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=92313&d=1535642705

 

[TinPan]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I just posted a link to this in another thread. It corresponds the numbering between the two types of pots. I used it to wire my JB with no issues.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=92313&d=1535642705

Thank you, yes thats what I found!

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I don't like the CTS push-pulls. They're gigantic for no reason, they're more fiddly to wire, they cost more, and the travel of the actual pot feels more scratchy than alphas. There are no up sides I've been able to find.

 

[David Garner]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I don't like the CTS push-pulls. They're gigantic for no reason, they're more fiddly to wire, they cost more, and the travel of the actual pot feels more scratchy than alphas. There are no up sides I've been able to find.

For what it's worth, I bought the CTS mostly because I didn't know anything about push/pull pots but I generally like CTS, and I find the first two objections to be well stated. The first doesn't bother me, but the second -- it is objectively a pain to wire up, especially if you are doing it in the guitar as opposed to making a new wiring harness on the bench.

I haven't noted any scratchiness in mine, but that could just be good fortune. I bought a package of 2, so I'll use the other one if I ever need another push/pull, but I'll probably buy Alphas from now on as well just because there is no way they are as difficult to work with when wiring them up.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I’ve never used the surface mount version. Those don’t seem like the right version to use in a hand-wired circuit. I use the other version where every connection is a proper solder lug.

 

[David Garner]

Re: Push Pull Alpha vs CTS

I’ve never used the surface mount version. Those don’t seem like the right version to use in a hand-wired circuit. I use the other version where every connection is a proper solder lug.

That makes more sense for sure. The surface mount version does work though. I bent it to my will.