Understanding CTS 500K Balance-Blend Center Detent Audio Potentiometer

[WES1965]

:scratchch I am trying to wrap my head around the differences in Blend Pots?
I am wiring up a double humbucker one volume and one tone guitar, and I want to be able to use different Caps value for each pickup. I am mainly trying to understand the differences and functions of the pots. So I can get the wiring right for the job I want it to do.(just want to be able to use two different caps!
I just want to make sure I purchase the best pot for the money I am willing to send. Now I know this is going to stir up a bunch of Pep's talking about is Cts better then Bourns? Well I would actually like some input on the pro and cons of each, from the good people at this forum!!!!
Thanks in Advance!!:eyecrazy:

 

[Ptolemaeus]

Re: Understanding CTS 500K Balance-Blend Center Detent Audio Potentiometer

I personally haven't noticed a quality difference between Bournes and CTS. That being said, the tapers sound different to me. I prefer the CTS taper over Bournes because it cuts more gradually.

 

[Artie]

Re: Understanding CTS 500K Balance-Blend Center Detent Audio Potentiometer

If you want to try different caps, which, by the way, is a great idea . . . use a switch. Even if it's temporary. A rotary switch to swap in different caps takes all other variables out of the equation. I did it. I no longer spend more than a buck for a cap. YMMV.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Understanding CTS 500K Balance-Blend Center Detent Audio Potentiometer

The value of the pots is much more important than the 'quality', especially when you get to debating CTS vs Bourns. The taper is also another difference, but you will have to listen/use the various tapers to figure out which one works for you.
I remember a pair of threads at about the same time......2 people bitterly complaining about the tapers in their vol pots and why the host company would be stupid enough to put that taper in. One thought the rolloff was too fast, the other too slow.