volume pots that actually work?

[stratobastard]

does anyone know where i can get volume pots that give a full range?
not just 3 levels; 0-3 4-6 7-10

i've played a few older lp's and a '98 peavy wolfgang with the pot's i'm talking about, the newer peavey's & lp's ive played don't have it

 

[rspst14]

Re: volume pots that actually work?

It's not so much the pot itself, it's how the human ear interprets changes in volume. Your only choices are linear or audio taper pots. The Wolfgang uses audio taper pots, as do most guitars. Some LP's use linear pots, but I would stick with audio tapered pots. I've tried linear pots for both volume and tone, and it actually makes the problem worse. There's very little difference between 5 and 10 with a linear tapered pot.

As a third option, you might try calling up Hamer's parts department and asking for a set of their custom-tapered pots. These pots use a modified taper that's not a true linear or audio taper. It's supposed to have a smooth increase in volume from 1-9, and then an extra boost from 9-10, making it perfect for a quick solo boost, or switching between lead and rhythm. Personally, I like regular CTS audio pots better, but a lot of people who own Hamers love the custom pots.

Ryan

 

[texasguitarslinger]

Re: volume pots that actually work?

Below are two graphics to help you understand the way that Linear taper and Audio taper pots work.

Properties of Linear pots

Properties of Audio pots

 

[flank]

Re: volume pots that actually work?

i know what your talkin about man......ive played some guitars that really only have 2 different volume settings since the pots dont react much at all through most of the sweep

fortunately, my 83 strat has complete change through basically every number 1-10......which is nice

as to what the difference is, i have no idea