Trimmer vs Potentiometer

[angelodp]

Perhaps this a semantical issue. A trimmer is essentially a small potentiometer. Can one assume that the only reason to use a trimmer in place of a potentiometer is convenience. Does the trimmer have any inherent sonic affect versus a pot. in other words are trimmers used also for their "character" in the sound chain, or is it still a matter of pure values that dictate the sound.

ange

[Ears]

Perhaps this a semantical issue. A trimmer is essentially a small potentiometer. Can one assume that the only reason to use a trimmer in place of a potentiometer is convenience. Does the trimmer have any inherent sonic affect versus a pot. in other words are trimmers used also for their "character" in the sound chain, or is it still a matter of pure values that dictate the sound.

ange

Aren't trimmers just set and forget, therefore no requirement for shaft and knobs?

[angelodp]

Seems like they are also used to tweak in a sound, and can be easily re-tweaked as taste and need varies.

[VacuumVoodoo]

Trimmers are for seldom performed adjustments, usually their service lifetime is in hundreds of rotations vs. (good) potentiometers running into 20-50.000.

[Structo]

Also the power handling of trimmer is small compared to most pots.
Of course everybody already knows this.

If just searching for a fixed resistor value a pot would work fine substituted in circuit until the desired value is achieved.