79 Les Paul pots question

Is it common that the volume pots are easier to turn than the tone pots on Les Pauls from the late 70's? I can only see the pot codes on the tone pots which match the date of the guitar. The tone pots are stiffer to turn while the volume ones are quite loose feeling. I've taken the knobs off and the splinned shafts all look the same and all look old.
Just wondering if all the pots are original and if Gibson fitted different vol and tone pots? I've heard about them using different values ie 250k, 500k or 1 meg. Thanks, Graham.

All four pots are the same.

The volume pots maybe got used more so they work easier.

The volume and tone pots would be different values by '79, but any construction which could affect feel should be the same. I think Wilko's right, that the difference in feel is most likely because the volumes have seen regular use, while the tone pot probably have hardly been touched since it left the factory.

guitartsar said:

Just wondering if all the pots are original and if Gibson fitted different vol and tone pots? I've heard about them using different values ie 250k, 500k or 1 meg. Thanks, Graham.

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More than likely it would have been fitted with 300k volume pots and 100k tone pots on a 79.

Funny you should mention this. I had the same thing with my 78 LP. They were 100k & 300k as mentioned so I solved it by putting in the RS Vintage kit (long shafts). Much better.

2550LP said:

Funny you should mention this. I had the same thing with my 78 LP. They were 100k & 300k as mentioned so I solved it by putting in the RS Vintage kit (long shafts). Much better.

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Same thing with the pots on my '78 Custom! I too installed an RS kit, changed things dramatically (for the best!).

But for ease of turning the knobs these "grips" fit on the knobs perfectly and allow ease of turning like I have never experienced.
They install in about 2 seconds. Just slide them on over the top of the knob!
They were originally made for and used on Ibanez Guitars but work great on Top Hat style Les Paul knobs.
Well worth it!!


This guys makes them, and they are what I have on my '78 Custom.
Get the "SGII bands". At $12 for (4) it's a great deal.
http://www.reproguitarparts.com/

I'll post pics of them on my Custom when I get a chance.