spb-3 install question

[andrewrepasky]

As I was looking underneath the control plate, I noticed the pots inside read 500k. The wiring diagram shows installation on a 250k pot. Am I still able to replace the pickups on my bass even though it says 500k? What advantages/disadvantages would there be if I did? Haven't gone through the installation just yet due to this. Thanks for the input!

 

[tdub0199]

general "rule-of-thumbs":

1Meg = very bright sounding
500K = bright sounding
250K = warm, vintage sounding

1Meg = bright HB...shrill SC
500K = warm HB...bright SC
250K = muddy HB, warm SC

HB = humbucker
SC = single coil

...the HIGHER the pot resistance value, the LESS high-frequencies are attenuated.
...the LOWER the pot resistance value, the MORE high-frequencies are attenduated.

TONE control pot value doesn't matter too much because the overall "taper" or "rolloff" can be 'adjusted' by simply changing the cap value.

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[andrewrepasky]

Sweet thanks! I suppose if I don't like what I hear after the install, I can always replace the pots to 250. Was just trying to make sure I didn't Fart anything up on my project

 

[tdub0199]

you should be ok, it's all just personal preference.....

 

[andrewrepasky]

This is my first project and its been a while since I've been in my electronics troubleshooting class. On a side note, what does it sound like if I need to replace a pot?

 

[tdub0199]

It sounding Scratchy.... would be the only reason I would change one....

 

[andrewrepasky]

Like hearing dirty knobs?

 

[deeptubes]

It'll typically feel kind of gritty/scratchy and/or provide excessive resistance when turning the knob. Just replaced a bum tone pot in my HM. It was somewhat difficult to turn. Had to grab it. I typically just spin it with my pinky. Should turn easily and smoothly, just roll your finger across it.

Enjoy the quarter pounders!

 

[kraigo]

Yes.

I put 500K Ohm pots in my P-Bass. I like it fine, but the chrome knobs don't fit on the new CTS pots' solid shaft. <*sigh*>

Stay the course with your current pots. You can always change them later but you'll probably like the bass as is. You can always back off on the tone control a bit if you want to subdue the high end a little.

KO

 

[andrewrepasky]

Well its definitely a p style bass! Puttying the quarter pounders on my ibanez trb50(1994)....but wanted the p bass sound, so this was a cheaper alternative(free, other the cost of the pup)..and it was an excuse for my first project!

 

[Spirit of Ox]

The SPB3 is pretty bright so I would use 250K. If you were using the SPB2 Hot than I would try 500K since they have a rolled off top end.

 

[andrewrepasky]

Just did the install, mow I gotta get her set up. Hopefully my soldering was good!