Any opinions on what would be a good cap value to put across the volume pot to help clean up the tone of the guitar when the volume is turned down? Would this have a negative effect on tone when the volume is on 10? (the guitar in question is a custom with 57 classics/ modern wiring):hippy
Cap across volume pot?
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58burst
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I get some alligator-clip leads from radio shack, and then try a few different values-
Caps are cheap, and if you're on an ultra-tight budget, get a few ceramic caps from RS for pennies til you get the right value, then spring for a mica cap-(much smoother).
For humbuckers, you'll probably be happy between 500pf and 1000pf, in my experience.
But try this:
1) Set your guitar up with 50's wiring (tone wire from sweeper of volume pot instead of hot end)
2) RUN YOUR TONE CONTROLS ON ABOUT 5- and set up your amp brighter to compensate so's you'll have a good, brightish tone with those settings-
MAGIC! Your pickups will sound GREAT at any volume control setting!
-Pete
Caps are cheap, and if you're on an ultra-tight budget, get a few ceramic caps from RS for pennies til you get the right value, then spring for a mica cap-(much smoother).
For humbuckers, you'll probably be happy between 500pf and 1000pf, in my experience.
But try this:
1) Set your guitar up with 50's wiring (tone wire from sweeper of volume pot instead of hot end)
2) RUN YOUR TONE CONTROLS ON ABOUT 5- and set up your amp brighter to compensate so's you'll have a good, brightish tone with those settings-
MAGIC! Your pickups will sound GREAT at any volume control setting!
-Pete
GlassSnuff
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Nice answer, Pete. :dude
Haven't tried it myself, but people I respect have mentioned using a resistor in series with the bypass cap. That is, find a cap that's just a bit too dark, and then instead of trying a different cap with a slightly lower value, add a resistor (maybe 50K or 100K?) to the dark cap to reduce it's effect.
Haven't tried it myself, but people I respect have mentioned using a resistor in series with the bypass cap. That is, find a cap that's just a bit too dark, and then instead of trying a different cap with a slightly lower value, add a resistor (maybe 50K or 100K?) to the dark cap to reduce it's effect.
hottub
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I too wanted to retain my highs as the volume is rolled down. I bought a .001mf ceramic disk cap from Radio Shack for next to nothing and soldered it in place. I'm still amazed at the results. Can't believe such a little thing could give me the results I was looking for. My tone is preserved no matter what my volume is set on. Wish I had done this mod a long time ago!
rmconner80
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I did this to my two Fenders this weekend - I used a 1000pf cap in series with a 100K resistor. Works great, better to my ears than a cap alone. One has a 550K volume pot (humbuckers in the guitar) so I think these values work for 250Ks and 500Ks.
Harry Colonic Jr
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This is intriguing... I'd like to try it in my LPS tomorrow. Can somebody describe for me exactly how to wire the cap? I already have 50's style wiring.
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Harry Colonic Jr
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Never mind... I did a search and found all the right info. Trying it out tomorrow...