Telecaster (or other dual 250k pot guitar) question! 500k tone vs 500k Vol

[James Rock]

So both my telecasters have switching options in them, one has a phase switch, the other has a tapped bridge pickup (well will once I wire int he new pickups). Instead of using 250 Push Pull volume pots that I hate, I was looking at push push pots. The best value ones I could find are 500k (all the 250k push push pots are really expensive and not available without expensive shipping to Australia. So I was wondering if maybe having 500k as the tone pot would make less different than changing a Volume pot from 250k to 500k. I do actually like the sound you get from less resistance (I have wired my Jaguar so the top switch avoids the tone control and it sounds great). I just don't want to suddenly get unbearable high end. Thoughts on putting 500k in the tone position? Also does everyone use Audio taper these days for both positions?

 

[AxlOz]

Re: Telecaster (or other dual 250k pot guitar) question! 500k tone vs 500k Vol

I have a 500k no-load tone pot in a tele. The pickups are a little hotter than stock, so they're a little warmer in tone. I think it balances out nicely though, and gives me good versatility through various amps. I often play it with the tone rolled off a little when going through a brighter amp - Fender Blues Jr etc.

I'm also in AU, G'day!

 

[Teleplayer]

Re: Telecaster (or other dual 250k pot guitar) question! 500k tone vs 500k Vol

I'd suggest keeping 250k volume, and adding a 500k push pull tone pot. Tone pots should normally have audio taper. I order the full size CTS push pull pots from S-mac in the US, because they are good quality IMO. Shipping price is ok, but it can take 3 weeks to Australia.

Some people use audio taper volume pots. I prefer linear volume control as it gives finer control of the overdrive tone. That is really a matter of personal preference.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Telecaster (or other dual 250k pot guitar) question! 500k tone vs 500k Vol

Most push/push switches fail in a few years, which is a shame, as it is a much better idea than push/pull. A Fender S1 switch is worth it, though, as it is elegant and seems to last. Worth tracking down.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Telecaster (or other dual 250k pot guitar) question! 500k tone vs 500k Vol

A 500k tone pot when you roll it back a bit acts and sounds exactly like a 250k tone pot. A 500k volume pot will always make your pickups sound extremely bright though, in a way that rolling the tone pot back doesn't really seem to correct properly.

My vote would be to go with 500k tone, but stick to 250k vol.