Alpha or CTS pot?

[sergio]

I'm waiting for order many part of my new build , I'm undecided , ALPHA OR CTS POT.

In the last build amp I had used alpha , CTS are much expensive.

What do yuo think?

[dave g]

I've always liked Alpha better than CTS. That being said, I've started using PEC RV4s - super expensive, but I'm really loving them. They're pretty overkill and I don't think they're necessary in a D-style amp (HAD mostly used Alphas), but I like 'em anyway.

[Structo]

Seems that lately the CTS pots I have seen have a plastic shaft.

[markmalin]

I'm waiting for order many part of my new build , I'm undecided , ALPHA OR CTS POT.

In the last build amp I had used alpha , CTS are much expensive.

What do yuo think?

Hi Sergio,

I like the Alpha pots because of the metal shafts, and in my opinion they feel better.

Marco

[phsyconoodler]

CTS still makes steel shaft pots.I don't notice any particular difference from Alpha.I like the quality of the CTS,but have not had any problems with Alpha's unless you use the 1/4 watt ones.There are many different types of alpha pots,some have aluminum cast and others are stamped steel,some have solderable backs and others have a coating on the back.
I have been able to get the best quality ones from Mouser,but you have to know what you are looking for.Strange that within one company the quality is so different.
I disassembled an Alpha pot to see what was inside.I found a sealed chamber with a lubricant inside that makes them drag a bit so they have that 'precise' feel.
I don't use the nylon shaft CTS for anything.

[Funkalicousgroove]

I switched back to alpha because of problems I was having with Bad CTS pots, my vote is Alpha.

[v00d00blues79]

AES has the nice 3/8" bushing Alpha's. I've not been able to find them on Mouser's site... I've used these more than any of the others, so my vote goes with the Alpha's.

Andy

[novosibir]

CTS still makes steel shaft pots.

No! It's been aluminum & nylon in the past. But now the CTS you can buy at Mojo do have a brass shaft.

[roadkingbluzs]

I switched back to alpha because of problems I was having with Bad CTS pots, my vote is Alpha.

What size fits your chassis's or do you recommend. I would like to minimize drilling for alpha pots. Thanks Bob

[Normster]

The CTS pots from Mojo have a brass shaft and bushing. They seem to be very high quality, but I guess time will tell. I think Alpha's audio taper is a bit better then CTS. (15% vs 10% measured.) However, CTS seems to have a better "off" position, usually measuring close to 0 Ohms to ground while Alpha's (1MA's anyway) measure about 100R to ground fully CCW. No big deal unless a customer complains that they can still hear their guitar with the volume turned off.

[novosibir]

However, CTS seems to have a better "off" position, usually measuring close to 0 Ohms to ground while Alpha's (1MA's anyway) measure about 100R to ground fully CCW. No big deal unless a customer complains that they can still hear their guitar with the volume turned off.

Yes, I also like the Alpha's most due to its turning feel and the more useful log. taper and are using it in all my builds.

But once I've had a customer complaining, that he still can hear his guitar with the Gain pot set at zero. I only asked him, whether he likes to play always with so less gain - and his complaint was off the table

Larry

[sergio]

Thanks all , I'll go with Alpha.
Sergio