How Do No Load Tone Pots Work? Why Use a No Load Tone Pot

If you need no load tone pots, here is the link
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This video explains how they work, why you would want to try them in your guitar wiring, and what they do to your tone. we do a demo , but I encourage you to try for yourself
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[@spacewombat4569]

The difference wasn't all that subtle to me, I could clearly hear that hi-end pinch up there at 10 even through my speakers. I'm doing a new build soon, maybe these could be interesting to check out.

[@DylanTalksTone]

It is a very cool and affordable experiment to try at least

[@riokinsey2134]

Completely agree man. VERY noticeable to me

[@tomjones2348]

Wow. I hear the difference very clearly. Well done. I just placed the order on your site. Thanks

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

You have helped me understand the technical side of whats going on in my guitar.. Thanks!!

[@Y0N0_Desu]

For a newbie like me in this sort of knowledge, got to say this has to be very straightforward and not too overwhelming, thank you!

[@GuitarExpress]

Great video! I just got a Fender Select Series stratocaster and was wondering about the no load pot. Thanks man!

[@modfathermusic1107]

You seriously saved my bacon with this video. I've spent hours Googling this information ro no avail. Shoulda come here first. :) I will do next time.

[@efenba]

I think it could be also useful as a volume pot. Default pots are 10 for full, 0 to mute, so you have to "scroll" all the way around to mute it. With this baby you could get 9 for full, 10 for mute, that's it, its way closer and easier to go from "full to mute", the 2 settings which most of us use the volume pot for. Yes, there will be a double mute (0 and 10), but I don't see a problem with that.

[@fenrir7969]

Sounds kind of like a kill switch but hidden away, disguised as a regular pot. As the other poster says, a detent would be nice.

[@davidallen346]

There's video of Chapman guitar owner upgrading his Flying V by removing the tone pot and made the sound bigger and brighter so that's another option. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqTLcpmCqd2Cg9U

[@dustrider9306]

Dude, no. That is not how it would work, if I am not completely mistaken. But in theory, the pot wouldn't work as a voltage divider since one part of that would always be infinite resistance, the other part the normal pot. Or does the middle and the left leg of the pot connect when on 10? Doesn't make sense to me...

[@glenben92]

@@dustrider9306 if you wire it up so that the hot signal comes into the middle lug and another wire continues from that middle lug to the output hot. Then the right lug as pictured (the one that does connect to the middle lug/resistor surface) is connected to ground. The "blank" lug is obviously unused. This way the pot is bypassed at full vol and as you turn down it starts to bleed more and more off to ground. This is basically how tone pots are often wired in anyway, just without a capacitor in the path to ground so it bleeds all frequencies. After all, in function, a volume pot is a tone pot without a capacitor.

[@Stretchwreckedem469]

From what you said about boosting, it sounds like it would be perfect for single coil style pickups if you’re playing rock, blues, maybe even Metal if you utilize your tone pot instead of always keeping it on 10, especially in an HSS set.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

I’m just now finding this out?! Unbelievable! Great, thanks 👍

[@JohnStraussmusic]

Wow I wanted to comment on all your other videos but everyone is saying the same thing and I didn't want to keep repeating but man these videos your doing are just great and extremely helpful. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge

[@DylanTalksTone]

John Strauss thanks so much!!! Please subscribe and share!!! That’s what keeps us going. And make sure you checkout dylantalkstone.com for your upgrade needs.

[@davidcollins3906]

I could hear the subtle difference. Great info thanks

[@easy-to-read-name62]

Thanks for all the content, Dylan. I've learned a lot from your videos. Here's a topic that might be interesting to address: how to better regulate overdrive from the guitar itself. I just watched a video where CSGuitars recommended to set the levels on the amp with volume and tone rolled backed a little on the guitar, that way you can regulate tone and volume up or down, not just down. I think it's brilliantly simple. But I've found that sometimes volume pots don't allow for a very good control of overdrive. For example, in my Les Paul rolling the volume pot down from 10 to 4 it cleans up just a little, there's not much change. But when rolling from 4 to 1 there's a lot of useful variation, but it's hard dial it with precision. Would linear be better? Any other ideas?

