Upgrading Capacitors

[RiffGuy]

With a dual-hum guitar with 500k pots, what's a good value to start with for a capacitor for the tone pot? The higher the rating, the more lows it cuts out, correct? Will upgrading this component from the stock stuff make much of a difference?

Also, which material is the best? I read on http://www.guitarnuts.com that metal film caps are the best, but I know a lot of people like those Orange Drop caps that use polyester. Which is better?

Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks.

 

[theodie]

Re: Upgrading Capacitors

With a dual-hum guitar with 500k pots, what's a good value to start with for a capacitor for the tone pot? The higher the rating, the more lows it cuts out, correct? Will upgrading this component from the stock stuff make much of a difference?

Also, which material is the best? I read on http://www.guitarnuts.com that metal film caps are the best, but I know a lot of people like those Orange Drop caps that use polyester. Which is better?

Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks.

The higher value capacitor will cut more highs when the tone knob is used. I would recomend a Sprague .022mf orange drop capacitor for your setup. As far as it being better than you current cap, If you existing cap is a small ceramic type of job, I would say yes. Some people think it dosent make a difference but, I liked the Sprague .022mf orange drop over the stock caps. I thought it improved the tone when I used the tone knob.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Upgrading Capacitors

I recently swapped out all my .022 for .01 in my 62 RI Strat, Tokai Tele and old LP Jr. All of them had .022 in them. I find the.01 punchier, a touch cleaner, and warmer. The treble roll off is also nice and transparent and when closed has a great open wah sound. There was less clarity and more sizzle with the .022 which some folks dig. For me the change was a huge improvement in each guitar, in all pickup positions. I was suprised I dug it in all the guitars. I just did this last week.

 

[RiffGuy]

Re: Upgrading Capacitors

Looks like something I want to do, then. Thanks guys.