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Thread: Success With Inexpensive Pots?

  1. #1
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    Default Success With Inexpensive Pots?

    I am looking for an inexpensive set of pots, but I don't want to install junk. I know there are a lot of people here that have tried different types of pots and might want to share their thoughts.

    I am looking for something for the humbuckers - two volume, two tone.

    Any comments on GFS? What other brands have you tried?

    Don't pile on with the "you get what you pay for" and/or any debate between each other challenging others opinion. If you want to debate pots, start your own thread. All I am looking for is a little feedback regarding your experience with some of the less expensive pots.

    Thanks and drive safely.
    Mark
    * Loud is good, good is better!

  2. #2
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    I've always used the ones from Stew-Mac. They are roughly the same price as the ones from GFS. I don't know who makes them. Having said that, I've only used push-pull pots from them, not the regular ones. I've been very pleased with them.
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    I read a good review on the Alpha pots that GFS sell from someone who'd done a lot of guitar mods and normally used CTS.
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    Quote Originally Posted by markb
    I read a good review on the Alpha pots that GFS sell from someone who'd done a lot of guitar mods and normally used CTS.
    I spent some time looking last night and did find some good comments about the Alpha pots. It seems that both the CTS and GFS will do the job.

    What does it mean when it states the pots have or have not been metered?
    Mark
    * Loud is good, good is better!

  5. #5
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    What does it mean when it states the pots have or have not been metered?[/QUOTE]

    It means they have not check the actual resistance of the pot
    To get a matched set of pots you will probably have to order 6 or 8 pots
    This is why between cts and alpha I go alpha just a lot cheaper to get a matched set

    In my JV strat I bought used there are bourn pots and these are very good very smooth roll off they cost a little more but from my experience with them so far they are worth it.

    Allen-Bradley or Clarostat is at the top of the line but you also pay for them

    I've heard really good things about DiMarzio pots cost is a little more than cts

    I would be interested to hear what is in a Shur...hint hint hint somebody open it up and check it out

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by F_BSurfer

    It means they have not check the actual resistance of the pot
    To get a matched set of pots you will probably have to order 6 or 8 pots
    This is why between cts and alpha I go alpha just a lot cheaper to get a matched set
    What do you do to match them, what's the process?
    Mark
    * Loud is good, good is better!

  7. #7
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    If you order 250k pots doesn't mean they will measure 250k they could be all over the place I try to get my pots within + or - 10% of each other

  8. #8
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    I've had good success with both Stewmac pots as well as pots from WD Music products, although I think WD can be a little pricey in comparison to other online stores.
    Guitars: 2003 and 2004 American series strats, Squier Classic Vibe 50's Strat, Squier Deluxe Strat.

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  9. #9
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    These are what my Local GAS Station put in my Epi Sheri II, and had put in my (ex) Ibanez ARC300 (sorry bout that, strummy...). It's their #1 choice for 'buckers. The link is to Musicians FIEND only for convenience.
    DiMarzio 500K Custom Taper Pots
    I paid $5 each for them.

    I dunno if they match precisely or are actually 500K, and I don't really care. I just know they work really well and do what I want them to do...unlike the stock pots that came on the Epi or Ibanez.
    ^^
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    Quote Originally Posted by just strum
    What do you do to match them, what's the process?
    Measure across the two outside terminals with a DMM set to resistance. Right down the number and when you're finished pick the two with the closest number.

    tung
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