Author Topic: Capacitor Question (Read 4251 times)

kellar · « **on:** February 11, 2008, 05:11:33 PM »

So I have the new capacitors that RS Guitarworks developed and issues with the modern kit upgrade. I was checking out the difference between their modern kits and their vintage kits and the only difference is in the capacitors. With the vintage they offer a Jensen paper and oil cap.
Now, the schematics that they issue with both kits is supposed to be best suited for that particular kit. In other words, with the vintage kits they suggest vintage wiring and with the modern kits they suggest the modern style.
I have always preferred vintage wiring because it seems to bring out the highs a bit more and my guitar sounds open. With a Les Paul you don't need anymore lows than what you already have and with modern wiring I have always found that it muddies my Les Paul's up.
The schematic that they shipped with my modern upgrade kit has the tone cap grounded to the tone pot. I have never done that before but since installing I have noticed that my guitar sounds somewhat darker.
My question is has anyone wired these modern caps using the vintage wiring style? If so, does it brighten up the guitar at all?
I am just wondering if all this modern and vintage wiring nonsense is them trying to add marketing appeal to their product. You know, modern wiring with the modern kits and vintage wiring with the vintage kits. After all, the capacitor that comes with the modern kit is just your typical .015 and .022 set.
Just interested.

Philly Q · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2008, 05:47:58 PM »

There's definitely a degree of hype on their website, but the bottom line seems to be that they're providing top quality components, so you can't really go wrong.

I haven't tried any of their kits, but it's definitely worth experimenting with vintage style wiring if that's what you prefer. The wiring method will make more difference than the type of caps, I'm sure.

kellar · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2008, 05:53:07 PM »

Their products are excellent, albeit overpriced. Not to mention the exhorbitant shipping fees.

Philly Q · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2008, 06:06:50 PM »

I've never really looked at the prices, I just assumed they were very expensive! :lol: But I do find the photos of the kits on their website useful, just as examples of neat tidy wiring.

I like to use CTS pots etc, but I'm not bothered about them being specially selected to ensure they're >500K and all that. And I'm perfectly happy with Orange Drop caps, I'm sure there's some difference with the more expensive ones - but I'm no Eric Johnson.

kellar · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2008, 07:51:54 PM »

Well, I rewired it vintage style and it most definitely killed off some of the low end. The guitar is much brighter and now what I would call "airey". Big improvement. So, that's that. As I thought, vintage wiring is the way to go if you want to brighten up a dark Les Paul.

ToneMonkey · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2008, 10:40:51 AM »

Sorry to hijack for just a second, but Philly can I ask a quick question?

When you use CTS pots (which I just have), have you ever tried to put speed knobs on them. It looks like it's going to take a hell of a lot of force.

Philly Q · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2008, 11:27:05 AM »

Quote from: ToneMonkey

Sorry to hijack for just a second, but Philly can I ask a quick question?

When you use CTS pots (which I just have), have you ever tried to put speed knobs on them. It looks like it's going to take a hell of a lot of force.

What guitar did the speed knobs come from?

If you look at the vertical splines (? flutes? knurling? I don't know what to call them) on the split part of the pot shaft, the ones on a US pot are much narrower than the ones on a Japanese/Korean pot. So a US pot has more splines(?) than an Asian one.

If the knobs came from an Asian guitar, you'll need to replace them with US-fit ones. They should then fit easily, in fact they're often too loose.

ToneMonkey · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2008, 02:00:42 PM »

Ahh bugger it

Got all the parts new, so you would think they would fit. I do have a push/pull pot on there that isn't a CTS. The shaft is thinner and the knob fit's just fine.

The whole diameter of the shafts (the bit that moves anyway) are much thicker overall than the push/pull pot so it looks like I have to get some more knobs. Anyone know where I can get the right sized knob? Anyone wan't to buy 4 black speed knobs?

Twinfan · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2008, 02:05:53 PM »

Sounds like you need 'import' sized knobs. Try:

http://www.axesrus.co.uk

http://www.wdmusic.co.uk

ToneMonkey · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2008, 02:11:04 PM »

I bought it from axesrus along with the CTS pots. You'd have thought they'd have sent the right ones. Makes no reference on their website about these only fitting smaller pots.

I'll try WD, alternatively I'll give Stewmac a shout

Twinfan · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2008, 02:40:46 PM »

Looks like the only ones AxesRUs sell are for CTS pots? Strange.....

ToneMonkey · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2008, 02:47:53 PM »

They ain't for CTS pots, I can tell you that. :D

Sorry hunter, it appears that I've well and truely hijacked this thread.

Philly Q · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2008, 02:52:17 PM »

Quote from: ToneMonkey

Got all the parts new, so you would think they would fit. I do have a push/pull pot on there that isn't a CTS. The shaft is thinner and the knob fit's just fine.

You'll need metric knobs for the push/pull pots and US knobs for the CTS pots - so don't get rid of the old ones yet!

ToneMonkey · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2008, 03:05:15 PM »

It just so happens that on top of the 4 knobs I bought (that seem to be the metric type), I had another 2 laying around (again metric type). So it appears that I need to order them from WD Music as they say there's fit Gibson and not the cheaper Alpha style pots. Gonna cost me £8 though.

So these really are surplus to requirements if anyone wants them for a fiver.