Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

[maxdave2010]

As some of you may remember, I'm working on my first customising project at the moment, but I'm still aquiring parts. I'm making what I have now discovered is a Tom Delonge style strat, with a single Invader in the bridge and a 500k volume pot.

I've already been advised that a 500k pot will probably be more than enough. But upon researching Fender's wiring diagrams for Tom's signature strat, I've discovered that he's got a .220k resistor and a 680pf capacitor wired up to the input and output lugs of his pot.

My basic question is: why has he done this? Does this improve it somehow? Should I consider doing this?

If it helps, I really don't like Blink182 at all, and I play more in a Hetfield/Dimebag/Morello/Van Halen ballpark. I'm not looking to emulate anyone though.

Thanks!

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

That is more than likely a treble bleed mod. It lets you clean up as you turn down the volume while still retaining the high end.

Snowdog

 

[Kac]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

On my single Invader Axe's I've wired in a .001 mf cap between lugs 1 and 2 of the volume pot to make the Invader sound brighter (better), I don't know what Tom did...
~Kac

 

[maxdave2010]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

I've bought a couple of .001 caps should I need them. But my big question is - how do I know when they might be necessary?

In your last post, I seem to recall that you said you put in a cap if it sounded "muddy" - but I'm not quite sure what that means! In layman's terms, how will I know when my pickup is too "muddy"? Is that like, really bassy and undefined? I'm not very familiar with the ins and outs of tone; in the past I've always just turned the knobs on my amp until it sounds ok!

I'm not trying to emulate Tom Delonge by any means, but I was a little curious as to why he had his pot set up this way. Your method sounds much more straightforward. Simplicity is the key in my book.

 

[Dave Z]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

well, the cap is to allow high fregs to 'bleed' pas as the resistance goes up, as was said. Why? Because high resistance acts like a filter for highs...whereas capacitance works like a filter for lows.

When the vol is all the way up, the cap has no affect. As you turn down the volume, the resistance of the pot rolls off the treble--but now your cap allows the highs to get by.

As for the resistor it's not required, some folks like how it evens out the ramp of the volume control.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

But my big question is - how do I know when they might be necessary?

Try it without the cap. Then try it with. Leave it whichever way sounds better to you. FYI, this is true of most mods

 

[theodie]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

On my single Invader Axe's I've wired in a .001 mf cap between lugs 1 and 2 of the volume pot to make the Invader sound brighter (better), I don't know what Tom did...
~Kac

Actually, I used to have a Fender Tom Delonge Strat and it came from the factory with that mod! Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!!!!!

If it is not bright enough with the .001, you can go to a .002 cap and so on!!!

 

[Strapocaster]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

well, the cap is to allow high fregs to 'bleed' pas as the resistance goes up, as was said. Why? Because high resistance acts like a filter for highs...whereas capacitance works like a filter for lows.

When the vol is all the way up, the cap has no affect. As you turn down the volume, the resistance of the pot rolls off the treble--but now your cap allows the highs to get by.

Do you think u could explain what u mean by "Bleed". i am having trouble understanding what this mod does exactly.

 

[Children of Bodom]

Re: Resistors and Capacitors on an Invader

Im guessing its let through kinda like you "bleed" something dry