Audio Taper vs. Linear Pots: Best Volume and Tone Controls for Your Guitar

What Does a Potentiometer Do in a Guitar?

The main function of potentiometers is to control the tone and volume of the guitar. Pots work as variable resistors.

• For volume control, turning the volume knob increases or decreases loudness.
• For tone control, a capacitor combined with a pot filters out higher frequencies, resulting in a darker tone.

When you turn the knob, the flow of electric current changes due to a change in resistance. Fully turning the knob in one direction passes the full signal; turning it the other way alters the signal.

Understanding Linear Taper Pots

Linear taper pots offer resistance that changes at a consistent rate as the knob is turned.

• If turned halfway, resistance is approximately 50% of the pot’s total value.
• However, human hearing does not perceive this linear change in volume proportionally.
• This can lead to a sound that feels too loud or too soft at mid-knob settings.

Linear pots are often used in non-audio circuits, but they can serve specific functions in guitars, like signal blending.

Understanding Audio Taper Pots

Audio taper pots, or logarithmic pots, have a resistance curve that mimics human hearing.

• They change resistance slowly at low levels and more rapidly at high levels.
• This provides smoother, more natural adjustments to tone and volume.
• They are ideal for most volume and tone applications in guitars and amplifiers.

These pots offer a more intuitive feel for live and studio use.

Linear vs. Audio Taper Debate

• Audio taper pots are preferred for tone and volume due to their natural logarithmic response.
• Linear pots are beneficial for signal blending, especially in multi-pickup guitars where precise control is needed.

Choosing the right type depends on your desired tonal control and setup.

Conclusion

• Potentiometers control volume and tone in electric guitars.
• Audio taper pots are best for general volume and tone control due to their logarithmic response.
• Linear taper pots are useful for blending signals between pickups.
• Additional options, like push/pull pots and CTS pots, offer extended functionality and durability.