Extinct Trainwreck pots

[Justin]

I remember reading a post where someone mentioned that Ken used to use pots in his amps that had a particular taper. Unfortunately, the manufacturer who made these is either out of business or is no longer making them. Does anyone know who originally made these, what their specs were (taper?), and where they could possibly be found? Were they custom made?

[Mark]

Dear Justin

I think the pots Ken Fischer was referring to was old Clarostat pots. The Komet amps do use new Claro pots.

I believe Alessandro amps have a pot with a custom taper for their amps.

http://www.alessandro-products.com/parts.html

In the Liverpool amp that I have been given a photo of the amp used a variety of pots. The most common brand of pots CTS, I have found CTS to be pretty good in these type of amps as the taper is pretty slow and you don't get overwhelmed by distortion. I did have one guy recommend that use Alpha pots, but I found the CTS pots to work a little slower then the Alpha ones.

I do have some new Claro pots but until now never considered checking out the taper.

Sorry it took me so long to see your post.

I hope this helps.

[Justin]

Thanks for your input Mark. Just out of curiousity, have you heard anything about the custom wound Clarostat pots from Westlabs?

http://westlabs.com/Frames.HTML

I am considering using the Westlabs or Alessandro. Any thoughts on these two brands or other high quality pots on the market? What would you recommend? Thanks!

Justin

[Mark]

Dear Justin

I decided to use the Claro pots (in a 18 watt Marshall clone) as they are conductive plastic pots and are quieter than the carbon pots which the Allesandro pots are.

I haven't compared the taper of the Clarostat pot to a CTS pot yet. Hopefully, today I'll do it and I'll get back to you on that one.