Potentiometer questions

[Aardvark]

I have an '07 LP Classic Antique. I assume it came with 300K pots but am unsure. If the value is not inscribed on the pots, how can I test them to find out? Also, would only changing out the volume pots brighten the guitar, or do I also have to change out the tone pots? Thanks!

[BCJek]

If you have a multimeter, measure in KOhms across the two outermost lugs, out of circuit, if you can. 500K volume pots will give a brighter output than 300K, for sure. 500K are standard for humbuckers, 250K is the norm for single coils, and the 300K are often used as a compromise on HSS-equipped strats.

As to whether you need to also change out the tone pots, maybe somebody else will pipe in...

Michael

[Eagle1]

It is likely to be 500ka in each.
If you do change it you only need the vol pots unless you do 50s series wiring.

[RockStarNick]

Most gibsons that I've had came standard with 300K, for some reason, not 500K.

[donnyjaguar]

You may have to de-solder the pickup coils to measure the resistance accurately. At least onthe volume pots.

[Aardvark]

Thanks for the feedback so far. So, does anyone know if Gibson predictably uses 300K or 500K pots for non-Historics today? And, is there a way to measure pot resistance without desoldering connections?

[David Collins]

Volumes are 300kb on all new Gibsons, save for some Custom Shop and perhaps some Historic models (not certain, but I bet those are 300kb too).

You can check the part number on the side. 300kb long shaft are 44070034, and 500ka are 44071079.

[Aardvark]

Volumes are 300kb on all new Gibsons, save for some Custom Shop and perhaps some Historic models (not certain, but I bet those are 300kb too).

You can check the part number on the side. 300kb long shaft are 44070034, and 500ka are 44071079.
Thanks, David. If I only wanted to brighten the neck tone, is there any reason to change anything other that the vol pot for the neck?

[Dumo]

Thanks, David. If I only wanted to brighten the neck tone, is there any reason to change anything other that the vol pot for the neck?

Production line Gibson pot values are 300K. I just installed RS Super pots (500K) for volume and regular CTS pots(500K) for tone and replaced the ceramic caps with Allparts Paper in Oil Vitamin Q repros and it tranformed my guitar. My neck pickup was way too muddy too. The change in clarity and sweetness is drastic. The taper is perfect. Even my tech was raving about them. He was impressed. The stock Gibson stuff is garbage. Make the change. Highly recommended. :AOK

[walterw]

yeah, your volumes need to go. the tones are already 500k audio taper, so they're fine. 500k audio volumes will allow you to more easily transition from clean to crunchy with the guitar's volumes, and will sound clearer all around.

[Aardvark]

Production line Gibson pot values are 300K. I just installed RS Super pots (500K) for volume and regular CTS pots(500K) for tone and replaced the ceramic caps with Allparts Paper in Oil Vitamin Q repros and it tranformed my guitar. My neck pickup was way too muddy too. The change in clarity and sweetness is drastic. The taper is perfect. Even my tech was raving about them. He was impressed. The stock Gibson stuff is garbage. Make the change. Highly recommended. :AOK
Thanks, Dumo. I did confirm that my volume pots are 300K. Time to make a change.

[Aardvark]

yeah, your volumes need to go. the tones are already 500k audio taper, so they're fine. 500k audio volumes will allow you to more easily transition from clean to crunchy with the guitar's volumes, and will sound clearer all around.
Hey Walter, I really don't like bright bridge tone, always turn the tone pot way down for the bridge. To brighten only neck tone, is there any reason to replace more pots than just the neck volume pot?