Tubeampdoctor Magazin
This is going to be a tough one…what can you write about those little things on a guitar? There can’t be much to say. Those were the thoughts racing through my mind at first, but only two seconds later, we found ourselves in a wonderful exchange about the various uses of the small knobs on the guitar. These knobs can be used in such diverse ways and are hotly debated, much like tubes, pickups, or guitars and amplifiers themselves.
Since 2021, Tube Amp Doctor and CTS Corp. have been collaborating to produce (passive) electronic components for electric guitars and their amplifiers of the highest quality, at boutique level. But what advantages do high-quality potentiometers offer the world of sound, and what possibilities do they open up for musicians simply by using the tone controls on the guitar? What type of potentiometer am I? We aim to answer these questions and take some time to appreciate these components, which – in our opinion – don’t receive the attention they deserve.
Space Technology for the Guitar
Before we dive into the main topic, here’s a brief history of CTS. Who are they and why are they so good at this?
Founded in 1896, CTS Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of products ranging from aerospace and automotive to industrial and medical applications. The company produces sensors, actuators, and electronic components in North America, Europe, and Asia, developing smart ways to adapt to ever-changing needs. This includes the well-known TAD Custom Potentiometer Series, made by CTS for amps, guitars, and basses, in incredible quality since 2021!
The New High Torque Series – A Little More Resistance, Please?
The well-known TAD CTS potentiometers are quite smooth in operation! Quick to the target, for a fluid live performance. But for those who prefer a bit more sensitivity, rejoice, because the High Torque Series (HTQ) offers an additional feature to the beloved CTS quality. This series operates with a higher or, better said, a bit more resistant torque compared to the conventional TAD Dimple-Pot Series by CTS. It might sound like more work at first, but it’s a wonderful secret weapon when you know how to use it effectively.
These are the same potentiometers, but with a higher torque factor. But why do we need such a variety of guitar potentiometers? What type of potentiometer am I?
Before we reconsider our playing style and handling of the instrument, we’d like to clarify when each potentiometer series is most useful, in our opinion. It’s important to understand that this isn’t about advantages or disadvantages! Much like the different scales of various guitar types – whether the longer, more wiry scale of a Strat & Co. or the shorter, but more powerful variant of a Les Paul – the demands on these tiny knobs are just as varied and are often seen as mere decorations by some guitarists – until now 😉
The HTQ Series is our answer to the demand for pots with a bit more resistance when turning.
While most people see the ultra-low torque of our TAD Dimple-Pots as an advantage for quick action, others prefer a more tactile feel, and that’s exactly what the HTQ Series offers.
How Do I Properly Use a Guitar Potentiometer?
The possibilities offered by the instrument’s built-in electronics are often underestimated! Sure, we know the enormous differences pickups can offer – low or high output, clear sound or more gritty and dirty – but what advantages do my built-in guitar potentiometers offer, and how do I use them correctly?
Application and Different Uses of Guitar Potentiometers
The fundamental factor here is how you want to work with the instrument (on stage, in the studio, or at home) and what advantage this type of potentiometer offers over pots with less resistance – if you can call it an advantage, as the application and effect are as varied in handling as they are in different styles and sounds!
How Do I Use My Guitar and What Do I Want to Achieve?
When talking about musicians or guitarists who want to get straight to the point and use the volume pot as a sort of on/off switch or standby, the recommendation clearly goes to the easy-turn variant. This offers little resistance, so the guitar can quickly and smoothly go back to 100% and sound full. The goal is quickly achieved without much resistance. From 0 to 100 in a fraction of a second – whether volume or tone, it’s also great for certain effects like swellings or tremolos, as seen and loved in Brian May’s “Brighton Rock” solo in the Wembley performance. Low resistance, easy use with a quick effect – always perfect when the effect should be immediate and noticeable.
But what if the guitar potentiometer should be a tool for the tone needed at the moment? For example, the volume pot doesn’t just control the output volume (depending on the wiring), but is also wonderfully useful as a tone control! In this passage, it’s softer and less distorted, smooth and fine, and for the chorus, it should be full throttle again and really crank, and when the solo comes, loud and creamy! Famous rockers like Clapton and Page are known for controlling their required sound simply and easily via the tone and volume pots on the guitar – the result speaks for itself! The easy-turn guitar potentiometer could overshoot the mark here. A slight turn too far can be enough to unintentionally bring a completely different sound on stage. The greater resistance of the HTQs ensures secure handling – always on point!
The desired (but still subtle) resistance is a great help here!
Conclusion
It’s clear that the differences in using guitar potentiometers are as flexible and varied as the music itself. With the knowledge of how to use these tools precisely, they open up possibilities that might otherwise only be achieved by purchasing an expensive pedal or additional channels on the guitar amplifier. Tube Amp Doctor offers a variety of potentiometers – whether easy-turn or high-torque – for all guitar models.
And since we’re talking about space technology and resistance (regarding the potentiometer’s torque), let’s end this article with a slightly adapted quote from an admiral in a galaxy far, far away:
Resistance is the spark that lights the fire. That is its mission. Now everyone to their stations. And may the Force be with us.
Image sources:
Title image: © Tube Amp Doctor GmbH
Potentiometer set: © Tube Amp Doctor GmbH
Close-up guitarist using the guitar pot: © Tube Amp Doctor GmbH
Guitarist performing live: © Tube Amp Doctor GmbH
Product image CTS HTQ Potentiometer: © Tube Amp Doctor GmbH