Gutiar POTENTIOMETERS Comparison: Vintage Centralab, CTS, VIPots, Alpha

[@vw9659]

The main difference seems to be in the specifications of the audio taper. The Centralab 1964 looks to have a 10% taper, the CTS is around 20% (but other tapers can be ordered), similar for modified CTS, VIP is 10%, and alpha is around 15%.

[@blakef413]

If anyone is interested, I put Centralab's in my R7. When played on a real '59 Fender Deluxe, I get this really 'soft' airy kind of a tone when the volume knob is turned down. Full up they sound like anything else (because they're barely having an effect). I actually removed, retested, and put them back to make sure I was hearing correctly. I heard an old-timer once state that the difference is that the carbon element in the old Centralab's has a good amount of lead in it. The lead helps keep things smooth and wear less, but also seems to add to the vintage tone. If lead in the carbon track is indeed the difference hopefully some manufacturer can try it- we need to get governments to have a little sense and allow some of the old wonder-chemicals back in limited use when they aren't enough to make much of an environmental impact. Virtually every great chemical has been removed from the market. If anyone can get ahold of some lead grease, it would be interesting to see if a thin coating of lead on a new pot would replicate the tonal qualities.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you for your comment. You voiced my thoughts.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Yes yes yes, the resistive element is where the tone and feel originate. Same with magnet compounds.

[@xoxxox5352]

Hello, I just found your channel, and I’ve watched a few videos. You’ve got my subscription. This one is very good, as it’s hard to find direct comparisons like this. I have several Vintage Gibsons (a 59 Junior, a 63 Junior, and a 65 Junior, a 1940 ES-150, a 1936 EH-100 lap steel, and a 1960 Melody Maker)...almost all have Centralab, but the 65 has CTS. I know exactly the difference in how the old pots respond - and they are not like modern pots. I’ve been told that the materials used back then in the resistance element and possibly the wipers were different, and that might cause the difference. In this video, you do a good job, but unfortunately KZbin’s compression makes it difficult to really appreciate and understand how the old pots respond as compared to new pots - even new high quality pots. I think it’s something you need to experience in person, and feel the difference first hand to truly understand. Keep up the great work - I’ll check out more of your videos.

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you. You're absolutely right. KZbin recording and compression does not allow you to hear the difference as clearly as your hands and your own ears feel in reality. But as is. That's why I always say that you need to try everything on your own. There is no substitute for personal experience.

[@tonyflies1]

Have always used CTS, again it’s hard to hear on YT but honestly the Alpha impressed me more than the others compared to CL. Which Alpha pot did you test please?

[@johnhudak3829]

I have swapped out all the pots in my Gretsches with NOS Allen Bradley pots and yes, there is a huge difference. For my money, the best sounding new pots are the Bourns.

[@Slewfoot2000]

Hello and great comparison! The ALPHA pots spoke to me the most...do you recall specifics on which exact model you used? Thanks!

[@jcsk8]

I´ve read some article (can´t rememer wich magazine) when they compared lot´s of pots with vintage Central labs, the Alpha´s had the closest tapering.

[@MarcelLissner]

Never again I use CTS Pots. For 2 years I have used VIPots but now I only have selected Alpha Pots and Göldo US Pots in my Guitars. They are the best Pots with the most CRL-like Audio Taper. 😉😁

[@PeteEllson5656]

Great video, Thanks. I have a set of CTS pots from 1973 -big difference from pots of today. I did the same comparison. And was very suprised at the difference. I guess manufacturing is of a much lower quality now.

[@pasteye1671]

Your Volume graphs show highest resistance when pot is at 10, ie no signal at 10. The x-axis should be reversed as the loudest (ie least resistance) is when the pot is at 10

[@8BombCustom]

@@pasteye1671 It depends on how you look at the graph. I made it so that it would be logical and understandable to the majority.

[@SejaSuaEssencia]

3:13 CTS 6:32 Alpha 5:38 Vipots

[@redfrog2269]

Hi, I have a 2012 Gibson Studio Deluxe. There is a wiring with a cut-off and very small capacitors stand and are soldered to the ground. The guitar is from 2012 and its volume potentiometers are rustling. What budget potentiometers with cut-off do you recommend and is it possible to somehow repair them, the original ones?

[@matthewf1979]

The best new CTS pots, in my opinion, are “The Art of Tone” pots. They have an actual 10% audio taper and measure in the 530k to 550k range. Being CTS audio taper pots, they still have that annoying dead zone between 0 and 2. I wish I could just buy TAOT wafers and Mojotone cases. That would be the perfect new CTS to me.

[@ilemraz]

interesting. I thought my cts pots were bad because of that dead zone between 0 and 2 also. I guess they're just like that?

[@Joseph-z3m7v]

Too bad mojotone is overcharging on shipping $9.00 to ship one lousy pot?👎🏽

[@davidrees1840]

Is the dead zone just where the strip ends, like no-load, so that the wiper's full width is off the strip = true zero signal to jack?

