03-02-2009, 02:25 PM
If you google "sound of capacitors" you'll get a long list of interesting articles, most of which are completely over my head. Somewhere along the line I obtained a bag of .047 1kv ceramic caps, and another bag of .0047 1 kv ceramics for very little money. I've used these in the restoration of a few "lesser" sets and found no problems with sound or other function.
Well, I usually replace all the wax tubulars on any set as well as restuff the electrolytic can before I even think about plugging the thing in on my variac. In larger equipment, if I can reform the elecrolytics in a reasonable amount of time, and the current draw is within limits, and no significant physical deterioration, I've been known to fuse, monitor, and check for heat, and leave the time bomb alone.
I like to get all the old wires off a terminal block or tube socket by wicking off the blob of solder and then unwinding the connections, I do have a s*it load of wax "condensors" with moderately long leads in various states of decay. The ones with short leads, or really seriously ugly, I throw out. Most of them test at least +30% on my novice grade Mastech meter, and do not pass muster for more than 50 volts on my ancient Eico 950 bridge/ capacitor checker (with the green eye, of course.) I'll be keeping some of these, and maybe I can make a few bucks sellling to informed consumers on Epay.
The scary ones are the B- to chassis ones that have a lot of leakage. Even scarier on guitar amps. If I can do a reversable mod (i.e. on a fender, replace the ac outlet with a 3 prong male, and then disconnect the ridiculous toggle switch and death capacitor.) to use a 3 wire cord on them, I do it, with the owner's consent. I then put all the replaced parts in a small tupperware and urge the owner to keep this in case, for some reason, they want to have someone restore the amp to original. Then they can use any old computer power cord to plug in, and not worry about damp floors, etc... No, I do not give them one of those silly adaptors that allows them to plug into a 2 hole recepticle. My additional 2 cents worth.
Well, I usually replace all the wax tubulars on any set as well as restuff the electrolytic can before I even think about plugging the thing in on my variac. In larger equipment, if I can reform the elecrolytics in a reasonable amount of time, and the current draw is within limits, and no significant physical deterioration, I've been known to fuse, monitor, and check for heat, and leave the time bomb alone.
I like to get all the old wires off a terminal block or tube socket by wicking off the blob of solder and then unwinding the connections, I do have a s*it load of wax "condensors" with moderately long leads in various states of decay. The ones with short leads, or really seriously ugly, I throw out. Most of them test at least +30% on my novice grade Mastech meter, and do not pass muster for more than 50 volts on my ancient Eico 950 bridge/ capacitor checker (with the green eye, of course.) I'll be keeping some of these, and maybe I can make a few bucks sellling to informed consumers on Epay.
The scary ones are the B- to chassis ones that have a lot of leakage. Even scarier on guitar amps. If I can do a reversable mod (i.e. on a fender, replace the ac outlet with a 3 prong male, and then disconnect the ridiculous toggle switch and death capacitor.) to use a 3 wire cord on them, I do it, with the owner's consent. I then put all the replaced parts in a small tupperware and urge the owner to keep this in case, for some reason, they want to have someone restore the amp to original. Then they can use any old computer power cord to plug in, and not worry about damp floors, etc... No, I do not give them one of those silly adaptors that allows them to plug into a 2 hole recepticle. My additional 2 cents worth.
