Allen Bradley Pots for PSG VP

Johnny Thomasson · From: Texas, USA

I'd really like to get hold of maybe 2-3-4 NOS AB pots for my Goodrich L120 and Sho~Bud VPs. There are a ton listed on Ebay, but few to none of the type I (think) I need. I know I need a 500K audio taper pot. However, these seem to come in different types (Type J, Type W, etc.), some "double" pots, different shaft lengths, diameters, some made in Mexico, etc.

I have to think there is an Allen Bradley part number, or Type number, for the American Made configuration that fits and works in our PSG VPs. Does anyone know what it is? I really don't want to have to modify the pot in any way to install it. Better yet, does anyone have a couple they could stand to part with for a reasonable price?

Many Thanks,
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Johnny Thomasson

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I used type J.
500K audio taper
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

There are no "NOS" AB pots of the type used in volume pedals that I know of. Allen Bradley was purchased by Clarostat in the 80's and with the production moved to Mexico the quality of the pots went down the drain.

You may be able to find NOS AB audio taper pots, but not with the same audio taper that was used for volume pedal pots. Some may be "tolerable" for use.

The main reason I switched to a Hilton VP - no pot to contend with and periodically replace.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

WE have a lot of electronics savvy people here on this forum. Would it not be practical for someone with the means to manufacture pots, build these to the old AB specs/quality.? How hard can it be? Seems like a simple enough component to build.

There's no good reason they should command a $25-30 and up price either.

Seems it would be a good enterprise for someone like Goodrich.

Kevin Mincke · From: Farmington, MN (Twin Cities-South Metro) USA

Well, I think Goodrich tried when they contracted manufacturing with PEC. They now have the "high life" pot also made by PEC that is supposed to be closer to the A/B life cycle. Time will tell but will not replace the Allen Bradley.

Lee Baucum · From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

Johnny - Most of us have switched over to pots that are available from Tom Bradshaw. They really work well. You might use the "Search" function on this forum and look for Bradshaw Pots. Here is one of the discussions:

Click Here

There are many, many more discussions about these pots on the Forum.

Here is a link to Tom's website:

Click Here
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Lee, from South Texas - Down On The Rio Grande

There are only two options as I see it.
Either I'm right, or there is a sinister conspiracy to conceal the fact that I'm right.

Williams Keyless S-10, BMI S-10, Evans FET-500LV, Fender Steel King, 2 Roland Cube 80XL's,
Sarno FreeLoader, Goodrich Passive Volume Pedals, Vintage ACE Pack-A-Seat

Johnny Thomasson · From: Texas, USA

I'm using one of Tom's pots in my Goodrich L120 now, thanks.
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Johnny Thomasson

Helmut Gragger · From: Austria

I have bought some of those Dunlop pots from a local dealer (untested/unselected), two failed on the instant.

Tom was very helpful on this issue, and his pots will be trouble-free because he scrutinizes all of them, but they all seem to have on e thing in common: a very awkward taper that has little to do with the original AB type J pot. Engage the search function on this matter, other people have made the same experience. But this is a matter of taste.

I recently e-mailed PEC to inquire on their HL (high life) pots. They sent me a sample but I have yet to install one to check the taper, letting alone a long term endurance test.

However, they are mechanically equivalent, which is an important factor. I tried a (mechanically non equivalent) Bourns pot and you may be interested in my findings:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=222251&sid=c3989195bbab0b6c5ba2a4f4edc4feea

have fun,

-helmut
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feel at home at: http://me.aquataur.guru

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

i got rid of all my pot pedals years ago and got some goodrich and hiltons. best move i made since a blond i remember! lol

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

i got rid of all my pot pedals years ago and got some goodrich and hiltons. best move i made since a blond i remember! lol

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Interesting read:
Explanation of AB Type J part numbers, to aid in identification of surplus pots:
Example from above post: JA1N200P504AA

JA = Single section type J
(JS = single with switch, JD = dual, JB = dual with switch, JE = triple)

1 = Standard locating lug location
Facing the shaft, with solder lugs at bottom:
1 = Lug at 9 o'clock
2 = Lugs at 9 and 3 o'clock
3 = Lug at 3 o'clock
4 = No lugs

N = Plain bushing, 0.375" long
(Other options are for different bushing lengths, locking bushings, watertight bushings, etc.)

200 = Shaft length in inches (2) and 64ths (00)
056 would be 56/64" (7/8")

P = Plain round shaft ending
(S = slotted, F = flatted)

504 = Resistance 500,000 ohms (500k)
(The 4 indicates the number of zeros following the first two numbers. 254 is 250k; 105 is 1 meg.)

AA = The first A indicates taper and tolerance:
A = Clockwise modified logarithmic, +/-10%
R = Clockwise modified logarithmic, +/-20%
B = CounterCW modified logarithmic, +/-10%
T = CounterCW modified logarithmic, +/-20%
D = Clockwise exact logarithmic, +/-10%
K = Clockwise exact logarithmic, +/-20%
U, M, S, Y, C, and F are linear tapers

The last A just indicates what mounting hardware comes with the pot.
A = one mounting nut and one lockwasher

This info is from the 1981 AB catalog. As you can see, there are many variations that could be acceptable for volume pedal use. I hope this helps someone find some usable bargain pots somewhere.
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"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Johnny, get in touch with me, I have some good used Allen Bradley pots I will sell ya. Smile

_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net

Johnny Thomasson · From: Texas, USA

James, email sent buddy.
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Johnny Thomasson

chuck abend · From: Kansas City,Mo.64155 U.S.A.

Use Dow Corning no 4 or a good silicone dielectric
grease on the wiper carbon strip.apply a thin coat
on the carbon strip to reduce the scratchy sound
chuck Abend
Amp repair and steel guitar maint and rebuild

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