The volume control on my MIM Classic Player Strat doesn't really kick in till you get to about seven (7). I've heard MIM's have cheap pots. Do you think that's the problem. Discuss. Thanks.

Well it's not really a result of 'cheap' pots. More of the style of pot.

Pots basically change the amount of resistance when turned. How much this changes the resistance is the taper.

The kind of the pot determines how smooth the transition is throughout the sweep of the pot. Linear (LIN) pots have a steady transition of resistance while Logarithmic(Log) pots have what is called a taper, whereby the amount of change of resistance will be greater as you move more toward one end of the sweep of the knob.

Our hearing has a logarithmic response to sound pressure, so it is important for a volume control to have a smooth sounding transition in perceived loudness. By this I mean, we want our ear to hear the 'same' amount of increase in loudness with the same amount of rotation on the pot, no matter where it is in regard to its range. Ie, 1-2 should have the same perceived change in loudness as 3-4, or 7-8 etc.

Since our ears work logarithmically, you need a pot which sweeps upon this logarithm. It sounds like the pot in yours doesn't.

This logarthmic function of our ears to sound pressure is also why we don't hear a great difference in loudness between a 5 watt guitar amp, and a 50 watter. Certainly not 50 times as loud. And to our ears it is even a smaller difference when moving into higher wattages.

Martian can probably drop in and explain this much better than me, and only using 3 or 4 easy to read sentences.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

I thank you for your kind words, I truly do appreciate it!

dual shellman, in addition to all the excellent info provided above, here's a few more points:

If your Strat was made prior to 2006, your pots may indeed be intrinsically deficient.

If your Strat was made post 2006 to present, the pots used are the same CTS pots in the US made stuff although with the MIM stuff, the tolerance levels are much wider than in the US stuff. Which segues me into:

That pot may have too high a resistance value which would account for the erratic taper or, "bald spot".

A treble retention circuit installed on that volume pot can be causing said bald spot.

If that pot received excessive heat from shall we say, "sub-par" soldering attempts, the pot could be partially burned out which again, would account for the bald spot.

dual shellman, do you know the history of the electronics in your guitar? Meaning, has anyone other than the OEM worker been underneath that pickguard?

_________________
You dig?

Twelvebar and Martian. I hit pay dirt. Both great explanations. I bought it new from a guitar store estate sale. Don't no history. Got it for a song. It's one of those Custom Shop Inspired neck plates. I guess I'll just have to play loud. Stay in touch. Thanks!

Changing pots is easy, and probably not too expensive. Phone the shops in your area, and get some estimates, if you are uneasy about doing the work yourself.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

What he said!

And you're quite welcome.

_________________
You dig?