Slide Potentiometers

[Cantplay]

Im thinking of building an amp with slide pots instead of rotary.

The idea is to style it more like a mixing console.

Has anyone ever done this?

John

[crbowman]

Some of the old ShoBud amps had faders:
http://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=p ... t.chain%5D

[gingertube]

One of my earlier "build for myself" amps around 20 years back, had slider pots.

They collect grunge really fast and get bent and twisted and damaged really easly.

That is why it is the only amp that I have ever built with slider pots.

Feel free to learn from my mistake or to go the DIY authentic route fully and learn from your own.

I strongly advise against them.

Cheers,
Ian

[katopan]

They get dirty (crackling as you slide) real quick compared to a normal rotary.

[Cantplay]

Objections noted.

Maybe I should make linear knob linked to rotary pots.

John

[rp]

I would have LOVED to put a slider in this, but alas how was i going to get a perfectly true and clean slot cut? The slot(s) in the chassis or face plate will be visible clear as day so you really want them punched rather than cut. I think that'll be the BIG obstacle, then it's on to finding sliders in the log tapers used in amps.

[Leo_Gnardo]

how was i going to get a perfectly true and clean slot cut?

Milling machine. Local stage lighting manufacturer L&E has had their CNC plate metal punch & mill rig running nearly 20 years now so they can make their own custom control consoles etc. I've seen it up close and the panels/chassis it turns out - a marvel of modern technology.

If you can locate a metal shop in your area that has one and will do your custom work you have an unbeatable asset.

Wise to not try cutting slide slots in the home workshop. Never seen it come out well.

[Cantplay]

Make a wooden faceplate. It will hide whatever slot you nibble out.

Heres a trick for making a slot in thin pieces:

Take the time to cut 2 pieces of wood. Clamp the wood wirh the edge lined up to the finished line (you did scribe a line, right)

Now you can file down even to the wood as a stop, and it won't flex as you work.

The wood will help you not to gouge the line. I also grind one edge of flat files smooth. This really helps doing corners because ypu can get close without ruining a finished edge.

John

[rp]

OK, so you got past that, now let's see you find log sliders other than 1Meg

[Blackburn]

Nice amp, rp!

I like the on/off switch and I'm a sucker for coke bottles.