Allparts EP-4185-000 CTS 250K No-Load Tone Pot, Split Shaft

The Allparts EP-4185-000 is a CTS 250K no-load tone potentiometer with a 24-spline split shaft — designed specifically for use as a tone control on single-coil pickup guitars (Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster). The no-load feature disconnects the pot from the circuit entirely at the maximum (full clockwise) position, giving you a direct, unloaded pickup signal at position 10. Includes nut and washer. Made by CTS.

What Is a No-Load Pot — And Why Does It Matter?

On a standard tone pot, the potentiometer remains in the circuit even when turned to maximum — the pot's resistance and the capacitor still present a small load on the pickup signal, causing a subtle but measurable reduction in high-frequency content even at full tone. A no-load pot solves this by using a mechanical detent at the maximum position that physically disconnects the pot (and its associated capacitor) from the circuit — at position 10, the tone control is completely bypassed, and the pickup signal goes directly to the volume pot and output jack with no tone circuit load at all.

The result at position 10 is a brighter, more open, and more transparent tone compared to a standard pot at maximum — closer to the pickup's true, unloaded output. Positions 1–9 behave identically to a standard tone pot. This is the same no-load tone pot design used by Fender on certain American Series Stratocasters.

250K — Correct for Single-Coil Guitars

The 250K resistance value is the standard for single-coil pickup guitars, providing the correct tonal balance and high-frequency response for Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Jazzmaster pickups. For humbucker-equipped guitars, a 500K pot is the standard choice.

Specifications

• Model: EP-4185-000
• Manufacturer: CTS
• Resistance: 250K
• Type: No-Load Tone Pot
• Shaft: Split shaft, 24-spline
• Includes: Nut and washer
• Best For: Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster (single-coil guitars)
• Standard 250K Audio Alternative: EP-4980-000

Available at Reco Music Malaysia — Free delivery for orders over RM100 to West Malaysia. Fast delivery nationwide. Contact us for more information.