Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (12)
$10.99
Musician's Friend
3.0 (2)
$10.99
Thomann
4.8 (50)
$13.50 $13.40 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "CTS push pull pot 500k". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock new expressive possibilities with the CTS push-pull pot 500k, a must-have for guitar and bass enthusiasts seeking to elevate their instrument's performance. This versatile potentiometer combines the classic charm of a vintage-style taper with the modern convenience of a push-pull switch, allowing for seamless coil tapping, series/parallel switching, or phase switching. The result? A world of tonal options right at your fingertips.

Designed to meet the highest quality standards, the CTS push-pull pot boasts a custom taper that offers a smoother volume or tone control, providing a natural and responsive feel. Its solid brass split shaft and bushing ensure durability and a secure fit, while the side-mounted switch contacts simplify installation, eliminating the need for deeper routing in most guitars. With a tight tolerance of ±7%, expect consistent and precise performance every time you play.

Whether you're crafting intricate solos or laying down a solid rhythm, this potentiometer is engineered to deliver, enhancing your guitar's versatility and your creative potential. Its high-quality construction by CTS, a trusted name in musical components, assures reliability and superior functionality.

Key Features:

  • Integrated push/pull switch for expanded tonal options
  • Logarithmic resistance curve with a vintage-style taper
  • 500 kOhm resistance for optimal sound control
  • Solid brass split shaft and bushing for durability
  • 7% tolerance for precise adjustments
  • Side-mounted switch contacts for easy installation
  • Includes washer, tooth lock washer, and nut for secure mounting

Product specs

Type Push-Pull
Resistance 500K
Shaft Short Split Shaft
Taper Custom

FAQs

What is the primary function of a CTS 500k push-pull potentiometer in a guitar?

The CTS 500k push-pull potentiometer is used to control volume or tone in electric guitars, with the added feature of a push-pull mechanism to split coils or switch pickups, offering more tonal versatility.

How does a 500k pot affect my guitar's tone compared to a 250k pot?

A 500k pot retains more high frequencies, resulting in a brighter tone, making it ideal for humbucker-equipped guitars, while a 250k pot typically provides a warmer tone by allowing more high frequencies to bleed to ground.

Is the CTS 500k push-pull pot compatible with all electric guitars?

The CTS 500k push-pull pot is compatible with most electric guitars, especially those with humbuckers, but ensure it fits the cavity space and shaft length matches your guitar's design.

What is the benefit of using a push-pull pot in a guitar?

A push-pull pot allows you to add switching functions, such as coil splitting or phase reversal, without needing additional switches, thereby increasing your guitar's tonal options without altering its appearance.

Can I use the CTS 500k push-pull pot for both volume and tone controls?

Yes, the CTS 500k push-pull pot can be used for either volume or tone controls, depending on your wiring preference and desired functionality in your guitar setup.

Six String Supplies

Six String Supplies

Les Paul Coil Split Wiring

Video thumbnail for Les Paul Coil Split Wiring by Six String Supplies

Les Paul Coil Split Wiring

Six String Supplies

Six String Supplies

Video thumbnail for Les Paul Out of Phase Wiring (50's Wiring) by Six String Supplies

Les Paul Out of Phase Wiring (50's Wiring)

Six String Supplies

Six String Supplies

Reviews

PROS

  • PCB design simplifies soldering and wiring

  • Silent push/pull actuation, even with high amp volume

  • Smooth rotation with no scratchy noise

  • Robust construction with no wobble

  • Vintage taper offers satisfying tone response

  • Fits well in larger guitar cavities with correct measurements

  • Versatile use for coil splitting and phase switches

CONS

  • Bulky size may not fit small guitar cavities

  • May require adjustments for knob fitment

  • Some users find it protrudes above thin control plates

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about CTS push pull pot 500k.

Build quality

  • Bourns push-pull pots may require slight modification, such as filing the hole, due to larger thread size compared to some stock options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Bourns pots are preferred by some users for their consistent quality over CTS and Alpha, with Alpha's premium line being on par but not their cheaper range.

    Source
  • Owners note that Bourns pots are more affordable than CTS while still providing a smoother operation, though CTS might be easier to solder.

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  • Users transitioning from Fishman Fluence to Seymour Duncan pickups with CTS pots appreciate the improved passive pickup dynamics and control options.

    Source

User experience

  • Bourns pots have been noted to avoid the "cheap loose feel" common in lower-quality options, providing a balance between smooth operation and ideal friction.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the rapid response of low-friction pots for quick volume adjustments, especially on guitars like a Les Paul.

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  • Owners using CTS pots for coil splitting report that wiring contacts 3/4 versus 1/2 does not cause noticeable sonic differences, indicating flexibility in wiring choices.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Bourns pots provide a low-friction, "oily" feel that contrasts with the more tactile "clicking" action of CTS pots.

    Source
  • CTS push/pull pots are used for coil splitting in setups with Seymour Duncan Sentient/Pegasus humbuckers, allowing detailed control over neck and bridge pickup configurations.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Adding a rubber o-ring around the pot shaft can increase resistance to prevent accidental volume adjustments with low-friction pots.

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  • When swapping from Fishman active pickups to passive Seymour Duncan humbuckers, owners often choose 500k CTS pots to optimize the coil split function.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The quick adjustment capability of low-friction pots is appreciated for swiftly cleaning up or adding distortion during live play.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • CTS push/pull pots are a common choice for converting setups from active Fishman Fluence pickups to passive Seymour Duncan humbuckers, enhancing tonal versatility.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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trenova

rr

I have 3 of these in the ML. One as a tone which pulled up is a phase switch when in the middle position and the 2 volumes as coil splits for the corresponding pickup

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use CTS push pull pot 500k, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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angelofernandes

angelofernandes

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