THE PRODUCTS that Nexus Components supplies operate in crucial environments - military, medical, and aviation, to name just three. But it’s not all about protecting life.

Sometimes, you just want your guitar to sound a bit better.

Potentiometers - variable resistors - can set the calibration of a circuit and adjust the speed of a vehicle. But they can also function as tone and volume controls in an electric guitar, can reduce noise and wobble, and can blend two pick-ups together.

Recently the bankruptcy of the Gibson brand of guitars called the market for electric guitars into question - but keen guitarists can often be found customising their instruments, and the second hand market is strong. Sharing expertise has become easier - via YouTube tutorials, for example - and musicians can learn basic skills like soldering to get the most out of their instrument.

The CTS 450G potentiometers supplied by Nexus are ideal as a top-quality replacement on guitars such as the iconic Fender Stratocaster - and are designed to deliver excellent control and performance. The 450G Series is a top of the line low torque 10% tolerance potentiometer (‘pot’) specifically designed for musical use.

CTS have a reputation as the first choice for American guitar pots, with a smoother audio taper than cheaper models. They’re favoured by some over Fender’s own pots.

As with other Nexus supplies, they have custom options, and the 450 series has a brass bushing and shaft, a custom audio taper for accuracy, and brilliant consistency.

Guitarists - who love to DIY when it comes to their electric guitars - can choose a new potentiometer depending on their guitar. Single coil pick-ups suit a 250k pot, and humbuckers (double coil) would need a 500k pot. The higher the value, the brighter the sound, so a double coil guitar needs a little bit more because of its naturally fuller, thicker sound.

Since 1896, CTS has become one of the most long-standing manufacturers of switches, sensors and components in the United States, and provides solutions for the industrial, defence, medical, and aerospace industry.

You can find the CTS guitar pots here at Nexus http://nexuscomponents.co.uk/Manufacturers/CTS001/CTS%20Guitar%20Potentiometers%20450G%20Series

Photo by Haley Powers on Unsplash