Push-Push Pots Versus Push-Pull

[luchoartsynthesis]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two? Durability, functionality...? Best brands and supplier?

Cheers!

[Dave Sloven]

I've got a push-push pot, it is a 500K CTS type from Mojotone.

I haven't had any problems with it.  I think there is something you have to be wary of with regard to removing and installing the knob, as if you have the pot in the wrong position it can damage the pot, but otherwise it is fine and I much prefer it to a push-pull, as with split shaft push on knobs those have a bit of habit of you pulling the knob off instead of pulling up the pot (would be fine with solid shafts and screw fit knobs, but I haven't seen one).  With the push-push you push on it and it pops up, push on it again and it goes down.  They are expensive though and getting harder to source.

Apparently they are more expensive because of the patent.

Mine sticks up a long way (like a push-pull) when engaged.  Apparently some don't.

[dave_mc]

I've heard that the push-pushes aren't as rugged as the push-pulls, but I have no idea how accurate that is.

For me, push-pulls are often too fiddly to engage on the fly, but push-pushes are so easy you often engage them by accident (and also sometimes the knob turns a little when you engage it). So neither is really perfect for me.

[luchoartsynthesis]

..., but push-pushes are so easy you often engage them by accident (and also sometimes the knob turns a little when you engage it).  ...

Thank you Dave!

I have not thought of this aspect. Still, unles I hear/read of any particular problems (of the switching functionality/reliability) appearing in the push-pushs that don't happen in the push-pulls, my insticts go for them...

Cheers!

[GuitarIv]

Personally I'm a big fan of mini toggle switches as opposed to the push-push/push-pull pots. Much more convenient for me and due to the small size less chances that something goes wrong as Dave pointed out. 

[luchoartsynthesis]

Personally I'm a big fan of mini toggle switches as opposed to the push-push/push-pull pots. Much more convenient for me and due to the small size less chances that something goes wrong as Dave pointed out. 

I used to think so and I'm with toggles at present, but it doesn't feel right, so I want to try the other world. I'm going for 2 push-pushs for the tones of a strat. The volume - the closest to the string and the picking hand will remain a single function device.

[38thBeatle]

I have a push-pull and with hindsight I think I'd have gone for a push push. I have no information on durability though.

[Dave Sloven]

The main thing is that you don't pull them up when they are down.  This is the main danger with a push-push: that one of your idiot mates who thinks he knows everything about guitars will grab at the pots and try to pull them up, breaking the switch in your push-push pot.  You also need to have the pot up when removing the knob for this reason.  Otherwise they are durable

[darkbluemurder]

Push-pull

Pro:
+ widely available in the common values and good quality
+ you can easily see the status of activity
- may be hard to pull up if you have sweaty hands

Push-push

+ easier and quicker handling
- not always available in the common values
- the samples I had looked flimsy but since these were only two this is hardly representative

Cheers Stephan

[Cider]

I'm curious - has anyone tried the BKP Push/push pots? How's the quality/ who makes them?

 I'm based in the US, so I'm not sure if I should get a bunch shipped over here or go with local options. As far as I can tell, the only options are (1) WD Music's CGE pot, (2) Mojotone (not sure who makes these), (3) Alpha, (4) Allparts (they're probably also Alphas)

If the BKP push/push pots are a drastic improvements, I'd love to try them!

[Lucas]

I've got a push-push pot, it is a 500K CTS type from Mojotone.

I have exactly the same pot as Agent Orange. Cannot complain at all, never let me down and Ive been using it for more than year and a half.
The advantage of those ones to me is that they are really easy to engage especially in live situation when you have sweaty hands. Before that I had push-pull and push push is a huge improvement in my eyes.

[Cider]

Is this the one? http://www.mojotone.com/guitar-parts/Potentiometers_x/Mojotone-500K-Audio-Taper-Push-Push-Short-Shaft-Guitar-Potentiometer

[Lucas]

Is this the one? http://www.mojotone.com/guitar-parts/Potentiometers_x/Mojotone-500K-Audio-Taper-Push-Push-Short-Shaft-Guitar-Potentiometer

yes, it is. Mine is a long shaft as it stays in LP style Dean Cadillac.