[@kirkbolas4985]

I’m listening to this with a pair of Senheisser cans I use when mastering. The no-load on 10 setting is like stabbing my eardrums with a couple of ice picks. That’s the same effect I had with my own Strat with a no load tone pot on the middle and bridge pickups. I moved it to my neck only pickup where it works well for me.

[@MatthewHopkinsWitchfinder]

Hey Dylan, I was wondering if you had any tricks or maybe even some jigs that you use when wiring humbuckers? I've found it difficult soldering the white and black leads to the coil wire, and the white and black leads to the 4 conductor wire. I've had problems with breakage and making everything look neat. If you decided to do a video on this I would greatly appreciate it. Keep up the good work.

[@metalfatigue]

Excellent super clear explanation and not only can you hear it, the extra brightness makes it sound a little louder. I don't see any downside since you can always dial back the tone if It's too bright with no load. To me, the detent is overkill and a distraction, but that's just personal preference.

[@masteryoburgos]

BIG DIFFERENCE. I swapped the 250 to A500k volume and no load tone pot on my SSH, and suddenly the tone at 10 on my stock ceramic HB and Singles seemed to have its own gain boost even at the lightest pick attack and It screams when driven! At clean, I start at 3 to roll off the highs. I wired it Seymour Duncan style and all pickups go thru 1 tone. Now I have a versatile Guitar that can play from classic to metal!!!❤️ Thanks to Dylan😍

[@frantisca]

I made a different wiring on my Tele, where I replaced the tone pot by a second volume and the front pickup with a mini humbucker. Gives it a special tone when in the middle position and blending the 2 pu's. I thought it's better using the uncut potential of the 2 pu's and chosing the tone by blending them together. It is quite amazing how they interact and give the whole output a different tone… while having no tone pot !

[@photojandak]

just recently finished guitar and put 2 P90s in it and went with 2 volumes instead of one volume one tone and have to say it sure does gives the middle position whole new blending options loving it

[@adoneran]

I am about to add a mini Humbucker to a Squier offset tele that I have. I think I'm going to steal the volume idea.

[@urideemer4333]

Hello There, I have the No Load Tone Pot in my Standard Telecaster from the yar 1999. They call it dat Delta Tone or some such. I have only had this axe for about 3 months. I have no problems with any clicks or what not and the no load no resistance thing is just another fun thing to play with. The geetar came used previously owned and the original pups were gone and switched out with some Vintage Noiseless. Since I have some humbucker fitted guitars I am familiar with a bit of a fatter tone than single coils so it's all good. HOWEVER, I have located some of the original Single Coils fitted to my 1999 and will attempt at age 65.5 to change out ( my first try at changing PUPS) the noiseless and give a try out to the originals...........Hot fun in the summertime!

[@markvernon1218]

I found that the Bourne 500k pot didn't work much until past about half way down, but when used with gain made a huge difference in tone and sustain with no load. I've ordered a CTS one next just to see if the taper is any better, but no load is definitely the way forward for me 👍.

[@jeffled61]

I'm 61 years old and my hearing is about shot, but I could definitely the difference . Great video! Thanks, Dylan!

[@michaelcraig9449]

Dylan I got zillions of questions about all this guitar tech stuff. Like for one example, on a single coil Fender Strat, can you use a no load tone pot for one of the tone pots, then use a blender or KIngtone switch for the other tone knob? Is a blender tone pot the same as series /'parallel tone pot and wiring? I am trying to get the hugest Jimi SRV type tones ever..need as much info as it takes, so can you do some videos on all this stuff? Thanks

[@jrbass62]

Thanks!!! Dylan, I'm building a 54 P bass how would 250k no loads effect a bass. Lindy Fralin single coil bass pickup..

