Stew-Mac pots? Other sources?

[bmetelits]

I'm building another partscaster, and I'm finding that some sources of hardware and electronic parts that I have used in the past are no longer in business or are not answering emails.

Stew-mac sells split and solid shaft potentiometers in the standard 250k and 500k resistances, but the pots are not identified as CTS brand pots. Are the Stew-mac pots just as good as CTS? Can you recommend a better source of parts (I need Gotoh 510 mini locking tuners, 3-way toggle, output jack w/sq. plate, pots, and knobs)?

[bmetelits]

If I have offended anyone here I sincerely apologize. I found sources for parts today.

[Bob V]

Why would we be offended? Anyway it's a little soon to expect all that many responses. Stew Mac electronics are their weak point, IMHO, since they're going to be imported pots which fit smaller holes in bodies or pickguards, and have different knurlings for the knobs. They have a good selection of tuning machines, though.

Also try Antique Electronic Supply (tubesandmore.com), or guitarpartsresource (they have staggered vintage Kluson style Gotoh tuners). If you're building you should also check out the supplies at luthier's mercantile international, especially their two-sided fret crowning files (coarse and medium cut on one handle).

Warmoth also has a good selection of parts. even if you don't buy a body from them they'll do you right making a custom pickguard.

[twinrider1]

And the place that used to be Black Rose Electronics....I always forget name of the company they combines with.....I'll think of it.....

Ahhhhhh, found it.....WYMORE. Gooooood prices.

http://http://www.wymoreguitars.com/ (http://http//www.wymoreguitars.com/)

[TBIRD Phil]

rsguitarworks (http://www.rsguitarworks.net/cms2/) has a nice selection of parts and Billy is a great guy to talk to and lines you up with exactly what you need

[walterw]

even standard issue allparts cts pots will be far better than stewmac's cheap import electronics.

[TwoTubMan]

I'm a big fan of Stew-Mac, but their pots and switches are utter crap. Some of the worst and unreliable garbage I've ever thrown out.

[bmetelits]

Thank you. I found Gregg Rogers Guitars (www.GRGuitars.com (http://www.GRGuitars.com)) for the tone pots, switches, etc. I ordered a pair of Superpots from RS. Stewmac received my order for the Gotoh 510 mini locking tuners, and Music123 had a special for the HipShot hardtail bridge - $50 with free shipping.

[RvChevron]

Stew Mac pots are Alphas, might not be as bad as some think as many amp makers use them.;)

I'll check out the Alessandro pot for my next project however.:knitting:boxer

[EADGBE]

I bought a Stewmac 1000K pot a while back. It was a no name but it worked great. It was very quiet. And it measured 1000K even. I buy all of my pots at www.allparts.com now though because they have CTS.

[Boris Bubbanov]

even standard issue allparts cts pots will be far better than stewmac's cheap import electronics.


I agree. I don't understand why Stew Mac sullies their hard won reputation on the electronics and switches they sell. I'm flummoxed.

I wanna recommend placing an order with Darren Riley in Raleigh, NC. He has the stuff needed; he has a lot of Fender parts few others seem to have (Showmaster knobs, for instance) and he's a real live person who will visit with you. He sells no junk. NO junk.

I've quit Guitar Parts Resource because they are so shut off from the customer; I have no idea if they'd do right if the part they sent me was unsatisfactory. I've just "hung on" to some parts from them because it was evident, I'd be wasting my time trying to return them. I've found some uses for everything. Eventually.

And I'm finished with Antique Electronics Supply also. Nice enough people, but if you're in a crush for time and don't recognize what you're ordering isn't gonna fit your guitar application - you could end up with an order that is 80% stuff that is just weird. They have stuff that sounds like it'd be right - you open the box, WTF? The guy knew for precisely what purpose you wanted the item - he let you order the wrong thing anyway. Capacitors the thickness of your finger, and resistors half the size of a grain of rice. The images are deceptive, as well. I wash my hands.