Source for pot with push-pull switch

[analogpackrat]

I'm going to build up a new wiring harness on a pickguardian guard for my '64 375. Of course I'll keep the original guard and harness for historical purposes. Anyway, I'd like to wire the fifth knob as middle PU volume and wire the bridge PU series cap to a push-pull switch on one of the pots (preferably the bridge tone or fifth knob). My problem is sourcing an audio taper 250k-330k pot with a switch. I really dislike the mini-pots and splined/split shaft pots. The only thing I can find that comes close is the 500k linear pot with switch that RIC sells (meant for the traditional fifth knob position). Does anyone know a source for such a thing?

Thanks for any help.
A P

[jingle_jangle]

You're looking for a DiMarzio EP1200PP; 250K push-pull for single coil pickups.

Around $10 from a number of online parts suppliers.

[nbfanca]

Stewart MacDonald is an obvious source:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics ... 3&xsr=5611

The problem is that you will require a $30 minimum order.

Grizzley is another source a bit cheaper but they seem to only have 500K pots (which you might like for a slightly brighter tone). They are a bit cheaper and offer them in both audio and linear taper. (Ric has many ciruits with a 250K volume and a 500K tone. They have others where they are in the middle, a 330K for both).

http://www.grizzley.com/products/Push-P ... -Ohm/H6372
http://www.grizzley.com/products/Push-P ... -Ohm/H6373

Other than that, musicians friend seels Dimarzio.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=364668

You can even get them through Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/250K-Push-Pull-Au ... 192&sr=1-6

[analogpackrat]

Right--I know about the various mini-pots with split and splined shafts. As I said, I really dislike those. I have one in my Tele and it feels a little cheap to me. They also seem to be made for 6mm pot shafts so you have to use some kind of ferrule or sleeve so they are centered on 1/4" insert knobs. And you have to fill the split in case the set screw winds up there. Ugh.

I was hoping someone knew of a source of old style full sized solid shaft audio taper pots with push-pull switches. I guess I'm out of luck.

[jingle_jangle]

The 500K available from the RIC boutique is the only one I'm aware of with a solid shaft--part #07346.

Moreover, a 6mm shaft is only slightly smaller than a 1/4" shaft (.237 vs. .250--.013 under). That's roughly the thickness of a file card in difference. Fasten a knob with a .250 hole onto a .237 shaft, and you will not notice the difference in offset.

[analogpackrat]

Thanks, Paul. I'm basing my bias on the one example I have in my Tele. The knob with 1/4" insert and set screw is slightly off-center on the 6mm split and splined shaft. And it wobbles because the shaft is not well fitted to the pot assembly. It just feels cheap. Maybe it isn't the same one as the DiMarzio branded part, but it looks the same (Alpha style). I think I'll try out the 500k RIC part first.

Cheers,
A P

[jingle_jangle]

The Di Marzio part is not branded; these probably all come from the same one or two manufacturers, here and overseas.

If you've got a setscrew knob on a split/splined shaft, the knob WILL be off-center unless you cut something to fit into the slot in the shaft and fill it. A piece of a heavy-gauge pick works nicely. You can also wrap the splines with some masking tape to help them to snug up, after you've filled the slot. Tighten that set screw down well.

[Wiker]

1/4" solidshaft 250K Alpha push/pull
http://www.banzaimusic.com/Alpha-16-DPDT-250k-log.html

I’m in a similar situation planning a vintage push/pull for my 4001. I’m considering a MEC pot. MEC push/pull are not as deep as other push/pull pots, and the mounting hole close in diameter to CTS pots. 6mm shaft though. These are 16mm (mini) pots, but have a good quality feels (at least they are expensive
http://www.banzaimusic.com/MEC-M-84251- ... d-Pot.html
http://www.banzaimusic.com/MEC-M-84501- ... d-Pot.html

[jingle_jangle]

Yes, they are, at $25 each in quantities of 3 minimum. But the reduced depth could be a real boon in some installations.

Thanks for the tip!

[johnallg]

Also you should wire the .0047uF cap as usual and use the switch to complete a "wire" across this cap. Wiring the cap to the switch can cause a pop when switched.

[analogpackrat]

Wow, those MEC units look nice! But 24 euro each is $33. Paul--I read it that the first price break is for 3 ($30 ea). I could probably use three or four. Amortize the 10 euro minimum shipping to the US and it's about $35 per. Ouch. But they'd probably last a while.

John--yeah, I plan to wire the switch to simply short the cap. No popping!

[Wiker]

A little follow-up if anyone’s interested.
A good thing about Ric/Alpha push-pull pots is that they can be opened up for service/fixing if needed, and can also be made no-load if wanted (cutting the resistive track at the proper lug). MEC pots can not be opened without ruining (well, not absolutely impossible). On the other hand, the MEC push-pull is not as deep, and, more discreet in the pulled-up position as it pulls up just half of what a Ric/Alpha does.
MEC pots have a precise and smooth feel, and turn much easier than most CTS pots (unless regreased). To get the same feel on all pots I ended up doing a complete rewire with MEC pots all over.
(And now, when finally finished, maybe I’ll glue in those pick guard screws to stop myself from tampering anymore. )

[analogpackrat]

Funny that you should update this today. I finally got around to ordering my parts last week. Pickguard is here (original, but still waiting on the pots and switch.

Very nice looking harness, BTW. How stiff is the push-pull action on the MEC unit?

[Wiker]

Haven’t thought of that, but now that you ask. Action on MEC is a little harder, with a short abrupt pullout, while Alpha needs a little less force, having a longer softer pullout.

For a while I was a bit reluctant using those MEC pots. Not that there's something wrong with MEC pots - just so unRICish. But what the.. a pot is a pot.

What pot(s) did you order?

[analogpackrat]

Somehow my previous post got garbled...

I ordered pots from RIC. I suspect the 500k with switch will be an Alpha type unit (and linear which isn't great since I plan to wire it as the middle pickup volume). If I end up not liking it I might just go for the MECs. Harder switch action isn't bad as long as you can make it work. Thanks again for the update.