Volume pedal pot values

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 20 Dec 2001 6:53 am

500K is the standard it seems but will other values work. I think I remember some folks using 250K or maybe 10K or one meg.(?)

Also what is the difference between a "TYPE EJ" and a "TYPE J" pot.

Dave<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Dave Zirbel on 20 December 2001 at 08:10 AM.]</p></FONT>

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 20 Dec 2001 12:23 pm

The "EJ" is supposed to be an extended life version of the "J".

I won't get into the different volume pedal pot values. It was a recent thread.

However, if another value would work better all the steel builders and volume pedal builders (for steel) would have jumped on the wagon and converted their 500K's to that value.

I've also been told that the Lawrence 710 pickups, which I have on my steel, were designed to be used with a 500K pot volume pedal.

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 20 Dec 2001 1:07 pm

Thanks. The reason I was asking is because the Goodrich L-10-K uses two 10K pots. http://www.songwriter.com/bradshaw/accessories.html
Also, I ordered replacement pots from a reputable steel vendor and recieved 250K pots for $25 each when I was expecting 500K pots.

I was in an electronics store the other day and found a bunch of Allen Bradley potentiometers in the bargain section for $2 and less. Of course there were no 500Ks with long shafts and who knows if any had the audio taper. There were plenty of 10k and 250k and others. Many other brands as well. Is there any way to wire in some components to make these other value pots work for steel? By asking these questions it is obvious that I don't know anything about electronics but I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron. I would be up for experimenting, especially if I could get the pots for that cheap.

DZ

Bruce Derr · Post by **Bruce Derr** » 20 Dec 2001 1:42 pm

I'm not familiar with the Goodrich L-10-K, and Tom Bradshaw's description is not technically detailed, but I get the impression that it uses one 10K pot to control a DC voltage, which in turn controls a voltage-controlled gain circuit of some type. If so, it's a neat idea. The pot would last longer because minor scratchiness could be filtered out of the DC without affecting the operation of the circuit.

There's no way that I'm aware of to easily convert a pot to a different value or taper.

You can get away with a lower value if you have a preamp with a low impedance output. I use 100k (because I already have some) but I have a homebrew preamp ahead of the pedal.

jerry wallace · Post by **jerry wallace** » 20 Dec 2001 2:22 pm

Dave, I think the reason the Goodrich L-10K uses a 10k ohm pot is because it has a preamp that the pot is controling..So its not directly inline with your signal..As it is with a pot only {no preamp} pedal..

The 500 k ohm pots have been standard in steel pedals forever..

While any value pot will work,it will effect your output and tone threw your amp if you use another value..

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Jerry Wallace-2001 Zum: D-10,8+6, "98 Zum: D-10,8+8,Nashville 1000,Session 500 ,Session 400 head only amp,Tubefex,ProfexII, Artesia, New Mexico
http://communities.msn.com/jerrywallacemusic

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 20 Dec 2001 3:18 pm

I could be wrong (if I am wrong it will only be the 2nd time this year

) but I thought I heard that Goodrich has switched to 500k pots in their "10K" models.

ajm · Post by **ajm** » 20 Dec 2001 5:04 pm

There is a previous thread related to this subject.

"When is a pot shot?"
Date around May 4, 2000