How much difference do different Pot Values really make?

[GuitarIv]

Heya guys,

after lot of tinkering with my pickups I came to the final decision that my Strat will keep the Holydiver - Slowhand combination, not that I don't like the previous Miracle Man - Sinner Combo I had in it but that will go into another guitar (expect a NGD... soon?  :P) and my Strat is going to be my main Blues axe. Only issue I have is that the guitar is still a bit too bright for certain applications. Right now I have two 500k CTS pots and a 0,022mf Jensen/BKP cap installed. I wonder how much difference it will make changing the value to CTS 250Ks?

Cheers

[Dave Sloven]

You need to put that MM/Sinner combo into some kind of shred machine, preferably with a Satchel type paintjob :D

[juansolo]

The same pot values can be up to 20% different ;)

Such is the tolerance on them.

[tekbow]

You need to put that MM/Sinner combo into some kind of shred machine, preferably with a Satchel type paintjob :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZJnRIW-0hw

The same pot values can be up to 20% different ;)

Such is the tolerance on them.

oh oh can we start a good tubescreamer/bad tube screamer discussion???

[JDC]

oh oh can we start a good tubescreamer/bad tube screamer discussion???

If it's green then it's good, if it's not green then it's bad

[FELINEGUITARS]

250k's can definitely ease a bit of the extreme high treble - presence region.

[Dave Sloven]

oh oh can we start a good tubescreamer/bad tube screamer discussion???

If it's green then it's good, if it's not green then it's bad

And here was I thinking it's not easy being green

[Lucas]

I used to have some no-name 500k pots in my Dean with Cbomb/CS setup, after replacing them with BKP CTS custom 550k pots and Jersen caps, my guitar became brighter and slightly sharper/clearer. That difference is not dramatic but obvious.
I know, you were asking about CTS 250Ks but it might help as well :)

[darkbluemurder]

Only issue I have is that the guitar is still a bit too bright for certain applications. Right now I have two 500k CTS pots and a 0,022mf Jensen/BKP cap installed. I wonder how much difference it will make changing the value to CTS 250Ks?

My experience is it does make a difference but most of the times not a drastic one. Going from a 500k volume pot to 250k will reduce bass and highs and bring out the mids somewhat. The single coils should benefit from such a change.

BTW you can keep the tone pot at 500k. It is wired as variable resistor, i.e. turn it down a bit and you have your 250k as well whereas you cannot turn a 250k pot up further. 

Cheers Stephan

[Dave Sloven]

That video of Satchel is a classic!

[tekbow]

That video of Satchel is a classic!

One more then ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x67jtMPfdTw

[Miracle Man]

I know you were asking about 500k vs 250k pots, but I used BKP 550k pots (measured exactly that) in my emerald equiped guitar and it was just a bit too bright. I then swapped it for a pot that measured 499k and it took just enough of the edge off while still retaining the clarity. I may be in the minority, but those 50k really made a difference for me.

[GuitarIv]

Fortunately pots aren't expensive, so I'll get some 250Ks and report back with results. My Strat is naturally very bright and whilst it does the twangy and straty stuff very well, the Holydiver could use a bit more depth. Will see how it works out  :)