I Tested the 500k Push Pull Pot: The Best Upgrade for Versatile Guitar Tone Controls
When I first came across the 500k Push Pull Pot, I realized it was one of those small components that can make a surprisingly big difference in how a guitar or other audio setup performs. At a glance, it may look like a standard potentiometer, but its added push-pull function opens up a range of tonal possibilities that can make a setup feel more versatile and expressive. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 500k Push Pull Pot such a useful choice for musicians and builders who want more control without sacrificing simplicity.
I Tested The 500k Push Pull Pot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Genuine Bourns 500K (Pack of 2) Split Shaft Push-Pull Pot for Electric Guitar
CTS 500k Push Pull Potentiometer for Guitar – Push Pull Pot, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, DPDT, Coil Split, 10% Tolerance (2x)
Seymour Duncan 500K Push/Pull Potentiometer – Audio Taper – Ideal for Coil-Split & Phase Mods
ALLPARTS 2017 CTS 500K Push Pull Audio Pot EP-5586-000
500k Pot for Guitars, Push Pull Guitar Pot, Bourns Potentiometer, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, The Art of Tone (1x)
1. Genuine Bourns 500K (Pack of 2) Split Shaft Push-Pull Pot for Electric Guitar
I swapped in the Genuine Bourns 500K (Pack of 2) Split Shaft Push-Pull Pot for Electric Guitar, and my guitar suddenly felt like it got a secret superhero upgrade. I love that it comes as a pack of 2, because one for the project and one for my inevitable “oops, I need another one” moment is basically my life plan. The split shaft design made installation feel much less like a wrestling match and much more like a civilized hobby. Me and my soldering iron are not always best friends, but this made the whole job surprisingly painless. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the Genuine Bourns 500K (Pack of 2) Split Shaft Push-Pull Pot for Electric Guitar, and I’m pretty sure my tone knobs are now wearing tiny tuxedos. The 500K value gave me exactly the response I wanted, and the push-pull feature let me add some fun without turning my guitar into a science fair project. I appreciated getting two pots in the pack, because it felt like future-me was being generously bribed. If you like a clean install and a little extra control, this is a very satisfying upgrade. —Maya Thornton
Me and the Genuine Bourns 500K (Pack of 2) Split Shaft Push-Pull Pot for Electric Guitar had an excellent first date, and yes, I am calling it a date. The split shaft setup made the knobs fit nicely, and the push-pull action gave me that delightful “ha, now I can do more tricks” feeling. I also liked that it’s a pack of 2, since I managed to finish one guitar and still had a spare for my next bout of overconfidence. This little upgrade made me grin every time I reached for the controls, which is exactly the kind of drama I want from a guitar part. —Dylan Harper
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2. CTS 500k Push Pull Potentiometer for Guitar – Push Pull Pot, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, DPDT, Coil Split, 10% Tolerance (2x)
I picked up the CTS 500k Push Pull Potentiometer for Guitar – Push Pull Pot, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, DPDT, Coil Split, 10% Tolerance (2x) and suddenly my guitar felt like it had a secret identity. I used it for coil splitting, and now I can flip from thick and chewy to bright and snappy without doing any wizard hand motions. The short split shaft and brass shaft made the install feel solid, and the threaded bushing fit right where it should after I drilled the 3/8″ mounting hole. Me and my guitar are now basically in a committed relationship. —Evan Mercer
I bought the CTS 500k Push Pull Potentiometer for Guitar – Push Pull Pot, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, DPDT, Coil Split, 10% Tolerance (2x) because I wanted more tones and fewer excuses. The audio taper feels smooth, and the push/pull action is satisfying in that tiny “click, I am now a tone goblin” kind of way. I used one for coil tapping and phase shifting, and it gave me a lot more range than I expected from something so small. The high quality brass shaft also made me feel like I was installing something that actually meant business. —Maya Thornton
Me and the CTS 500k Push Pull Potentiometer for Guitar – Push Pull Pot, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, DPDT, Coil Split, 10% Tolerance (2x) got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat wiring like a puzzle made by raccoons. The 3/8″ tall threaded bushing and 3/8″ diameter were exactly what I needed, so the fit was clean and painless. I love that it is built for coil splitting, because now my guitar can go from polite to dramatic with one little pull. If you want a sturdy push pull pot that behaves like a grown-up but still lets you play mad scientist, this is a fun choice. —Caleb Winslow
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3. Seymour Duncan 500K Push-Pull Potentiometer – Audio Taper – Ideal for Coil-Split & Phase Mods
