Wiring Secrets Pt.4

A ‘no-load’ tone control disconnects the tone circuitry when the tone control is fully up. This eliminates treble bleed, giving an improvement in clarity and transparency. Fender supply no-load pots in 250K guise only; for humbuckers you really need 500Ks, and for that you’ll need a CTS pot.


Usually no-load pots are pretty expensive, but there is a way to make your own using regular pots. First, turn the pot shaft fully up to the point where the tone control is ‘inactive’, then pry open the tangs that hold the cover in position using a thin-edged screwdriver. 

Lift the cover away, note where the pot’s wiper touches the circular conductive traces, then turn the pot ‘down’ to expose the area. Now, either paint nail varnish over that part of the tracing to act as an insulating barrier, or scrape away the conductor with a craft knife blade.