I know there are an endless amount of threads on the subject of pots and 250k vs 500k, but I can't really find the answer for this particular question. Just out of curiosity, should tone and volume pot values match for each pickup? Can a 500k volume pot be used with a 250k tone pot, or the other way around? Would it makes a difference in the sound? I don't know why one would want to mix and match but I'm just wondering. Thanks.
Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
- Thread starter Renderman
- Start date
Mark Cearlock
New member
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
I am running a 550+k volume, and a 250k tone in my peavey, (just using the tone control on the bridge p/u), no problems whatsoever. I find a 250k tone provides a more usable sweep than a 500k.
I am running a 550+k volume, and a 250k tone in my peavey, (just using the tone control on the bridge p/u), no problems whatsoever. I find a 250k tone provides a more usable sweep than a 500k.
super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
i also have used all sorts of different pot values in different spots, though i generally use 500/550k pots for most stuff.
i also have used all sorts of different pot values in different spots, though i generally use 500/550k pots for most stuff.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
No reason on earth that they have to match, unless you've some freak obsessed with things being orderly. The overriding goal is tone, not matching up numbers nicely. Use the PU's, pots & magnets to get the tone you want, in any combinatin that works. No one will knock on your door & handcuff you.
No reason on earth that they have to match, unless you've some freak obsessed with things being orderly. The overriding goal is tone, not matching up numbers nicely. Use the PU's, pots & magnets to get the tone you want, in any combinatin that works. No one will knock on your door & handcuff you.
Zerberus
Baron Von Shred
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
I think this just about says it all :beerchug:
I think this just about says it all :beerchug:
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
So 500k in general sounds brighter than 250k. But with which pot does the value matter, the tone or the volume, or both? Say I want 500k pots for that brighter sound. I always assumed I would need 500k for both tone and volume. If either of those pots is 250k though, will the brightness be dropped a bit, like somewhere between a 500k and 250k pot? I swear the more I learn about pots the more I get confused. Thanks again for the replies.
So 500k in general sounds brighter than 250k. But with which pot does the value matter, the tone or the volume, or both? Say I want 500k pots for that brighter sound. I always assumed I would need 500k for both tone and volume. If either of those pots is 250k though, will the brightness be dropped a bit, like somewhere between a 500k and 250k pot? I swear the more I learn about pots the more I get confused. Thanks again for the replies.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
Yes, 500K are brighter than 250K. Two 250K's will sound much warmer (darker) than one 250K. Some guys like a 250K volume & a 500K tone, claims they get more range that way.
For me, I always use two 500K's on the neck for the extra treble (which gives clarity & definition), and use two 250K's on most bridge PU's. But there are times you may want one of each. I don't believe the old wives tale of "always use 500K's on HB's", as some bridge HB's are bright & a couple of 500K's make it worse. Then you get a too bright bridge & a very dark (in comparison) neck. My goal is to bring the PU's EQ's closer so that one amp EQ setting works well for both. If they're opposites, its a real challenge. Pots & magnets are the best tools to shift a PU's EQ in the direction you want it to go.
Yes, 500K are brighter than 250K. Two 250K's will sound much warmer (darker) than one 250K. Some guys like a 250K volume & a 500K tone, claims they get more range that way.
For me, I always use two 500K's on the neck for the extra treble (which gives clarity & definition), and use two 250K's on most bridge PU's. But there are times you may want one of each. I don't believe the old wives tale of "always use 500K's on HB's", as some bridge HB's are bright & a couple of 500K's make it worse. Then you get a too bright bridge & a very dark (in comparison) neck. My goal is to bring the PU's EQ's closer so that one amp EQ setting works well for both. If they're opposites, its a real challenge. Pots & magnets are the best tools to shift a PU's EQ in the direction you want it to go.
kaligula11
New member
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
I'm starting to assume that pot values and bright humbuckers in the bridge position are your favourite subject
That's fine, I've learned something.
I'm starting to assume that pot values and bright humbuckers in the bridge position are your favourite subject
That's fine, I've learned something.blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
That's the smart way to do it. If you order magnets, get an assortment too. That way the project doesn't drag out (and you're not repeatedly paying for shipping).
That's the smart way to do it. If you order magnets, get an assortment too. That way the project doesn't drag out (and you're not repeatedly paying for shipping).
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
Must be a defect with my ears. I like warm, full bridge PU's.
I'm starting to assume that pot values and bright humbuckers in the bridge position are your favourite subject
Must be a defect with my ears. I like warm, full bridge PU's.
Mark Cearlock
New member
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
I can definatly agree with that. I put a pgn in the neck fo my tele, and have a c-5 in the bridge, with 500k pots for vol & tone on each p/u, so now I have a dark,(but still has bite), neck p/u, and a bright bridge, so I am going to put either a a-2 (I know you dont care for these, Blue) or a-8 in it to warm things up a bit, and try to match it best I can to the neck, As I really like the pgn, and hope to have a better balanced guitar in the end.
I can definatly agree with that. I put a pgn in the neck fo my tele, and have a c-5 in the bridge, with 500k pots for vol & tone on each p/u, so now I have a dark,(but still has bite), neck p/u, and a bright bridge, so I am going to put either a a-2 (I know you dont care for these, Blue) or a-8 in it to warm things up a bit, and try to match it best I can to the neck, As I really like the pgn, and hope to have a better balanced guitar in the end.
Mark Cearlock
New member
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
Or, If you need more highs, Go to a 550+k or a 1meg pot.
Or, If you need more highs, Go to a 550+k or a 1meg pot.
Thurisaz
Member
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
When I use high gain on my neck pickup on that guitar, the bass gets a little too much for doing thrash metal rhythms.
I'm also trying to find out a [*cough*cheap*cough*] way to make the bridge pickup not so weird in the bass. I'm sure the pickup is awesome with a bass player, but I'd still like a little more chug to it.
The pickups are here. They are the off-shore versions. And to keep the thread on topic, I have a thread on it started today if anyone has any advice of where I should go.
When I use high gain on my neck pickup on that guitar, the bass gets a little too much for doing thrash metal rhythms.
I'm also trying to find out a [*cough*cheap*cough*] way to make the bridge pickup not so weird in the bass. I'm sure the pickup is awesome with a bass player, but I'd still like a little more chug to it.
The pickups are here. They are the off-shore versions. And to keep the thread on topic, I have a thread on it started today if anyone has any advice of where I should go.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Should Tone And Volume Pot Values Match?
A lot of guys like the PGN, so it can't be all bad. I like to squeeze all the treble I can out of a neck HB, so I mostly use A5's. An A2 or A8 will warm your bridge; you're on the right track. I'm using C8's in a SG, LP, & 335, and like them alot
A lot of guys like the PGN, so it can't be all bad. I like to squeeze all the treble I can out of a neck HB, so I mostly use A5's. An A2 or A8 will warm your bridge; you're on the right track. I'm using C8's in a SG, LP, & 335, and like them alot
