Capacitors??????

[Semi-hollowbody]

What are the best cap values to use on:
A)humbuckers
B) P-90's

These will be installed on a semi-hollowbody.

Wher can you get those 'bumblebee' caps you see on vintage Les Pauls.
Do they still make them? Who sells that stuff?

Thanks for your help.

 

[greco]

Re: Capacitors??????

You can use caps of various values ranging from .022 microfarads up to .047 microfarads depending on how much treble you want to bleed off.

Several suppliers sell caps of these values. The debate (and it is significant in this forum) is how much are you propared to spend for each cap. as they range from about $ 0.50 to possibly/about $10.00 US (or more) for the same value.

I'm sure that others will respond to this, as it is a "popular" topic. Personally, I buy the inexpensive caps.

Dave

 

[Artie]

Re: Capacitors??????

You can use caps of various values ranging from .022 microfarads up to .047 microfarads depending on how much treble you want to bleed off.

The only thing I would add to that is that I consider .022 to be closer to the middle of the range rather than the lower limit. You can use a .01uf if you want to have a nice subtle tone control. I believe several folks on this forum use .01's and I've been meaning to try one.

 

[greco]

Re: Capacitors??????

ArtieToo..I was thinking of putting 0.01 uf as a lower limit, but I wasn't sure how often it was used as it has such a subtle effect (as you indicated)...interesting that they are popular...must try some myself.

Also, I did't list suppliers of the more expensive caps. as I don't know where to get the best selection and prices.

Dave

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: Capacitors??????

I carry both the Hovlands MusiCaps and Sprauge Orange Drops. Both are great caps. I personally prefer the Hovlands and thats what I use, but they are a bit pricey.

 

[Artie]

Re: Capacitors??????

ArtieToo..I was thinking of putting 0.01 uf as a lower limit, but I wasn't sure how often it was used as it has such a subtle effect (as you indicated)...interesting that they are popular...must try some myself.

I've also got a couple of .0033's, .0022's and a .001 that I've been meaning to try. Trouble is, I have so many "irons in the fire" right now, that its hard to find the time to do some of the simplest things. I'm not even in here as much as I used to be.

 

[doveman]

Re: Capacitors??????

I usually try .015uf, .022uf, .033uf and .047uf. All my guitars have different values. For example: Washburn has a .015uf neck and .033uf bridge. The tele has .022uf right now. It's just to taste ...

I always use the orange drops.

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: Capacitors??????

I put .015 uF orange drops in all my axes. I love the subtle roll-off you get with em. Just works for me .

 

[Bezmotivnik]

Re: Capacitors??????

Considering what it is that these capacitors are actually doing in the circuit, compared to what they're doing in an amp, say, I find much of the lavish (and unsupported) claims for the pricey caps in this application to be...um...improbable -- but changing the values of caps can make a big improvement in how your tone control works. With a recent soapbar-equipped guitar I purchased, the less-common .033mF caps work just exactly right with the 500K pots and these very-bright pickups. The more common .022mF caps don't quite cut it and the .047mF are too much.

Caps are cheap (or should be), so get a few in different values and experiment.

 

[John Wymore]

Re: Capacitors??????

IMHO the Orange Drops are plenty good enough for guitar applications but many swear by the Hovlands. The Hovlands are 10 times much as Orange Drops but in the overall cost of a guitar $10.00 is minor so go with your gut.

Tone pot resistance affects the treble rolloff point of a tone circuit as well as the capacitor value. A 250K Pot and an 022 cap will give a different roll off frequency than a 500K pot and 022 cap.

My suggestion is try a few values and find out what you like best.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Capacitors??????

in general i find that a .01 to .033 is the range that works best for me

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Capacitors??????

The yellow cylinder Hovlands or Mallory's work for me. I like the ol' fashioned .022 on the neck but use .0068 on the bridge. I just never need the bridge to be that dark when rolling back the tone so just the subtle roll-off of a low value cap is all I need.

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: Capacitors??????

I find much of the lavish (and unsupported) claims for the pricey caps in this application to be...um...improbable -

IMHO, there's nothing to support or substantiate. It either sounds good to an individual or it doesn't. If you don't like the "pricey caps", thats cool and don't buy them. But blanket statements do no good here either.

I fully agree with John. No one seems to bat an eye at spending $150.00 bucks on a set of pickups, but in the same breath complain about a $10.00 cap. Makes no sense to me....