Is there a consensus of opinion on the best pots to buy?

axisus · June 2023

I've bought lots of potentiometers over the years, most were OK but not great, a few though have been superb. I'm wondering where I can find superb ones more consistently?

Basically I like a smooth action, not too stiff or loose, plus the whole range working, from 0 to 10 with an even gradation.

I've heard CTS mentioned a lot in the past, but they seem a bit hit and miss to me.

What are your favourites?

Funkfingers · June 2023

CTS pots are now manufactured in several countries. e.g. The packaging for the ones marketed as Genuine Fender Spare Parts is usually labelled Made In Taiwan.

My preference is for the versions with a dimple in the bottom of the case rather than a flat surface.

Bourns are good. So are the MEC items used in German Warwick basses.

For volume controls, I am fond of the taper on DiMarzio Pro Parts.

stickyfiddle · June 2023

Premium CTS are my usual pics. Emerson and Bareknuckle both spec very good ones that I’ve been very happy with

roberty · June 2023

I like Bourns for low torque

Winny_Pooh · June 2023

I love the Bourns for low friction (but you said you're not a fan of too loose) but they burn out quite easily if soldering with too much heat.

CTS are tough but stiff. Full size Alphas are okay too.

Modern pots all seem to wear out quite fast.

normula1 · June 2023

The Emerson spec CTS are my favourites; smooth feel and a nice taper.

elstoof · June 2023

Whichever ones fit the splines of the knobs I have

BillDL · June 2023

roberty said:

I like Bourns for low torque

That's actually the thing that puts me off Bourns pots a bit. I have used them in several of my guitars. I've found them to be very reliable and the tolerances are usually very good, but they turn far too easily for my liking. I like my pots to have a bit more "friction". I know that's not really the correct word, but I can't think in a more appropriate one. I've been quite happy with Alpha and CTS, and the "superior" pots that axetec sells have done the job well enough for me.

robinbowes · June 2023

axisus said:

I've bought lots of potentiometers over the years, most were OK but not great, a few though have been superb. I'm wondering where I can find superb ones more consistently?

Basically I like a smooth action, not too stiff or loose, plus the whole range working, from 0 to 10 with an even gradation.

I've heard CTS mentioned a lot in the past, but they seem a bit hit and miss to me.

What are your favourites?

For what purpose? Amps? Guitars? FX pedals?

distressed · June 2023

axisus said:

Basically I like a smooth action, not too stiff or loose, plus the whole range working, from 0 to 10 with an even gradation.

DiMarzio Pro Parts definitely. I've swapped all my Bourns pots for them.

impmann · June 2023

Lots of mention of the DiMarzio pots... they're made by CTS, though. You can see the stamp on the top plate:

Image: https://d2emr0qhzqfj88.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/2020-03/EP1201_XL.png

I have used them in the past and they were good, though.

roberty · June 2023

BillDL said:

roberty said:

I like Bourns for low torque

That's actually the thing that puts me off Bourns pots a bit. I have used them in several of my guitars. I've found them to be very reliable and the tolerances are usually very good, but they turn far too easily for my liking. I like my pots to have a bit more "friction". I know that's not really the correct word, but I can't think in a more appropriate one. I've been quite happy with Alpha and CTS, and the "superior" pots that axetec sells have done the job well enough for me.

I rarely use the controls when I'm singing but when I do I will quickly turn the volume from 10 to around 3 to clean up. I can do that in a split second with Bourns. Don't really have time to think. When I was playing guitar and not singing I was much more hands on with the controls

elstoof · June 2023

The size of your knob (matron! etc) will play a part in how a pot feels, a big Gibson speed knob will feel easier to turn than a little Telecaster one with the exact same pot

axisus · July 2023

Just found these - Jim Dunlop pots at an eye watering £23.99!

Image: https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/images/jim-dunlop-dsp-super-pot-250k-split-shaft-p13345-26769_image.jpg

I wonder if they are worth it?

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/parts-c4/electronics-c698/potentiometers-c109/jim-dunlop-dsp-super-pot-250k-split-shaft-p13345

SteveRobinson · July 2023

Just try getting your Servisol in there to clean the carbon track! (see also the new S1 pots)

ICBM · July 2023

impmann said:

Lots of mention of the DiMarzio pots... they're made by CTS, though. You can see the stamp on the top plate:

I have used them in the past and they were good, though.

These are also properly made with the circlip on the shaft, unlike the modern standard-range CTS. It’s worth paying the extra for this alone, as it stops the pot coming apart when you push the knob on, if it’s a tight fit.

Faye · August 2023

axisus said:

the whole range working, from 0 to 10 with an even gradation.

What are your favourites?

I prefer linear pots for this, and use CTS 250k with P90s. That's without a tone control though.

PeteC · August 2023

ICBM said:

impmann said:

Lots of mention of the DiMarzio pots... they're made by CTS, though. You can see the stamp on the top plate:

I have used them in the past and they were good, though.

These are also properly made with the circlip on the shaft, unlike the modern standard-range CTS. It’s worth paying the extra for this alone, as it stops the pot coming apart when you push the knob on, if it’s a tight fit.

This. Ive had too many supposed high quality pots start to go loose when the control knobs are fitted.

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Is there a consensus of opinion on the best pots to buy?

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