[@JimmyDevere]

I went to their site the AOT and all I see are 500k with 10% tolerance. Are those the ones you are talking about? And they will deliver 530-550K? Their wiring harness has 525k but I don't see that as an option for pots alone.

[@bradleyshuppert3393]

The Bare Knuckle 550k pots, even though they are made by CTS are specifically made for BK pickups and should be used in all positions. These pots have the best taper down to one as the CentraLabs and ViPots do except the 550k values are rated real close to the actual value and the internal wiper and parts are as close to the 50s specs and sound just perfect.

[@darshanwijekoon9006]

Thank you for taking the time to try all those pots and sharing the results with us! Help me understand the graphs please, when the pot is wide open on 10 the resistance value should be 0 if i'm not mistaken. But on your graphs it is the other way around, what am I missing?

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you. In these graphs, the curve more clearly shows the change in volume.

[@Drunken_Hamster]

I like the general graph shape of the Centralab the most. I just wish the tail end extended to 0.5 like the Alphas do.

[@milankotevski1663]

Alpha pots work just as good as any of the fancy brands.

[@JimmyDevere]

Did you ever show how to mod your pots to a higher value? I didn't see the video.

[@JimmyDevere]

Centrallabs, CTS, and Alpha all have a good, useable taper. The VIP surprised me as being too steep with not enough fine adjustment at the top, almost no curve, but two linear tapers. The downside of the Alpha appears to be 500k with 20% tolerance, which is quite high. CTS has a range of up to 550k, but seemed to loose a little more top end and the lower part of the taper compared to Centralabs and Apha, so no perfect choices in this comparison (outside of the Central labs of course). Would like to compare some others such as RS, and some custom CTS.

[@JimmyDevere]

I haven't tried these but I think these are what some boutique builders use: www.wdmusic.com/cts-electrocomponents-and-wd-music-products-custom-modified-series-450-potentiometer-9-tolerance-275-kohm-1-mohm-details.html

[@4unkb0y]

thanks, great stuff, very helpful

[@kcsvantasticvoyages9729]

This will answer some of my most important questions

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you. I'm glad that it was useful for you.

[@claudionesdebologna2533]

Are these audio or linear taper? Thank you

[@8BombCustom]

@@claudionesdebologna2533 audio

[@Guitarjosii]

These VIP Pots are amazing

[@8BombCustom]

👍

[@dalepiwek]

Excellent

[@lousekoya1803]

Thank you !

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you! 😊

[@jcsk8]

Alpha!

[@paternuin]

back wear on that guitar looks real. if not that's so far your best work on a back

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnzaiKB9bd2mrtU

[@paternuin]

@@8BombCustom but the one from the video is not Greeny, it's a goldtop

[@8BombCustom]

@@paternuin yes. I maked identic relic on that GT.

[@johnhanda7970]

Your craftmanship is great as always. I guess you used standard CTS product, but CTS pots have some variations. so have you ever tried CTS vintage taper pot by mojotone? in my opinion, it's one of the best replacement for vintage pot. I think the brass shaft makes the sound different from standard one. and all product have fluctuation in performance, I suggest you should measure some pots of each brand, and calculate average to know proper performance. I'm just a player, idk anything about maker level tho

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you. I used VIPots last few ears. But soon i want to try all modern "vintage taper" pots to compare with Centralab.

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

Mojotone's "vintage taper" pot is a 30% taper which, needless to say, is not even close to "vintage." They're a good company, but that advertising is very deceptive.

[@Saul_HUDSON]

Very interestinf video ! The VIPots tried to replicate the 50 Centralab. Are they getting there in your opinion? Are they better than recent CTS? Thanks for your help !

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you. Vipots is closer of his taper but in sound Alfa dont cut high friquency so mutch

[@PeachEater81]

Alpha's are a tough fit in the F holes of a 335.... FYI

[@pperejma]

Which ones sounded best to your ears?

[@8BombCustom]

Centralab.

[@Qwertyzzero]

when you talk about potensio is about clarity thats all.. 250k is kinda muddy a little bit, when you using higher than 250k , less muddy, its not about character or whatever it is..

[@BB-pi2wd]

I've never installed any CTS pot that didn't just SUCK. Most overrated crap on the market.

[@kularbkeawkrajng6497]

I like very much

[@nandobMD]

I can't stop looking at les paul. It's absurd!!!!

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@wickedmonkey2010usa]

Супер

[@8BombCustom]

Спасибо Юра! Я рад твоему возвращению! Спишемся или созвонимся.

[@sanychbass]

I'm sad that the channel on Russian. I read the level of mentality in the comments. Depreciated people call and water everything with shit. And in a very bad financial situation and cannot fully sponsor a very good product. Blyat'(((. Good luck bro^

[@8BombCustom]

Thank you

[@alnisov]

Опять по по английски 😐

[@8BombCustom]

Exactly. While this is universal language.

[@spacerspacer]

Интересно, но я не смог отличить их влияние на звук вслепую. Разные лампы гитарных предусилителей различаю, даже в оконечниках, особенно EL34/EL84 - но потенцы не смог.

[@bryantforsythe728]

Thank you!