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Pots with smaller range of motion?

driftingupward

driftingupward

Jan 31, 2010
268
61
Louisville, KY
#1
I just had an idea about making my blend knob something that has a smaller range of motion so I can more easily dial it in visually. Is this even possible? Just FYI it's a 25k EMG blend pot right now. I was thinking 45 degrees would be cool and maybe a little harder to turn might be helpful too.
 
#2
In 40y in electronics, I've never seen a pot used in audio with a 45* max rotation. Not saying there's not some custom outlier, but I've never seen one and have worked on a lot of gear in that time.

Edit: Use a 24 position switched attenuator instead of a pot. Not 45* of rotation but the exact same control position and value each time. 24 pos are most common but 12 pos switches are easily available for you to get something custom made.
 
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#3
If you're willing to give up range of motion and want something visually easy, why not just a three way switch?

I also have never seen a pot with such a narrow range of motion. I suppose you could open one up and glue stops of some kind to the tracks to keep the wiper from moving end to end, but then you'd be restricting the range of resistance available as well as movement.
 
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#4
driftingupward said:
I just had an idea about making my blend knob something that has a smaller range of motion so I can more easily dial it in visually. Is this even possible? Just FYI it's a 25k EMG blend pot right now. I was thinking 45 degrees would be cool and maybe a little harder to turn might be helpful too.
Click to expand...

You would actually be making it harder for yourself, not easier, since your margin for error is now much smaller.

Not to mention that you should be adjusting with your ears, not your eyes.

+1 for the switch suggestion.
 
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#6
Snert said:
In 40y in electronics, I've never seen a pot used in audio with a 45* max rotation. Not saying there's not some custom outlier, but I've never seen one and have worked on a lot of gear in that time.

Edit: Use a 24 position switched attenuator instead of a pot. Not 45* of rotation but the exact same control position and value each time. 24 pos are most common but 12 pos switches are easily available for you to get something custom made.
Click to expand...
What's with the asterisks? Your system/phone/whatever wont let you write: 45º?
 
#9
monti2889 said:
The best idea I can come up with is a rotary switch with various resistors connected. So, you would be selecting a specific blend of the pickups.
Click to expand...

I like this a lot. It's like a blend pot with specific blends baked in. @Snert any ideas on this?

fwiw.... underhillbasses.com has a 11 detent blend. I've got no connection to underhill. Perhaps the genius himself, @bowthing, could add some ideas.
 
#10
mrperkolator said:
I like this a lot. It's like a blend pot with specific blends baked in. @Snert any ideas on this?

fwiw.... underhillbasses.com has a 11 detent blend. I've got no connection to underhill. Perhaps the genius himself, @bowthing, could add some ideas.
Click to expand...
Just saw this! The 11 detent module is cool, but only available in B10k. So only works in a specific active circuit (won't work with EMGs blend or passive). You wish the factory would make up potentiometers you want (they could put that detent module on anything), but "This unsuspecting luthier has just realized they have entered...doo doo doo doo...The Potentiometer Zone"!
 

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