NZGuitars.com

This might sound like a dumb question, but when starting out ordering components online (e.g. at element14 or where-ever), how do you narrow down to what you need? e.g. Trying to find a B10K pot - there are over 1000 rotary pots....! I know the type of one I want but not the search terms to find it.
Any tips?

I order from Tayda mostly as they have components specific to pedal building so there are like 2-4 options in 10k pots, not 100.
I found sites like Element etc a bit overwhelming also.

I don't use the big guys for pots, partly for this reason, I do use them for resistors, caps, some switches, enclosures, dc jacks and if i order enough Switchcraft jacks

but LEDs i get from ali express or ebay, Pots I get from one of the specialists, although recently nearly always tayda. And stomp switches i get from love my switches, usually.

Banzai I have ordered from in the past but shipping usually removes it from the options, what Banzai do do is list part numbers for things, if you search those manufacturing part numbers on element/rs/digykey you can often find them there. What I also do is if i find the thing I want, I save the part number and the resellers part number in a document, so I can order it again.

Unfortunately none of this helps with which pot of the 1000 but choose a brand, take note of the part number and marry it up with the data sheet, the images are not always correct on the resellers site so check manufacturers part number and specs from data sheet, if it looks right order some, but I like straight shafts and even if i plan to use board mounted pots i end up positioning and making messy fly leads, so usually just order lugs, these are super rare on the big guys sites.

enjoy

When I have done my kits from Aion, they give you a spreadsheet you can import into mouser to order all your stuff except for pots and some other stuff.

Small Bear is where I normally get pots from. Usually try and buy a few because of shipping.