Pot Specs in Express
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Pot Specs in Express
So I'm getting everything together to start the Express build. I'm sure it's been talked about, but I couldn't find it. Are the 2 watt pots really necessary or is that wreck mojo? The reason I ask is that all I can find in 2W is the stainless PEC stuff and the $15 a pop Alessandro's. Of course what I really want to use is the 1 watt Alessanrdro pots for $37.50 each!
Seriously though...are 2 watt pots necessary?
Seriously though...are 2 watt pots necessary?
It's all about the tone!
Re: Pot Specs in Express
They are not necessary but if you want PEC pots they are $9.95 at
http://www.tubesandmore.com/
under potentiometers then click on Precision Electronics.
Mark
http://www.tubesandmore.com/
under potentiometers then click on Precision Electronics.
Mark
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Re: Pot Specs in Express
Consider the 2 watt pots "industrial" grade that can hold up to regular gigging and will probably outlast you. If you're building a keeper amp, $10 a pot is a small price to pay to have an amp you will give to your kids in your will.
Jack of all Trades,
Master of None
Master of None
Re: Pot Specs in Express
Especially when there is only five pots to buy.
I don't use PEC I use Alpha and CTS myself.
Mark
I don't use PEC I use Alpha and CTS myself.
Mark
Re: Pot Specs in Express
The PEC pots cost isn't the issue, it's the stainless case. I can actually get the pots for just under $8 a piece. That being said, I don't want to put stainless in there and that is because of the ground buss.
Mark, are you just using 1/4 watt pots in yours?
Mark, are you just using 1/4 watt pots in yours?
It's all about the tone!
Re: Pot Specs in Express
A few actual Wrecks used Stainless pots. The ground bus then connected to a ground lug and bent behind the pots. The pots are wired to the ground bus with short jumpers.
Most clones use ground lugs that fit around the shaft of the pot seated between the chassis and potentiometer. Then bend them at a 90 degree angle and run the bus wire thru the holes. No soldering directly tot he stainless pots.
If you want to solder to the back of the potentiometer. Use Alpha, CTS, or Centrlab potentiometers.
Most clones use ground lugs that fit around the shaft of the pot seated between the chassis and potentiometer. Then bend them at a 90 degree angle and run the bus wire thru the holes. No soldering directly tot he stainless pots.
If you want to solder to the back of the potentiometer. Use Alpha, CTS, or Centrlab potentiometers.
My Daughter Build Stone Henge
Re: Pot Specs in Express
Yes I just use the standard Alpha, CTS or Bourns pots sold by many amp parts dealers.Mark, are you just using 1/4 watt pots in yours?
I have used the ground tabs mentioned as well.
Don't over heat the pots when soldering.
Mark
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Re: Pot Specs in Express
So why not solder to the back of stainless pots? I've had really good luck with gently removing the coating from the back of Allen-Bradley style 2W pots (the J-series guys) with a dremel, putting down a bit of flux and flowing solder right onto the back of the pots. You can test the strength of the joint by hitting it hard with a flatblade screwdriver. If it comes up or off in any way then you didn't get a good connection. I actually have quite a few amps that use this method and they all sound great and have held up just fine..
With that said there is nothing wrong with using ground tabs. I use 'em too when I have them.
As far as brands, my personal amps are always a mutt when it comes to pots. I'll use whatever I have on hand, be it Alpha, CTS, Centralab, AB or PEC (did I get them all?). If they don't scratch loudly when I turn them then I'm happy.
With that said there is nothing wrong with using ground tabs. I use 'em too when I have them.
As far as brands, my personal amps are always a mutt when it comes to pots. I'll use whatever I have on hand, be it Alpha, CTS, Centralab, AB or PEC (did I get them all?). If they don't scratch loudly when I turn them then I'm happy.
Cliff Schecht - Circuit P.I.
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Re: Pot Specs in Express
You forgot Bourne.
I'm trying some out in a 5E3 build that I keep putting off.
I'm trying some out in a 5E3 build that I keep putting off.
Jack of all Trades,
Master of None
Master of None
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Re: Pot Specs in Express
which bourne ones? the standard non-sealed?
i've been seeing some good things about their 95 series sealed pots.
I really like stainless steel sealed pots...but honestly I don't like the quality of the PEC ones at all.
The old USA/Mexico A/B Clarostats are sturdier by far.
i've been seeing some good things about their 95 series sealed pots.
I really like stainless steel sealed pots...but honestly I don't like the quality of the PEC ones at all.
The old USA/Mexico A/B Clarostats are sturdier by far.
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Re: Pot Specs in Express
Whichever ones ApexJr has. Since the 5E3 is just three 1MA pots, I bought some PEC, and Bourne and Alpha to see what I like the best.diagrammatiks wrote:which bourne ones? the standard non-sealed?
i've been seeing some good things about their 95 series sealed pots.
I really like stainless steel sealed pots...but honestly I don't like the quality of the PEC ones at all.
The old USA/Mexico A/B Clarostats are sturdier by far.
Jack of all Trades,
Master of None
Master of None
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Re: Pot Specs in Express
oh nice. steve has surplus of the 1meg-log a/b and claropots.
those are my fave.
those are my fave.
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Re: Pot Specs in Express
Same here, I love the old AB and Clarostat pots the most. So sturdy!
Cliff Schecht - Circuit P.I.
Re: Pot Specs in Express
FWIW, the ground bus on the back of the pots make a horrible ground loop that is the source of noise in many amps. I can only recommend that you connect the pots casings to ground through the chassis only, and keep the bus floating behind the pot cases.
YM2C.
Jake
YM2C.
Jake
Re: Pot Specs in Express
Jake,
Speaking of that ground loop. I am going to drill out my Liverpool pot holes and use plastic inserts and fiber washer to isolate the pots and then use ground tabs and isolate the input jack to see what that does in a TW.
I want to completely rebuild my Liverpool anyway.
Mark
Speaking of that ground loop. I am going to drill out my Liverpool pot holes and use plastic inserts and fiber washer to isolate the pots and then use ground tabs and isolate the input jack to see what that does in a TW.
I want to completely rebuild my Liverpool anyway.
Mark