Volume pot for a 1940 Panda. 500K or 250K?

David DeLoach · Post by **David DeLoach** » 31 Dec 2022 4:39 am

I just received new plates for my 1940 Panda from Steve Marinak and they are GREAT, but I need to replace this large volume pot with one that is the same size as the tone pot in this photo so that it will work with the new plate.

I can't tell if the one currently in the Panda is a 500k or 250k, but I like how it sounds.

Any recommendations for the new smaller pot?

Thanks!
David

John Dahms · Post by **John Dahms** » 31 Dec 2022 6:58 am

The physical size of the pot has more to do with the surface area of the resistive track and how long it will last than the sound. If you are not a "pot fiddler" who constantly is adjusting it it won't matter. I have records that show both 100k and 250k may have been used by Ric at the factory.
I would go with a 250k. Remember you have a tone control to fine tune the sound as well.

David DeLoach · Post by **David DeLoach** » 31 Dec 2022 7:47 am

Thanks John!

Are all 250K pots pretty much the same, or is there a particular brand anyone would recommend?

Michael Brebes · Post by **Michael Brebes** » 31 Dec 2022 9:40 am

Turn the pot fully clockwise and measure the resistance between the two outside legs of the pot. One of them is the one with the end clipped off. That should give you a proper measurement. I just looked at the photos, which look confusing. Measure the pot fully counterclockwise as well. Whichever is the highest value is the correct one.

Tony Oresteen · Post by **Tony Oresteen** » 3 Jan 2023 2:00 am

Pots come in two basic types: audio taper and linear taper.

Usually an A as in 250kA or A250k indicates an audio taper.

A B usually indicates a linear taper as in B250k or 250kB.

Try one each and use the one you like best.

David DeLoach · Post by **David DeLoach** » 3 Jan 2023 4:17 am

Thanks for the education on volume pots!

Much appreciated.

David DeLoach · Post by **David DeLoach** » 11 Jan 2023 6:04 pm

I got the volume pot replaced. Had to get two friends to help me as the only thing I can do with solder gun is burn my fingers and make a mess.

These guys are from Cuba and can figure out just about anything. They had to modify the new pot's connections a bit to make it work, but it works and sounds great now.