[@lorencing]

Thanks for the demo, one question though, do no load tone pots go together well with treble bleed circuits? And I bought a log and a lin CTS no load pot and they do not have that click in the end. Have not installed them yet but was wondering if I should get the Bourns ones as they have that click in the end where you know you are in no load mode? The other thing is that as much as I like to have a low torque pot on volume, I do not know if I'll like it on tone as the Bourns pots are usually very low torque compared to CTS.

[@ranius7388]

In the vol pot, it's good method get a killswitch effect with shorter action

[@SiggyMe]

The difficulty with hearing the difference is due to a number of factors such how it was recorded in the first place, the transmission of the single from origin to consumer can be changed by the process clipping sounds, and lastly the consumers means of sampling the sound speakers, headphones may not rep the sound as it was originally, and lastly individual hearing that not only covers the frequency range, and that funny thing called discriminated telling the difference. Best change is live and near the source. Nice informative piece. Thanks!

[@presentelaw]

Do you get a clicking noise from 9 to 10? Will the detent souund come through the amp? Thanks, Dylan.

[@nathanabraham3979]

I’m building a HH strat and there is a pick guard which has 3 pot holes or one pot and a pickup selector so I don’t know should I sacrifice a tone pot?

[@jamesm1938]

Been watching your series on pots, and would love a video on wiring in the electronics. Some context, though… Building Nashville-style tele, with a noiseless Strat pickup in the middle, a no-load tone pot, 250k volume pot, and a 5-way switch. Help?

[@bilalnachabeh]

I have a American standard strat 2008 with Delta Tone system. and YES! on 10 it is very noticeable. I want to ask you, when I put the tone pot at 0 my 4th position(bridge-mid) gets a very nice usable mid boost. is this the work of the delta tone or is there something else?? my stock wiring( Volume master - Tone1 Neck - Tone 2 Mid and bridge)

[@tonyfoster986]

Hey bro! I know this is an old post but, what do you think is the most responsive tone pot to put in my jr with just a single p90? Obv for a little more tonal options. Thanks

[@markschroeder5063]

Hi Dylan, I have an older Epiphone Les Paul model. Recently the bridge pickup has become half the volume of the neck pickup. Both circuits measure around 8k ohms with volumes on ten. The bridge pickup actually shuts off (.4M ohms) when I roll the pot down past 5. Any ideas?

[@glenben92]

Surely you could use one on a volume if you wired it up so the hot comes into the middle lug there and continues from that middle lug to the output, then the right lug is grounded so when the volume is up it's a direct line to output & when the volume is turned down is starts to take that path to ground instead of continuing to the output Right?

[@oldmanandguitar]

Very interesting, not applicable to me but useful knowledge. But am confused, a higher load pot gives a brighter sound, but with no load it makes it brighter too?

[@DBKELLER]

I have a Gretsch Broadkaster Jr that comes with a no load tone pot. Problem is, when I turn the tone knob down (off the detent) it does not seem to be engaging the resistor, which is to say there is no change in tone. Any idea what went wrong? Is there a fix or does this require a new pot? Any insight would be appreciated.

[@MrRafaelMatiazoguita]

Dylan awesome video. Can I use two non load pots for tone knobs on stratocaster ?

[@DylanTalksTone]

yes!

[@davidallen346]

Neil Young's Les Paul distorted tone is from the No Load tone pot mod that sounds like a Nuclear Bomb going off

[@tersan8547]

Yeah. Like a disaster.

[@linksfiery22]

Does this apply to active? Thinking about puting 500k tone pot. 250 for neck 500k for bridge.

[@AgentFour]

Would that turn a middle or neck pickup into a bridge pickup not connected to a tone pot?

[@lfmd]

Hello. I bought a cheap strato and it started to fail and decided to make a frankenstrat. I used the middle mic, 500k volume and no tone. And I was surprised by the sound. I would like to know in theory how a single coil should sound with this configuration. Because I like how simple it is to play like this and I would like to replicate it on another guitar but with a better single coil.

