CTS Pot 500k Audio Long Split Shaft (4 Pack) - Reliable Guitar Pots

In this review of the CTS Pot, 500k Audio, Long Split Shaft (4 Pack), the bottom line is simple: these are industry-standard replacement potentiometers for players and techs who want authentic feel and predictable tonal response. The pack contains four genuine CTS pots made to 10% tolerance, and they deliver the familiar low-torque smoothness and a true audio taper that most guitarists expect from factory wiring. If you need dependable control pots that match classic American builds, this set is the practical choice.

Key Features

• Genuine CTS construction: Built by CTS to the brand's long-standing standards, these pots offer reliable build quality and consistent performance across the pack.
• 500k audio taper: The 10% audio/logarithmic taper closely matches the way humans perceive volume changes, giving more natural sweep and usable range.
• 24-tooth knurled split shaft: Accepts 24-tooth push-on plastic knobs for easy knob installation and traditional control aesthetics.
• Brass sleeve adapters included: Convert the split shaft to a quasi solid-shaft so knobs with set screws can be used securely.
• Rear-routed fit: The 3/8-32 bushing thread is 3/8' diameter and 1/2' long, sized for guitars with rear-routing and standard control cavity depth.
• Low torque design: The dimpled back low-torque mechanism makes the pots smooth and easy to turn during performance or setup.

Who It's For

These pots suit guitarists, techs, and builders who want authentic CTS parts for repairs or upgrades, especially when matching parts used by many American guitar makers. Players seeking the familiar feel of a 500k audio pot and reliable mechanical quality will find this pack straightforward to install and dependable in everyday use.

Players with very old or nonstandard instrument control swaggers should check shaft length before ordering; some customers reported the shaft may be too short for older Gibson Les Paul top-mounted setups, so those needing extra-long shafts should consider alternate options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authentic CTS manufacturing yields strong build quality and consistent electrical values across the set.
• The 500k audio taper provides a natural, musical sweep for tone and volume controls.
• Included washers, nut and brass sleeves mean ready-to-install versatility for both push-on and set-screw knobs.
• Low-torque action is easy to turn for precise adjustments while playing.

Cons

• The shaft length may be insufficient for some older Les Paul and other top-mounted vintage-style guitars, so check fit before purchasing.

Specifications

Item	CT-450S3507 4-pack
Resistance	500k ohm
Tolerance	10%
Taper	Audio (logarithmic)
Shaft	24-tooth knurled split-shaft (with brass sleeves)
Bushing thread	3/8-32, 3/8' diameter, 1/2' long
Pack	4 potentiometers with lockwasher, flat washer and nut

Our Verdict

These CTS 500k audio pots are a practical, cost-effective choice for anyone replacing or upgrading controls in contemporary American-style guitars. They match industry-standard feel and taper, include the right hardware for most rear-routed installations, and represent good value for players who prioritize authentic components; measure shaft length if you work on older top-mounted instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these genuine CTS pots?
Yes, these are CTS-made potentiometers produced to CTS standards and supplied as the CT-450S3507 4-pack.

Will the included sleeves let me use set-screw knobs?
Yes, the brass sleeves convert the split shaft to a quasi solid-shaft so set-screw knobs can be secured.

Will these fit my Les Paul without modification?
Often yes for many rear-routed guitars, but several customers reported the shaft may be too short for certain older Les Paul top-mounted configurations, so verify shaft length before installing.