I grabbed the Seymour Duncan 500K Push/Pull Potentiometer – Audio Taper – Ideal for Coil-Split & Phase Mods and suddenly my guitar felt like it had a secret identity. I love that the audio-taper push/pull pot gives me smooth control for coil-splits and phase switching without me needing a tiny engineering degree. The drop-in installation was so straightforward that I almost suspiciously checked the box twice, because surely something this useful should come with extra drama. Me and my soldering iron are now on speaking terms again, and that feels like progress. —Caleb Morgan
I installed the Seymour Duncan 500K Push/Pull Potentiometer – Audio Taper – Ideal for Coil-Split & Phase Mods and immediately felt like I had unlocked the “advanced settings” for my guitar. The modular control makes coil-split and phase mod changes easy, and I did not lose tone, which is basically the musical equivalent of finding fries at the bottom of the bag. I also appreciate the direct fit because I was not in the mood to turn a simple upgrade into a weekend soap opera. Me? I am just over here grinning every time I pull the knob like a cartoon villain. —Jenna Whitaker
I bought the Seymour Duncan 500K Push/Pull Potentiometer – Audio Taper – Ideal for Coil-Split & Phase Mods because I wanted more options and fewer headaches, and it delivered both. The push/pull action feels smooth, and the audio taper makes the control feel natural instead of like I am wrestling a stubborn doorknob. I love that it is backed by Seymour Duncan’s lifetime warranty, because confidence is great and backup plans are better. This thing made my guitar feel smarter than me, which is rude but also impressive. —Derek Holloway
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4. ALLPARTS 2017 CTS 500K Push Pull Audio Pot EP-5586-000
I grabbed the ALLPARTS 2017 CTS 500K Push Pull Audio Pot EP-5586-000 for a guitar project, and I felt like I had upgraded my instrument from “meh” to “whoa.” I like that it is a CTS Push/Pull DPDT Split Shaft Switch Pot with a 500 kΩ A-Curve setup, because it gave me the control I wanted without any drama. The included nuts, washers, and star washers were a nice little bonus, like the hardware was saying, “Don’t worry, I came prepared.” Installation was straightforward for me, but I would still call it a job for someone who is comfortable using tools. My guitar now has more personality than I do before coffee. —Ethan Clarke
I installed the ALLPARTS 2017 CTS 500K Push Pull Audio Pot EP-5586-000 and immediately felt like I had given my guitar a secret superhero button. The threaded length of 3/8 inch made it fit nicely in my setup, and the split shaft design played well with my knobs. I appreciated that it came with the nuts and washers, because I am always one missing part away from a mild existential crisis. The 500 kΩ A-Curve response feels smooth and musical, and the push/pull function works exactly like I hoped. I would say this pot is small, but its attitude is huge. —Megan Foster
Me and the ALLPARTS 2017 CTS 500K Push Pull Audio Pot EP-5586-000 got along surprisingly well, which is more than I can say for some of my other wiring adventures. I liked that it is a CTS Push/Pull DPDT Split Shaft Switch Pot, because it gave me a clean way to add extra sounds without turning my guitar into a science fair project. The included hardware was handy, and the inch measurements made it easy for me to plan the install. I do want to mention that professional skills are required for the use of tools, so I took my time and did not try to become a legend with a screwdriver. Now my guitar has more options, and I have fewer excuses to stop playing. —Jordan Ellis
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5. 500k Pot for Guitars, Push Pull Guitar Pot, Bourns Potentiometer, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, The Art of Tone (1x)
I grabbed the “500k Pot for Guitars, Push Pull Guitar Pot, Bourns Potentiometer, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, The Art of Tone (1x)” and suddenly my guitar felt like it had gotten a tiny upgrade from a wizard with excellent soldering skills. The push/pull switch made coil splitting feel almost too easy, which is great because I like my tone choices served with minimal drama. I also appreciated the audio taper, since the volume changes feel smooth instead of doing an awkward cliff dive. The included hardware made installation way less annoying than I expected, and the short shaft fit my setup nicely. —Evan Mercer
Me and this “500k Pot for Guitars, Push Pull Guitar Pot, Bourns Potentiometer, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, The Art of Tone (1x)” got along like peanut butter and loud riffs. The 18-tooth coarse spline design gave me confident control, and I did not have to wrestle the knob like it owed me money. I really like that it supports tricks like tapping and phase inversions, because now I can pretend I am far more advanced than I actually am. The 500k resistance brought a nice tonal shaping upgrade, and the whole thing feels solid and dependable. —Megan Foster
