{"product_id":"cts-pot-500k-audio-split-shaft-4-pack-reliable-guitar-upgrade","title":"CTS Pot 500k Audio Split-Shaft (4 Pack) - Reliable Guitar Upgrade","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the CTS Pot 500k Audio Split-Shaft 4-pack is evaluated for guitarists and techs who need authentic, easy-to-install potentiometers for electric guitar restorations and upgrades. The bottom line: this pack is for players and builders who want genuine CTS quality and the familiar low-torque feel used on classic Strats, delivered with short bushings and the split-shaft needed for push-on plastic knobs. Its main selling point is trustworthiness - industry-standard parts made to tight 10% tolerances that simply behave like the originals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenuine CTS construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e These pots are made for the seller by CTS, providing the same build quality used by long-running American guitar makers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e500k audio taper:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 500k 10% audio-taper follows the logarithmic response humans perceive, giving smoother volume control across the sweep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSplit-shaft design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 24-tooth knurled split-shaft accepts push-on plastic knobs reliably, eliminating the need for set-screw knobs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShort threaded bushing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 3\/8-32 bushing is 3\/8' diameter and 1\/4' long, ideal for mounting to pickguards and control plates without excess protrusion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow torque feel:\u003c\/strong\u003e The dimpled back CTS low-torque design keeps turning easy and familiar to players used to classic Strat controls.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese pots are best for players restoring vintage-style electrics, techs swapping worn controls, or hobbyists building instruments that need industry-standard components. The combination of short bushings and split-shaft makes them especially useful when mounting to pickguards or control plates while using push-on plastic knobs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need specialty tapers, sealed or non-split shafts, or different bushing lengths should look elsewhere; this pack is focused on the common 500k audio use case and preserving the traditional low-torque Strat feel rather than offering every possible variant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentic CTS quality provides dependable, long-lasting performance praised by customers for durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e500k audio taper gives a natural-sounding volume sweep that matches human perception of loudness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShort 1\/4' bushing and split-shaft design make installation to pickguards and push-on knobs straightforward.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-torque, dimpled-back construction feels smooth and familiar during use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePack is limited to the 500k audio split-shaft style, so musicians who need different tapers or shaft types must source alternatives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlastic push-on knobs required for the split-shaft; users wanting set-screw knobs will need adapters or different pots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuantity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 pots\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e500k ohm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTaper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAudio (logarithmic)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShaft type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-tooth knurled split-shaft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBushing thread\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8-32, 3\/8' diameter, 1\/4' long\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesign note\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCTS low-torque, dimpled back\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CTS Pot 500k Audio Split-Shaft 4-pack is a practical, cost-effective choice for anyone restoring or maintaining electric guitars who wants authentic, easy-turning CTS pots with short bushings for pickguard mounting. Its classic audio taper and durable construction make it good value for projects that demand reliable, vintage-style controls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill these accept push-on plastic knobs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the 24-tooth knurled split-shaft is specifically designed for push-on plastic knobs without set screws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the bushings short enough for pickguards?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the 3\/8-32 bushing is 3\/8' diameter and 1\/4' long, suitable for mounting to pickguards and control plates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these come with hardware for installation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; each pack includes a lockwasher for inside mounting and a flat washer with nut for outside mounting so you have the right parts for installation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ToneShaper","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48633543000283,"sku":"B08NXRMLGM","price":33.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81NraXlBYrL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778520950","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/cts-pot-500k-audio-split-shaft-4-pack-reliable-guitar-upgrade","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}