Whats your favorite type of pot

[stretch2011]

...entiometer! Get your heads straight haha

Just curious of your preferred potentiometers especially for train wrecks. I generally use CTS. PEC's seem pricy for made in mexico. I'm parting my first express and want your opinions.

[Mark]

I'm not that big on brands so much as useful tapers.

I'm all for a 10% taper as a volume control.

Getting back to brand, pot life is important, I also like the pot to feel solid.

[HeeBGB]

Northern California Sensa......Oh you meant potentiometers

[matt h]

(deleted)

[xtian]

...what were we talking about? Let's get a SNACK, man!

[Mark]

Sorry Stretch, I'm the only one taking you seriously, mind you I like the weed reference, wish I'd thought of that.

Years ago I had issues with Alpha pots and swore never to use them again, but it would appear they have improved. Come up with a list of what appeals to you, such as do you solder on the back on the pot etc?

Base you purchases on those criteria.

[stretch2011]

Xtian.... I think it was Oreos maaaannnn

Mark: it's cool I was looking forward to the funnies and the knowledge. Soldering to the back is nice but I have a a 16"x33" brass plate so it doesn't matter. I was more looking at price and quality. Is it really worth spending $10 on a pot or will a $3.50 work just as well?

[johnnyreece]

Unless someone requests otherwise, I typically use Alphas. Not my favorite taper, but the price is right, and I can get them at the same place I get my other supplies, for the most part. They do feel a little cheap to me. I really like PEC, but availability and price are a big issue. I've only used a couple of them, but they look and feel sturdy. CTS I only have experience with in guitars, but they are also nice. I'm sure someone will be along soon enough with some better answers, but consider this a nice placeholder until they arrive.

[Blackburn]

Unless someone requests otherwise, I typically use Alphas. Not my favorite taper, but the price is right, and I can get them at the same place I get my other supplies, for the most part. They do feel a little cheap to me. I really like PEC, but availability and price are a big issue. I've only used a couple of them, but they look and feel sturdy. CTS I only have experience with in guitars, but they are also nice. I'm sure someone will be along soon enough with some better answers, but consider this a nice placeholder until they arrive.

Alphas are a must for me. I used to use PEC pots, but quite literally every single one I ever used became dirty over time (Which is funny for sealed pot) and I will never use them again. Their quality is great, except for that issue, which for me, would mean opening every single one I get brand new and doing a cleaning. I'm not sure if that will be a permanent fix. It's not easy cleaning a sealed pot that's installed in an amp. I love alphas and CTS are great too. Nice because of their size as well. I also really like the torque of the Alphas.

[stretch2011]

Thanks everybody! Keep the info coming

[dobbhill]

I use whatever Steve @ ApexJr has that will work as my first choice.

D

[johnnyreece]

Alphas are a must for me. I used to use PEC pots, but quite literally every single one I ever used became dirty over time (Which is funny for sealed pot) and I will never use them again. Their quality is great, except for that issue, which for me, would mean opening every single one I get brand new and doing a cleaning. I'm not sure if that will be a permanent fix. It's not easy cleaning a sealed pot that's installed in an amp. I love alphas and CTS are great too. Nice because of their size as well. I also really like the torque of the Alphas.

Good to know about the PEC! The only ones I still have are in use as bias adjustment pots, so they don't see much use. I suppose I'll keep on with Alphas until they give me reason to do otherwise!

[stretch2011]

So alpha's seem to be most everyone's choice so far. Now how about wattage ratings? does it really matter in a trainwreck? Alpha's are rated at 1/2 watt @ 500vdc linear yet the BOM in the express file says 2w. Inputs please

[stretch2011]

Anyone Try any alessandro pots? $35.00+ seems ridiculous!?

[Colossal]

Anyone Try any alessandro pots? $35.00+ seems ridiculous!?

They are custom made PEC pots. Not ridiculous when you consider the custom run (but that said, still too rich for my blood and utility). They also come from Canada, not China.