Linear Pots
The name of these potentiometers says everything about the way they work. These pots are linear because they increase and decrease values linearly. This means that, for example, the number 10 on your guitar volume knob is 100% and the number 5 is 50%. What does this mean to players? Well, theyโre predictable and easy to use.
Audio Taper Pots
Audio taper pots change their value in a non-linear fashion. Instead, they follow a certain logarithm. This means that the values on your guitarโs knob donโt necessarily have an exact correspondence to what you hear. This works great for players who like going from dirty to clean with the twist of a knob. For example, you can have a drastic drop in gain in the first three points and play a full show between 6, 8, and 10 of your volume knob. As a technician, this could be a cool suggestion for blues, rock and roll, neo-soul, and pop players who want to get more done with a single instrument.
Should Guitar Pots Be Linear or Audio Taper?
The answer to the question above depends on personal taste and performance. Now that you know the difference, itโs time to explore what sounds best for you and works best with your playing style.
One extra tip: you can recognize them with the letter A or B next to the pot value.
No-Load Pots
You might have heard about no-load pots. If that was followed by scratching the head with a pick thinking about what they are, this is for you.
No-load pots are just modded pots that allow you to remove the tone cap from the circuit when in 10.
Why would you want to have that on the guitar? Well, because it unlocks that extra percentage of raw tone and power your instrument can give you. As a technician, if your customer wants to unlock that pure-blood status of the guitar and have control over volume and tone, a no-load pot is the perfect solution.
When set to lower than 10, everything works, and when on 10, itโs in full-on mode.
Blender Pots
Finally, letโs talk about blender pots. Let me explain what they are with an example. Letโs say you have a Stratocaster but want that great neck + bridge combination only Telecasters offer.
Well, by having a blend pot instead of a second tone pot, you could blend in and out the neck pickup whenever you want. You wonโt have telecaster pots and caps to mimic the exact tone, but it will give you one sonic option tone to play with.
Likewise, you could use a blend pot with any other pickup and guitar.
