new life for pot pedals

Gino Iorfida · From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

I was browsing the patent database ( http://patft.uspto.go v/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect2=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN%2F4006441 ), and ran across one by Mr. Goodrich for a pot shaft bushing that was not centered. This patent was issued in the late '70s. I'm surprised no one is using this idea/patent (esp. goodrich!)... If I'm reading it correctly, and from my own deductions, this appears to be a means to make the taper of pots more 'musical'. I'm wondering why this idea couldn't be adapted in such a way to make a linear taper pot behave in an audio/log fashion... this would kill the search for a good audio taper pot, and instead you would be able to use one of ght new megalife type pots athat are good for a gazillion cycles.... makes ya think..

[This message was edited by Gino Iorfida on 08 April 2003 at 11:58 AM.]

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

Gino it's an intersting idea.
But it seems there must have been some practical problems,
or we would all have been using them till Hilton came on the scene. Nice post

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

From the sketch, it's not the pot bushing that's been changed. Looks like he just used the idea of drilling the pulley off-center to provide a variable pulling radius. Drawbacks? Well, if the string slipped...even a little, it would throw the "taper" off. Also, the uneven loads on the pot bushing might cause premature wear of the bushing. It would give you some control over changing the taper, but who needs that? Lastly, it might just "feel different", with an increase and decrease in effort as the pedal was operated through it's travel.

I'll just stick with my Fender!

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