Official Luthiers Forum!

I know what ya mean!
I buy different parts from different places, and sometimes don't get what I expected.
For me, it's Switchcraft or nothing for jacks and switches.
I like the CTS pots,
but have used Alpha as well.
I stay away from anything made in China.
I really like Angela Instruments.
A really fun site to look through.
A lot of amp stuff there too.
Fender heavy.

http://angela.com/

RS guitar works make the best volume pot. Smoothest taper I have found. Expensive but look out for the specials.
Mojotone for the tone pots ,caps and switches.
The paper in oil caps are awesome, and cheap.
Use Switchcraft switches, the feel of the switching is brilliant and they are more reliable.
I always buy in sets, ie whatever is needed for a guitar, and keep a few extra sets on the shelf

http://www.mouser.com/

Probably the most reliable source for me, most guitar sources are too overpriced. I do purchase many things from WD and Allparts,(because I have accounts) I also find MCM Electronics to be useful on ocassion.

Bourns are excellent quality. I use bourns exclusively (and I buy them from mouser). I highly reccomend them. One thing I should add is that they are a little stiffer to turn than some other brands. I personally like it and preffer how they feel, but some might not. Just buy a couple from mouser and see how ya like'em!

You can probably get set up with an account at Allparts to buy at dealer prices.
They carry Bourns, CTS,Alpha etc...
Good luck

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How long is that in luthyears?

If you have scrap ebony you should make your switch knobs out of that, it's really easy and looks and feels much nicer.

Parts in quantity you can also get on ebay for super cheap. Stewmac is ridiculous, even on quantity discounts. For screws and stuff, measure and find what number screw and length and get a box of them for $2 from home depot or somewhere. I did this for bolt on neck screws (or you could buy a set of 4 for $5.00 at Guitar Center) saves a lot of money.

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http://www.tinyhouseandland.com

Try Mouser for pots, switches, and jacks.
I bought two Bourns Pro audio pan pots that were pieces of junk.
The nuts were very thin and slipped over the aluminum threads. One had an intermittent connection on one of the solder lugs. I bought several normal Bourns pots that seem fine.
Ulimately I replaced the pan pot with a switch.

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+1 for Mouser. If they don't have what you're looking for then you probably don't really need it anyway . As an added bonus, for me anyway, is that my orders ship from Dallas. That means I get my orders the next day if I order early enough.

I live in Round Rock, TX.
Order by 7pm, on doorstep next day- -sweet!

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