[@nathanschad8048]

Is an esquire similar? Where the bridge on that position is just the bridge straight to the output jack? Edit: I’m building a tele and this makes me think I wouldn’t need it?

[@georgemam4804]

We could use a push-pull pot for this function, right? Using the switch as a tone pot by-pass.

[@PM-yz8fx]

ohh finally somebody that recognises that all the youtube videos acoustic comparisons are just useless (microphones comparison people I am talking to you)...KZbin compresses files at 128kbs, consequently hearing a subtle difference in these conditions is impossible, simply because the difference is not there anymore

[@EmilDahlMusic]

Does this work with active Fishman Fluence pickups? They use 25k pots, but I can't seem to find 25k no load pots.

[@rdisipio]

so the solid shaft has a diameter of 3/8". What kind of knobs does it fit onto those pots? I can't figure it out!

[@HavendaleBlvd80]

Are copper shaft pots, better than brass and aluminum?

[@jaggedsphere]

Nice video. Looks like you have created a tonne of content! Any thought on a no pots guitar? It's going direct to a Mackie and gets a 3 band EQ for the channel. In fact, and as odd as it might be, I currently have it set up with a 6 core shielded cable breaking out to three separate channels. It's an HSS.

[@jamesgaynor903]

Interesting. Are you knowledgeable with that setup? Does it work well?

[@jaggedsphere]

@@jamesgaynor903 it was fun. may go back to something like that one day. All my sound is controlled by audio plugins so I don't really need controls ON the guitar itself. I'd almost just rather record the sound of all my pickups and be able to tweak later on.

[@arnobashtar6707]

I accidentally ordered three of these pots thinking they can be used as volume pots, and when I installed them I realized that there was no sound at all from the volume or pickups, while the tone was changing nicely. I accidentally discovered that the no load requires an unconventional wiring by connecting the hot wire directly to lug 2 and then bridging lug 3 and lug 2 together with a smaller wire. I initially did this by mistake with a small Allen key... So after doing this, I heard a normal sounding jazz bass guitar with a nice punch, volume can be turned down no problem. but I am no expert so what exactly is your take and opinion on not using the No Loads for volume? What is your experience Dylan?

[@shanesearle5131]

Hi Dylan can help me please any wiring ideas for My Jim Root Telecaster on 2 Humbuckers with Alnico 2 pickups Bridge 8.42 OHms 5.16 Henris Neck 7.18 OHms 4.11 Henris and type or size pot to use Ive taken the Emg out of it an put standard Humbuckers into can you help me please Kindest Regards Shane from Australia cheers Dylan

[@bluehappyscrap]

Will all no load tone pots have the (detent) at the 10th position?

[@michaelcraig9449]

Can you do a video where you compare 250k and 500k pots in single coil Strat? How about blender pots and set ups? Is that the same as series /parallel pots and wiring? Damn there is a lot to this stuff, What about a dual 250k and 500k pot? Fender mid boost kit? Obsidian wiring set up, what is that? I figure you might be the guy that knows this stuff, and what is the best way to get the hugest Jimi-SRV type Strat tone possible.

[@daydream8270]

What if the guitar is a strat, with the rail pickups fitted for single coil, how would work?

[@p.s8950]

I have a HSS Strat that I never use middle and or bridge pickup positions. I'm wondering about wiring it so neck and middle Singles work as a humbucker. I would then possibly use the dual humbucker position. Does this sound feasible and maybe how? Thanks for the vids.

[@TheReelDealMC]

Unfortunately, I’m not sure this would work, as humbuckers have fundamental differences from two single-coils. Usually both single-coils come with the “slug” position up (the flat metal side), and both have wire wrapped in the same direction, thus have the same polarity (both South, for example). You would have to switch the start and end wires for one pickup and put them right next to each other to give it any hum cancellation/ strong humbucker quality. It would also be a good idea to get 500k pots rather than 250k pots if you want double humbuckers, as I’ve known 250k pots to have less strong a signal and to somewhat muddy the sound. Hope this helps.

