Fender 500k Split Shaft Potentiometer - Volume or Tone

Genuine Fender 500k Split-shaft Potentiometer for Volume or Tone

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Item ID: Pot500kSpSF

Fender 500k Split Shaft Potentiometer - Volume or Tone

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500k Split Shaft Potentiometer - Volume or Tone (3-pack)

$22 and 47 cents

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Fender 500k Split Shaft Potentiometer - Volume or Tone

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Q: What is the Fender 500k Split Shaft Potentiometer used for?

It's a versatile component for electric guitars, commonly used for both volume and tone controls. The 500k resistance is often preferred for guitars with humbucking pickups, helping to maintain clarity and brightness in your sound. Its split shaft design is compatible with push-on style knobs.

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Q: What does "500k" resistance mean for my guitar's sound?

The "500k" refers to the potentiometer's resistance value (500,000 ohms). Higher resistance pots like this one allow more high frequencies to pass through, resulting in a brighter, more open tone. This makes 500k pots a popular choice for humbucker-equipped guitars, preventing them from sounding too dark or muddy.

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Q: What is a "split shaft" potentiometer, and what kind of knobs does it work with?

A split shaft potentiometer has a shaft that is split down the middle, allowing it to expand slightly when a knob is pushed on. This design is specifically made for push-on style knobs, which are very common on many electric guitars. It ensures a secure fit without needing a set screw.

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Q: What is "vintage taper" and how does it affect the control feel?

The term 'vintage taper' refers to how the resistance changes as you turn the knob. While the specific taper of this potentiometer is not explicitly detailed in the product information, a vintage taper typically provides a smooth, gradual response, especially noticeable when rolling off volume or tone. This allows for precise adjustments and a more natural feel, giving you fine control over your guitar's dynamics and tonal characteristics.

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Q: Is this 500k potentiometer compatible with all guitar pickups?

While you can use a 500k pot with any pickup, it's most commonly recommended for guitars with humbucking pickups. For single-coil pickups, a 250k pot is often preferred to avoid an overly bright or harsh tone. However, experimenting with different pot values can help you fine-tune your guitar's sound to your personal preference.

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OEM Split-shaft Potentiometer for Your American or Mexican Fender

For repair, replacement, or restoration with high-quality Fender form and function, choose from Fender's wide selection of OEM electronics — like this 500K split-shaft potentiometer. It is custom-designed for use on nearly all US- and Mexico-made Fender instruments with split-shaft potentiometers, and it includes a mounting nut, washer, and modern 0.022mf 250-volt capacitor. Sweetwater Fender players know that for the right look and fit, and for historically reliable performance, genuine Fender parts are the way to go.

Fender 500K Split-shaft Potentiometer Features:

500K, 3/8" split-shaft potentiometer for volume or tone control
Includes mounting nut, washer, and modern 0.022mf 250-volt capacitor
Fits most vintage and modern Telecaster, Jazz Bass, and Precision Bass guitars
Takes push-on control knobs for convenient installation

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Tech Specs

Type: Potentiometer, Volume or Tone
Resistance: 500K
Shaft: Split Shaft
Taper: Vintage
Manufacturer Part Number: 0990834000

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Reviews

3.0

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These are pretty good for the money. The only problem I have had is one soldering lug was a little loose on one pot. I just pinched it down with pliers and have had no problems since.

I like these. They get the job done well !

cts pots are better SweetWater Rocks

I bought two of these to go with my new pickups that I modded my guitar with. They work great, sound good, and have a good smooth turning sensation. My only gripe with them is that they have a very short turn radius from zero to ten. These pots only have about half the turn radius of the small mini pots that were originally in the guitar, making volume dialing a little more tricky. I don't typically do volume swells and adjustments with the volume knob, so it isn't a problem for me, but I can see it being a problem for someone more within Fender's target audience. I didn't use the capacitors that came with it, and instead opted for a MojoTone cap, and it worked fine with these pots. I can probably make use of the capacitors at a later date (note the stock capacitors are not very big).

Like I said in the title, they are good overall, but judging by me and the other reviewer's experience, they are not perfect QC-wise. I will probably buy these again, mostly because these are one of the only sets of pots on Sweetwater, and because they arent very expensive.

I soldered it no problem. But when it came to put on the knobs, the shaft popped out on the other side. I had to use pliers to clamp the metal prongs on the main body of the pot. It was an easy fix, but still. I didn't expect it to be a low quality part with the name Fender on it..

It’s impossible to imagine a world without Fender guitars, and if you’re like many of the guitarists at Sweetwater, then Fender not only made the first guitar you ever bought " they made the last one too! From building the first mass-produced solidbody electric guitars and basses in the 1950s to creating some of the most influential amplifier designs in history, it’s no wonder why Fender is one of the biggest names in the business. As one of the world’s largest Fender dealers, we have countless guitars, basses, amps, effects pedals, and accessories in stock and ready to ship, whenever you need them. We’re always getting our hands on their latest creations, and there’s nothing we love more than to tell our customers all about them! So, whether you’re looking for your first axe or a Custom Shop creation, make sure to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.

See also: guitar pots, Fender, Fender Guitar Potentiometers