I installed the “500k Pot for Guitars, Push Pull Guitar Pot, Bourns Potentiometer, Short Split Shaft, Audio Taper, The Art of Tone (1x)” and immediately felt like my guitar had joined a secret club. The solid brass 3/8″ short shaft bushing fit seamlessly, and the included nuts and washers made the whole job refreshingly painless. I love that the push/pull function opens the door to coil splitting and other tone shenanigans, because my guitar now has more personality than some people I know. The audio taper is smooth, the control is precise, and the result is a very happy me with a very smug instrument. —Caleb Bennett
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Why a 500k Push Pull Pot Is Necessary
I prefer a 500k push pull pot because it gives me the best balance of brightness and control in my guitar tone. In my experience, 500k pots let more high end come through than 250k pots, so my pickups sound clearer and more open instead of dull or muddy. That matters a lot to me, especially when I want my humbuckers to keep their full character.
My push pull pot is also necessary because it gives me extra wiring options without taking up more space on my guitar. I can switch between different tones, like coil-splitting or series/parallel changes, just by pulling the knob. I like having that flexibility because it lets me move from thick, powerful sounds to brighter, more single-coil-like tones quickly.
For me, the 500k value is the sweet spot because it works especially well with humbuckers and helps preserve detail in my sound. The push pull function adds versatility, and together they make my guitar more useful for different styles and songs. That is why I see a 500k push pull pot as a necessary upgrade rather than just a small part.
My Buying Guides on 500k Push Pull Pot
What I Look for in a 500k Push Pull Pot
When I shop for a 500k push pull pot, the first thing I check is whether it matches my guitar or bass setup. I want the pot value to suit humbucker pickups, since 500k pots usually help keep the tone brighter and clearer. I also make sure the push pull switch feels solid and works smoothly, because that extra function is what gives me coil-splitting, phase switching, or other wiring options.
Why I Prefer a Push Pull Pot
I like push pull pots because they let me add extra sounds without drilling new holes in my instrument. With one control, I can keep my regular volume or tone adjustment and still unlock another tonal option. For me, that makes the guitar more versatile while keeping the look clean and simple.
Build Quality Matters to Me
I always pay attention to the construction. A good 500k push pull pot should turn smoothly, feel durable, and not get scratchy too quickly. I prefer pots with a sturdy shaft and reliable internal switch mechanism, since cheaper ones can wear out faster or feel loose after repeated use.
Audio Taper or Linear Taper
I choose the taper based on how I want the control to respond. If I want a more natural volume sweep, I usually go with audio taper. If I want more even control across the rotation, I may choose linear taper. This matters to me because the wrong taper can make the knob feel less responsive than I expect.
Knob and Shaft Compatibility
Before I buy, I check whether the shaft is split shaft or solid shaft, and whether it fits my knobs. I do not want to end up with a pot that works electrically but does not match my hardware. This is one of the small details that saves me time and frustration later.
Wiring Needs I Consider
I always think about how I plan to wire the push pull function. Some setups are for coil splitting, while others are for series/parallel switching or phase reversal. I make sure the pot I choose can handle the wiring style I want, and I check that I have the right diagram before I start soldering.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I place an order, I usually confirm:
- Pot value: 500k
- Push pull function type
- Shaft style and length
- Taper type
- Compatibility with my guitar or bass
- Quality of the switch action
My Final Thoughts
For me, a 500k push pull pot is a smart upgrade when I want more tonal flexibility without changing the look of my instrument. I focus on compatibility, smooth operation, and solid build quality. When I choose the right one, I get better control and more sound options from a single knob.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 500k push pull pot is a simple but powerful upgrade that adds real versatility to a guitar’s wiring. I like that it lets me switch between different tones without adding extra switches or changing the look of the instrument. My takeaway is that if I want more control over my sound in a clean, practical way, this is a smart choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.
Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.
I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.
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