[@samikchaudhury4281]

Are Blender pots and No-load pots the same ??

[@darkathena268]

Nice video!......super dumb question though...if i want to swap out my regular tone pot (connected with a .047 capacitor)....with a no load pot....do i need to connect a .047 capacitor again?

[@darkathena268]

okay...i just found your video to capacitors.....dude...your channel is awesome and just got a new subscriber! Furthermore, i think i know the answer which is.....yes...i do need a capacitor because it does not care if there is a "no load pot" or a regular pot..............................................................right?

[@bigfootingermany]

I just put two of these in a Strat for a customer, Pretty amazing differences, Kind pf like having a couple of blow switches in the circuit. Wanna know what your pickups REALLY sound like? Give it a shot.

[@patpollock2183]

bob do you have any sound clips? I'm wiring a tele with a 4 way switch and wanted to try this. It should be close to your sound with the single coils.

[@iamLexxKelsey]

Will it work on a bass for slap tones 🤤🤔

[@CB-wi3vc]

Here's a question for a video (maybe you already made one??) Take 2 pots. Then explain how one pot becomes volume and one becomes tone. What has to be done to make then different from each other?

[@archer4556]

??? Is it recommended that the capacitor is replaced with a different one when using a no load tone pot? If yes, what is a recommended capacitor size?

[@davidkastin4240]

Use the capacitor from the original tone pot.

[@michaelcraig9449]

When I clicked on it, it says "page 404 not found" So can you fix that?

[@popiel52]

You should show people how to modify the pot to no load. Very simple, disassemble the pot and just scrap a bit of carbon off of the wafer and reassemble. Only difference is that there isn't a "click" at 10.

[@DylanTalksTone]

Or they could just buy one for 6 dollars and not waste the time

[@J.C...]

Ya know what's weird? I installed a no load pot on the neck pickup of a gold top single cut guitar. There is zero difference between 10 & 8 sounds exactly the same. Yes, I made sure it's a no load tone pot. 50s wiring & a Seymour Duncan Seth Lover neck pickup

[@accutronitisthe2nd95]

I followed your link to your store and there are no "no load tone pots" to be found anywhere there ???

[@DylanTalksTone]

thats a pretty old video.

[@chrisgrabowski2678]

Dylan, I'm confused. I accept the volume pot is 500k. But at some point you mention that this guitar has 500k pots in it. How is that possible i you have a no load tone pot in there? Thanks. Next question, if I add a no load pickup to a strat bridge, middle or neck pickup, that pickup will be a bit cleaner and brighter with a slight boost? It allows the treble through more? Thank you.

[@DylanTalksTone]

the no load portion is only a small segment of the pot. it is still a 500k pot

[@chrisgrabowski2678]

@@DylanTalksTone yeah, I should have known that. I get it. Thanks. I can be a very slow learner at times; dyslexia for example.

[@justinpaquette224]

Would there be any problem with using 500k volumes with 250k no load tone pot in my tele?

[@Zappappappappa]

There shouldn't be in my opinion, I've seen an endless number of players who use 500k in the volume pot while going with a 250k for the tone pot which would likely reduce how muddy single coils get (in some instances not all mind you) when dialing the tone back to a certain point but retaining the cut through and midrange output of a 500k pot (so called "humbucker" pots yet you can use whatever helps in your quest for the perfect tone.)

[@diemturner5755]

Can't be THAT subtle, I can hear it on the speaker of my iPad 😆

[@JesseeSage]

I recently installed a dbl-rail single coil sized humbucker at the bridge position in a 3 PU strat style guitar, but the volume and tone pots still remain at 250k. Unless I'm mistaken, the bridge PU on a Strat typically bypasses the tone circuit (tone 1 and tone 2 operate on the center and neck PUs). So in regards to the bridge pickup only, I'm assuming there would be no benefit to replacing the standard 250k tone to the no-load version. Also one more question if you don't mind me asking... If a toggle switch were installed so to bypass both vol and tone pots, basically the pickup shorted directly to the output jack, would this result in increased output? Informative videos and info, thanks

[@dustrider9306]

Yes, it would. But not that much. Using 250k for both, the difference should be at least audible. With 500, I don't hear any difference at all with my guitar. If you want to have the switch mainly for the bridge-pu sound, you don't have to cut out the tone knobs because there is none for that - only the volume pot. By bypassing that, you get the highest output your guitar can deliver (when the bridge pu is active)

[@pleximanic]

The difference is HUGE!

