Pot quality. Alpha VS other...

[Vallhagen]

Maybe this subject has been up for discussion before on this forum? I did a short search though.

One of the defacto standard products (?) in DIY-boxing seems to be ALPHA (16 mm) pots. I use them myself as well as other things i got recommended from reading here and on other forums.

But; Are they the "only" alternative? They are rather expensive, and if you search Mouser they have 12000+ (!) different pots. Some of them should be comparable in quality (and of course functionality) and less pricey? Or?

Just to try, with my last mouser order orderred one pot branded BI Technologies ( http://se.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=P160KN2-4QC20B10Kvirtualkey57700000virtualkey858-P160KN24QC20B10K ), and to me it works fine, even though it doesnt feel exactly as good as the ALPHA dito (you know the feeling when u tighten the nut).

Any of you with any opinions on this subject? Anyone using pots that are not ALPHA?

[night-B]

I sometimes use CTS pots, they are used on some guitars pots, high reliability but a bit expensive...

[jubal81]

I like the Bi Technology pots. They're made of conductive plastic instead of carbon, rated for 100,000 cycles instead of Alpha's 15,000.

[Vallhagen]

I like the Bi Technology pots. They're made of conductive plastic instead of carbon, rated for 100,000 cycles instead of Alpha's 15,000.

This is good news. BI costs about a third of the price for ALPHA on mouser.

[irmcdermott]

maybe i'll give those a try too

[GrindCustoms]

I'm waiting after some Bourns pot to come in, well..........those are more expensive than Alpha..

I want to try them in simple Fuzz or Boost circuits to see if it will make any change....

In low part count circuits i like to emphasis alot on the quality of the components, since they can make a difference in those circuits...

[TNblueshawk]

I'm waiting after some Bourns pot to come in, well..........those are more expensive than Alpha..

I want to try them in simple Fuzz or Boost circuits to see if it will make any change....

In low part count circuits i like to emphasis alot on the quality of the components, since they can make a difference in those circuits...

Rej did you ever get those in and what do you think?

[dbharris]

I have four Bourns pots in my Epi Les Paul, 2 are push pulls.  Do they sound better than the Alphas that were in there before?  I dont notice it if they do.  BUT they feel way better.  Like going from driving a golf cart to a BMW.  Better taper, more smoothness in turning them, the push pulls activate easier and more smoothly.  All around they are great!  In a pedal I think I would only consider using them for either an expression pedal pot or some knob that was going to be turned by my foot alot, like a speed control on modulation effects.

my .02

-Dan