What is a concentric potentiometer?

A concentric or 'stacked' potentiometer features two separate resistor tracks and two shafts (one inner, one outer). This allows two different settings, such as Volume and Tone, to be adjusted independently from a single mounting position.

Which Fender models use the 250K/500K concentric pot?

It is specifically used for the American Vintage '62 Jazz Bass, the Acoustasonic Telecaster, and the Nashville Power Tele. It is the factory-standard replacement part for these specific wiring configurations.

Does this pot come with mounting nuts and washers?

No, this specific Fender part does not include mounting hardware. You will need to reuse your existing hardware or purchase new nuts and washers separately.

Can I use standard push-on knobs with this potentiometer?

No, this is a solid shaft potentiometer. It is only compatible with knobs that feature a set-screw for tightening onto the shaft.

Why are there two different resistance values (250K and 500K)?

The dual values allow for different tonal responses; 250K is typically used for traditional single-coil pickups to reduce harshness, while 500K is used for piezo systems or humbuckers to preserve high-end detail.

Is a capacitor included with this part?

No, the capacitor is not included. If you are using this as a tone control, you must provide your own capacitor to achieve the desired roll-off effect.

What is the typical price for this component?

The typical price range for this Fender replacement part is approximately £10. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.

Is this part compatible with a standard Precision Bass?

While it can be installed in a Precision Bass, it would require a specific stacked knob set and potentially custom wiring. It is not a drop-in replacement for standard P-Bass single pots.

How many soldering points does this pot have?

As a dual pot, it features two sets of three terminals (six total). This allows each section of the pot to be wired into separate circuits.

What is the benefit of a solid shaft over a split shaft?

Solid shafts are generally considered more robust and are required for heavy metal knobs that use set-screws. They provide a more secure fit for the dual-knob assemblies used in concentric setups.

Can this be used for two volume controls?

Yes, it can be wired as two independent volume controls or two independent tone controls, provided the 250K and 500K values suit the pickups in your circuit.

Who is the manufacturer of this part?

This is an official Fender replacement part, ensuring compatibility with their American Vintage and specialized Telecaster series instruments.

Gear article

Fender Concentric 250K/500K Solid Shaft Potentiometer

The Fender Concentric 250K/500K is a specialized 'stacked' potentiometer designed to provide independent Volume and Tone control within a single mounting hole. It features a dual-resistance architecture, combining a 250K ohm and a 500K ohm pot to accommodate specific electronic requirements of hybrid and vintage-reissue instruments.

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Overview

The Fender Concentric 250K/500K Solid Shaft Potentiometer is a technical component used primarily in high-end Fender instruments to save space on the control plate or pickguard. By stacking two separate potentiometers on top of one another, it allows for two distinct control functions—typically volume and tone—to be adjusted independently through a dual-knob system. This specific model is notable for its hybrid resistance values, providing both 250K and 500K options in a single unit.

Historical Context and Applications

This component is most famously associated with specific Fender reissue and hybrid models. It is the standard replacement part for the American Vintage '62 Jazz Bass, which utilises stacked knobs to mimic the original early-60s 'stack-knob' configuration. Additionally, it is a critical component for the Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster and the Nashville Power Tele, where complex wiring requires multiple control parameters without drilling additional holes in the body.

Technical Features

The potentiometer features a solid shaft design, which dictates the type of hardware that can be attached. Unlike split-shaft pots which accept push-on plastic knobs, this unit is designed exclusively for set-screw mounting knobs. The unit is sold as the bare potentiometer; it does not include mounting hardware (such as nuts or washers) or capacitors. Users must source these additional components separately to complete the installation.

Sound Character and Performance

The dual-resistance values (250K and 500K) allow for tailored frequency responses within a single instrument. Generally, 250K pots are used to warm up the sound of single-coil pickups by bleeding off more high-end frequencies, while 500K pots are preferred for humbuckers or piezo systems to maintain brightness and clarity. This stacked arrangement allows players to maintain the specific tonal characteristics intended by the original instrument designers while benefiting from the ergonomics of a compact control layout.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a concentric potentiometer?: A concentric or 'stacked' potentiometer features two separate resistor tracks and two shafts (one inner, one outer). This allows two different settings, such as Volume and Tone, to be adjusted independently from a single mounting position.
Which Fender models use the 250K/500K concentric pot?: It is specifically used for the American Vintage '62 Jazz Bass, the Acoustasonic Telecaster, and the Nashville Power Tele. It is the factory-standard replacement part for these specific wiring configurations.
Does this pot come with mounting nuts and washers?: No, this specific Fender part does not include mounting hardware. You will need to reuse your existing hardware or purchase new nuts and washers separately.
Can I use standard push-on knobs with this potentiometer?: No, this is a solid shaft potentiometer. It is only compatible with knobs that feature a set-screw for tightening onto the shaft.
Why are there two different resistance values (250K and 500K)?: The dual values allow for different tonal responses; 250K is typically used for traditional single-coil pickups to reduce harshness, while 500K is used for piezo systems or humbuckers to preserve high-end detail.
Is a capacitor included with this part?: No, the capacitor is not included. If you are using this as a tone control, you must provide your own capacitor to achieve the desired roll-off effect.
What is the typical price for this component?: The typical price range for this Fender replacement part is approximately £10. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.
Is this part compatible with a standard Precision Bass?: While it can be installed in a Precision Bass, it would require a specific stacked knob set and potentially custom wiring. It is not a drop-in replacement for standard P-Bass single pots.
How many soldering points does this pot have?: As a dual pot, it features two sets of three terminals (six total). This allows each section of the pot to be wired into separate circuits.
What is the benefit of a solid shaft over a split shaft?: Solid shafts are generally considered more robust and are required for heavy metal knobs that use set-screws. They provide a more secure fit for the dual-knob assemblies used in concentric setups.
Can this be used for two volume controls?: Yes, it can be wired as two independent volume controls or two independent tone controls, provided the 250K and 500K values suit the pickups in your circuit.
Who is the manufacturer of this part?: This is an official Fender replacement part, ensuring compatibility with their American Vintage and specialized Telecaster series instruments.