[@kenfoland]

The no-load pots are useful for treble tone controls. But, they don't work for bass cut tone controls, as well as volume controls.

[@furyobiagioni]

Hi Dylan, love your channel. Does no load pots with switch exist? I can't find it anywhere

[@letoile123]

An alternative to a cutoff switch is making it a volume pot.... interesting sound rolling from 10 or i guess 0 to 7. Try it out. Dont tell people not to do it just explain what it does.

[@Articulatedcopy]

My no loads blackout my circuit at 0. Idk what is going on.

[@Cluless02]

Hey, A/B comparisons are cool - speakers, pickups, tubes etc.

[@stevenutter3614]

Do a video on how pot works. Like real in depth, go in cannabinoid receptors and 7 eleven ,and snacks.

[@JediCrackSmoke]

Big difference for me. No load was much brighter than under resistance.

[@Moto_737]

nah these are great for volume too i played a esquire with straight to output jack for years it’s all about less treble on the amp

[@bradleyshuppert3393]

You can hear and tell the difference. I bet the strings feel different as well.

[@DylanTalksTone]

Uh.... how would the tone pot affect the strings

[@therapscallion23]

@@DylanTalksTone i dont use nor roll my tone knob but i wanted the sound from tone of the capacitor. i dont need the tone pot in my guitar and I wanna make room for another volume knob. is it possible to remove the tone pot but still retain capacitor in the circuit? if it is possible is their a huge difference in the tone?

[@InTonalHarmony]

Yeah, that little click is what I hate. If it’s on 10 and I want to turn it down sometimes I get it, sometimes I don’t. You really have to grab it.

[@TheDragonDeacon]

It's just a presence boost at 10 by taking the tone circuit out of the equation.

[@DylanTalksTone]

No…..

[@mpexus]

Have a Charvel SoCal with a No Load Tone pot and to be honest, the difference is minimal and that is too not say almost imperceptible.

[@linleechiun]

Can I call it a tone pot with true bypass?!

[@justinpaquette224]

Why doesn't anyone talk about bass cut tone control?

[@mdallen5]

2:54 to get right to it

[@duanehunt9397]

so its a OFF switch that you can make yourself by cutting it

[@rj2128]

The effect is so minimal it's insignificant. CTS gimmick ...I feel having the signal still in the circuit always smooths out the top end.

[@richardhouse7997]

There was an audible difference for me.

[@mihailmilev9909]

669th like 😎

[@Michael-hp2pe]

So, do people perform live with the speaker right next to every single audience member and without any effects or amp tone applied to their signals, because these little nitpicks that companies think they can tack a huge premium on (despite the fact that they are electrical components that have been used for ages, but suddenly found their niche because of marketing) through clever marketing are basically pointless expenditures for 99% of all players. I appreciate this video, because I wanted to see the effect of these components, but I'm getting pretty tired of how the guitar industry has become just like the wine industry.

[@bertall1ca]

Why even have a tone pot?

[@nafis6668]

i only use it when tuning the guitar. in my guitar, it only connects to the single coil , leaving my humbucker with less signal loss.

[@Jarrettfan]

I can hear the diff on my phone. Its a poco phone

[@causetherat308]

I could hear the difference. But your not explaining it right. A zero load tone pot allows the tone wood to come through!! And if you use it for a volume pot it gets so loud only dogs can hear it. : ) Thanks for the demo and explanation. Totally dig your work.

[@DylanTalksTone]

this is awesome

[@757optim]

Makes my dog sing heavy metal.