Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Tech => Topic started by: Blackdog on July 01, 2015, 02:35:02 PM

Title: Pots and caps for LP copy
Post by: Blackdog on July 01, 2015, 02:35:02 PM

Hi there,

I have an Indie Standard (basically a solid mahogany LP shape) with a pair of PG Blues fitted.  They sound wonderful.  Would it be worth getting some new caps and pots?  The volume pots are getting a little crackly, and since the guitar wasn't terribly expensive, I do wonder if the caps (which are 500k) are letting it down?

Would I notice a difference in the sound?

Also, which pots and caps would I need?  The guitar has the usual LP 2 x tone and 2 x volume.  Are my existing knobs likely to fit new pots? 

Thanks for any advice :)

Title: Re: Pots and caps for LP copy
Post by: PhilKing on July 04, 2015, 02:26:34 PM

You'll need to check to see if CTS pots will fit the holes.  Many far eastern guitars use smaller diameter pot mounts.  I like the BK 550k, but I've used CTS pots for years too.  If you want to really spend money you could get the Paper in Oil caps, there are many of them out there and several thoughts about what to use.  Check these articles:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-2 (http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-2)

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-1 (http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-1)

If you want brighter sounds you can drop the resistance of the pots.  There is also the vintage wiring option.  Have a read of this for more info:

http://www.singlecoil.com/docs/paula.pdf (http://www.singlecoil.com/docs/paula.pdf)

Title: Re: Pots and caps for LP copy
Post by: darkandrew on July 11, 2015, 08:53:27 AM

Quote from: PhilKing on July 04, 2015, 02:26:34 PM

You'll need to check to see if CTS pots will fit the holes.  Many far eastern guitars use smaller diameter pot mounts.  I like the BK 550k, but I've used CTS pots for years too.  If you want to really spend money you could get the Paper in Oil caps, there are many of them out there and several thoughts about what to use.  Check these articles:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-2 (http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-2)

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-1 (http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/auditioning-tone-capacitors-part-ii-1)

If you want brighter sounds you can drop the resistance of the pots.  There is also the vintage wiring option.  Have a read of this for more info:

http://www.singlecoil.com/docs/paula.pdf (http://www.singlecoil.com/docs/paula.pdf)

Isn't it generally a HIGHER resistance value for a brighter sound?

Title: Re: Pots and caps for LP copy
Post by: Dave Sloven on July 11, 2015, 09:03:21 AM

Be aware that there are short and long shaft pots.  Best to pull your pots out and have a look

Title: Re: Pots and caps for LP copy
Post by: PhilKing on July 11, 2015, 04:42:15 PM

Quote from: darkandrew on July 11, 2015, 08:53:27 AM

Quote from: PhilKing on July 04, 2015, 02:26:34 PM

If you want brighter sounds you can drop the resistance of the pots.  There is also the vintage wiring option.  Have a read of this for more info:

http://www.singlecoil.com/docs/paula.pdf (http://www.singlecoil.com/docs/paula.pdf)

Isn't it generally a HIGHER resistance value for a brighter sound?

Sooy, you're right, I was looking at the caps stuff and carried on with the same thought  :embarrassed:

Title: Re: Pots and caps for LP copy
Post by: Blackdog on July 14, 2015, 04:04:13 PM

Thanks everyone, I'll have a look at the existing pots.  They seem well made, if that's anything to go by :)