620KΩ Resistor

620kΩ Resistor with a 500kΩ Pot

A 620kΩ resistor can be used to modify a 500kΩ volume pot to provide an effective load of approximately 280kΩ, as recommended by Bare Knuckle for their single-coil pickups.

When the 620kΩ resistor is connected from the signal/hot side to ground, it is placed in parallel with the 500kΩ volume pot:

R effective = (500k × 620k) / (500k + 620k)

R effective ≈ 276.8kΩ

This gives the pickup an effective load of approximately 277kΩ, which is very close to the 280kΩ load recommended for Bare Knuckle single-coils.

Why use it?

A 500kΩ pot allows more high-frequency content through, providing greater clarity, openness and top-end response. While this can be ideal for humbuckers, Bare Knuckle recommends a lower approximately 280kΩ load for many of their single-coil applications.

Adding a 620kΩ resistor allows the guitar to retain the 500kΩ pot while presenting the single-coil with an effective load close to the recommended 280kΩ.

This provides:

• Approximately 280kΩ effective pickup loading

• Reduced high-frequency emphasis

• A smoother and more balanced top end

• Better control of excessive brightness

• A more suitable loading for Bare Knuckle single-coils

• The ability to retain a 500kΩ CTS potentiometer

Typical Application

500kΩ Bare Knuckle CTS Pot + 620kΩ Resistor → ≈277kΩ effective load

This is particularly useful in HSS, HSH and mixed-pickup configurations, where a 500kΩ pot may be desirable for the humbucker while the single-coil benefits from the lower loading recommended by Bare Knuckle.

It is a simple way to tailor the effective load without replacing the 500kΩ potentiometer.