Smooth - easy turning 500K pot - solid shaft?

[Steve_Karl]

Greetings,

Can anyone recommend a Solid shaft 500K pot that isn't stiff to turn?
As loose as possible would be my choice.
It'll be installed in a rear route strat body.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Spud]

Dimarzio or Bournes

 

[Spud]

Dimarzio or Bournes

Especially Bournes

 

[VanHeGen]

As @Spud says: Bourne. Just a note on the the EVH and Malmsteen pots (that are both Bourne); the shaft on the EVH is different, so very few knobs fit on that. The Malmsteen shaft is more "standard".

 

[stratamania]

As @Spud says: Bourne. Just a note on the the EVH and Malmsteen pots (that are both Bourne); the shaft on the EVH is different, so very few knobs fit on that. The Malmsteen shaft is more "standard".

EVH pots can be found with split or solid shafts, low or high friction. The YJM speed pots are only split shaft that I have seen.

 

[VanHeGen]

I probably should not "argue", as we all know that stratamania is the definitive source. However, when it comes to EVH, it looks to me that evhgear.com sells only solid shafts. And when I was looking into this in 2023, there were so many comments on various gear web sites (incl. where the pots are sold) about problems with knobs fitting, that I went for the Malmsteen one.

 

[stratamania]

However, when it comes to EVH, it looks to me that evhgear.com sells only solid shafts.

You can get the EVH split shafts from Thomann, for example.

 

[TBurst Std]

Bournes

 

[supertruper1988]

EVH pots can be found with split or solid shafts, low or high friction. The YJM speed pots are only split shaft that I have seen.

EVH Pots are bourns pots.

I have not had any issues with the smoothness of my CTS pots.

 

[stratamania]

EVH Pots are bourns pots.

I have not had any issues with the smoothness of my CTS pots.

Correct, though, I am commenting on what is available under the EVH and YJM branding.

 

[Strat Avenger]

I've had good luck with Bourns pots.

 

[Spud]

I like to rub them on my face as the exterior is so smooth too.

 

[Steve_Karl]

Thanks everyone for all of the info.
I've not yet found a good place to buy the Bournes - but I'm trying.

 

[Steve_Karl]

On an other subject - but still pot related.

I have two very nice older Emerson 1 meg pots. Very nice loose feel. Very clean lugs.

Has anyone tried 1 meg pots for Volume or tone on humbuckers?

I wonder how much brighter a 1 meg is compared to a 500K.
I guess I'd have to hear the difference to know but maybe we can turn the discussion in that direction?

Some comments like - - - "barely noticeable" - - - - "way brighter" - - - "your amp can easily adjust for the difference"
- - - might pop up?

What do you think about the 1 meg pots?

 

[Spud]

On an other subject - but still pot related.

I have two very nice older Emerson 1 meg pots. Very nice loose feel. Very clean lugs.

Has anyone tried 1 meg pots for Volume or tone on humbuckers?

I wonder how much brighter a 1 meg is compared to a 500K.
I guess I'd have to hear the difference to know but maybe we can turn the discussion in that direction?

Some comments like - - - "barely noticeable" - - - - "way brighter" - - - "your amp can easily adjust for the difference"
- - - might pop up?

What do you think about the 1 meg pots?

Depends on the pickup.

 

[Steve_Karl]

OK then.
Let's Pick a humbucker and have a crack at it.

How about a Gibson Burstbucker pro
Burstbucker Neck = 7.8K - Bridge = 8.3K - Both Alnico V

or
GFS Vintage '59 - Neck = 8K - Bridge = 8.5K - Both Alnico V

or you pick ones that you're familiar with?

 

[Hodgo]

It’s not going to destroy your amp, that’s for sure, and you will be able to compensate for the tonal change at the amp. It will be brighter, and how much brighter will be dictated by whatever the resonant peak of the pickup was.

Are those Emerson pots audio or linear taper? That would be my bigger concern