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CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log

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$6.95 to $9.50

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

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4.5 (4)

$6.95

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$6.95

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$6.95

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4.7 (324)

$9.60 $9.50 $0.10 · All time low

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£8.99

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your guitar's performance with the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log, a staple for musicians seeking precision and reliability. Known for their low tolerance, these potentiometers ensure minimal dispersion, delivering consistent and accurate tonal control. With a resistance of 500KΩ and a logarithmic taper, this potmeter is perfect for refining volume and tone adjustments, offering smooth transitions and nuanced sound transformations.

Designed with knurled shafts, the CTS Original Potmeter provides a secure grip, allowing for effortless adjustments even during high-energy performances. Frequently chosen for many American guitar models, its durability and quality are trusted by seasoned musicians worldwide. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, this potmeter promises to enhance your instrument's responsiveness and expressiveness, giving you the edge in both studio sessions and live gigs.

Key Features:

500 KΩ resistance
Logarithmic taper
Knurled shafts for better grip
Preferred choice for many American guitar models
Low tolerance for enhanced precision

Product specs

Available since	April 2017
Design	Split Shaft
Resistance Value	500 kOhms
Characteristic Curve	Logarithmic
Thread Length in mm	9,0 mm
Tandem Poti	No
Push/Push	No
Solderless	No
shaft type	grooved

FAQs

What is the resistance value of the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log?: The CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log has a resistance value of 500 kOhms, making it suitable for use in guitars that require higher output, such as those with humbucker pickups.
Is the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log suitable for use in a Stratocaster?: The 500K resistance value of the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log is typically used in guitars with humbuckers for a brighter tone, while Stratocasters often use 250K pots for a warmer sound. However, using a 500K pot in a Stratocaster can enhance brightness and output.
What type of shaft does the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log have?: The CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log features a split shaft design, which is ideal for use with knobs that have a set screw for secure attachment.
Is the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log a push/pull potentiometer?: No, the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log is not a push/pull potentiometer. It features a standard split shaft design without push/pull functionality.
Does the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log have a solderless design?: No, the CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log does not feature a solderless design and requires traditional soldering for installation.

Reviews

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PROS

High-quality construction expected from CTS
Noticeable sound improvement in guitar tone
Standard in many high-end guitars
Cost-effective upgrade over buying new pickups

CONS

Tolerance varies from 481k to 542k, not ideal for precise needs
Requires enlarging holes in some guitars for proper fit
Some users experience limited tonal adjustment range

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log.

Mods and upgrades

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Switching from 300k to 500k pots significantly brightens the tone, especially for humbuckers, with some owners recommending 1 meg pots for even brighter sound.
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Some users suggest experimenting with "50s wiring" or a treble bleed circuit for enhanced tonal control and clarity.
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Users frequently recommend CTS pots for custom guitar builds, citing their dependable feel and consistent performance over time.
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For Ibanez S2170FB, a metric pot with a 16mm barrel, M7 thread, and knurled shaft is recommended; opt for a 500k log/audio pot, like A500k, for a traditional taper.
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Features and functionality

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CTS Original Potmeter 500K Log is suggested for its ability to retain treble frequencies, improving clarity in darker-sounding pickups like P-90s and humbuckers.
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The taper of a pot significantly affects usability, with CTS pots noted for their smooth, consistent taper, enhancing control over volume and tone adjustments.
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Ibanez typically uses linear pots for volume on certain models; switching to audio/log taper may provide a more traditional feel.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners advise using a multimeter to measure pot resistance, as some "500k" pots may actually measure much lower, affecting tone.
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The control cavity in Ibanez S Series guitars is shallow and cramped; avoid oversized potentiometers and check dimensions carefully, especially for push/pull pots.
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User experience

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It's been noted that replacing the stock pots can yield a dramatic tonal improvement, akin to opening up the sound of older Gibson Les Paul models.
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Multiple owners report significant improvements in tone after swapping out pots, describing the sound as clearer and less muddy.
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CTS pots are a popular choice for aftermarket upgrades due to their consistent feel and performance, with users rarely reporting defects.
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Some users have successfully restored functionality on old pots by using DeOxit D5 contact cleaner, highlighting its effectiveness in routine maintenance.
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Build quality

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CTS pots are well-regarded for their reliability and smooth operation, making them a preferred choice for consistent performance.
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Ibanez uses narrower screw pots (8.8 mm), while CTS pots are 10 mm; installing CTS may require widening the hole with a step drill.
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