Vitamin Q 0.022

Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

I really want to rig up a 6-way box like that with different cap values, it'd be great for deciding what value to put in on a per-guitar basis.
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

DreX said:
Thanks a lot for all these details, and the pics. It's fun to see what kinds of experiments people are trying, and how they turn out.

What was the meter you were using for measuring capacitance?

A common problem with caps is that they will have a short, or they "bleed" current across their dielectric. In fact, I can't even find reference to any other kind of common problems that occur with the type of ceramic caps used in electric guitars, outside of the usual tolerance issues. According to this guy http://www.aqdi.com/tonecap.htm a bleed / short in a cap is the same as running the cap in parallel with a resistor. In theory, this would decrease volume, because current is being bled out through the cap like a volume control, and it might further attenuate highs, but I don't know what happens for sure, not knowing a) the physical nature of a short, and b) not having had a shorted/bleeding cap on hand to test with. There could be other factors involved that are not immediately obvious that could potentially produce the results you're describing.
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The meter on the left has an option to measure capacitance. My understanding is there are more sophisticated ways to measure capcitance more accurately, but this is sufficient for my needs. I only need to ascertain if the cap is defective, not how defective it is.
meter.jpg

It's very possible bleed is the issue. Since you mention it, the output is also noticeably lower with the inexpensive ceramics. Since I was focused on their tone characteristics, and because they exhibited problems right away, I didn't have a need to troubleshoot output level problems because I already decided I won't use them.

Not having a shorting cap to test with - you can have all my cheap ceramics for free.
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

Thanks again for posting a pic of the meters. The last time I measured a cap with my Klein multi-meter, the value jumped around a lot, and I wasn't exactly sure if or when it had settled on a final answer. I might need to shop for something better.
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

I have a ToneStyler in one of my guitars it is a great way to get multiple cap values in your guitar. It replaces the traditional potentiometer with a range of caps that get dialed in. It gives you a great feel for how different caps affect your tone and really opens up your sonic palette. The nice thing is it is 100% analog


DSC02244.jpg


As this chart shows, your old tone pot reduces both treble and midrange... at the same time... leaving only the bass tones unchanged. When midrange is reduced, your tone becomes thin and undefined. To avoid losing midrange, the standard tone pot must be left "on 10" at all times.

The only tone control which reduces treble harmonics while retaining all of your guitar's essential midrange. 183% increase in comparative midrange output... more clarity & volume... guaranteed!

EQ_Chart_4-498.jpg
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

I've considered the ToneStyler, but they're kind of pricy at $80+. I've made lots of home-made equivalents that have 6 positions, and I love the functionality.

My idea of a perfect Strat control layout is this:

Volume: master volume, push/pull or S-1 switch to activate B+N in pos 5 and B+M+N in pos 4 (the other three positions are unchanged).
Tone 1: a selector to choose different capacitors
Tone 2: a modified TBX that does tone control one direction, and bass cut the other direction.

This does tons more than a stock Strat, maintains a stock appearance, all the sounds are practical and usable, but I haven't had a chance to wire this yet as I just discovered the TBX mod recently.
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

I got turned onto the ToneStyler by an engineer at work. He has a Tele in his lab he plays around with off hours. He has hooked it up to the oscilloscope and other equipment here to map the dependencies between voltage and frequencies generated in capacitors. The Tele is cool he build a socket in it he can pop caps in and out of.

He built this n-squared matrix to map where the voltage/frequency dependencies are similar in capacitors. He is finding some caps are very sensitive to voltage variations whereas others are not. His goal is to start building and manufacturing his own brand of what he calls “efficient” capacitors.

Capture.JPG
 
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Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

Fascinating stuff, Securb. Those caps your buddy is thinking about building sound very interesting, I'd love to get my hands on them once they're available.
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

Agileguy_101 said:
Fascinating stuff, Securb. Those caps your buddy is thinking about building sound very interesting, I'd love to get my hands on them once they're available.
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I have some of the prototypes he gave me. What value are you looking for?
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

Oh man, thanks so much dude! I'd love a .022. I bet it would be perfect in my strat with Strabro90's.
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

Securb said:
He built this n-squared matrix to map where the voltage/frequency dependencies are similar in capacitors. He is finding some caps are very sensitive to voltage variations whereas others are not. His goal is to start building and manufacturing his own brand of what he calls “efficient” capacitors.
Click to expand...

I have to admit, I can't figure out what the numbers on the chart mean. A couple things I'm curious to know, though:

1) what does it mean for a capacitor to be sensitive to voltage variations?

2) what is the tonal difference between a cap that is sensitive to variation, verses one that is less so?
 
Re: Vitamin Q 0.022

DreX said:
I have to admit, I can't figure out what the numbers on the chart mean. A couple things I'm curious to know, though:

1) what does it mean for a capacitor to be sensitive to voltage variations?

2) what is the tonal difference between a cap that is sensitive to variation, verses one that is less so?
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I don't know the whole science behind what he is doing. The guy is a MIT grad with a big brain. Sometimes I can't understand him when he is just ordering lunch. His theory is more efficient components product a more consistent and clearer tone. All I know is both guitars I did a swap on still have a mid range pop when I roll back the volume. The tone never gets muddy even when dropped to zero.

misterwhizzy said:
Looking for a 0.010, brother.
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I don't have one but I can ask Albert when I get to work on Monday.
 
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