Raplacing tone caps

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ClassicRock88
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Raplacing tone caps

Postby ClassicRock88 » 07 Dec 2017, 13:33

So I have a Germino HR100 - it's a '68 spec Plexi SL clone. I was doing some research on the actual amp that I've got, and apparently when it was built it had a set of vintage mustard caps in it. They aren't in it, so I emailed a couple previous owners of my amp. Apparently a less-than-scrupulous tech stole the mustards during a service and replaced them with cheap capacitors. So I'm looking at a full set of either fleabay mustards or getting a set of Mojotone Dijon caps to put in the amp. It's not a job I feel comfortable tackling myself. How much would I be looking at to have someone do it?

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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby surfnorthwest » 07 Dec 2017, 15:40

How many caps are we talking about?
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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby ClassicRock88 » 07 Dec 2017, 16:24

We're talking all coupling caps in the amp. :(

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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby Papus » 07 Dec 2017, 17:50

Man I feel your pain bro.
Check this: I discovered that about 25 years ago when I first bought my Hammond, it blew the run motor capacitor.
I called in a tech - well-respected and liked in the Hammond community.
Unbeknownst to me the asshole STOLE my Hammond Scanner Vibrato/Chorus rotor and delay line whilst also STEALING my run motor and replacing it with an inferior substitute.
At the time I was just happy to have my Hammond up and running again, and I was ignorant of the missing Vibrato/Chorus components.
Fast-forward to the present day and I know better. I've since had the missing components reinstated.
The best part of the story? - that fuckin' puke-ass thieving little cunt died of cancer about 10 years ago, fuck him.
Dime that puppy!!!

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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby surfnorthwest » 07 Dec 2017, 18:31

I would think 2 hours labor.
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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby Anitoli » 07 Dec 2017, 21:18

If that is a turret board head, a few hours should have that problem fixed.

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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby skinnyj » 08 Dec 2017, 04:49

It can happen to the pros, as well. Jeff Beck had original PAFs stolen out of a Les Paul by one of his own techs.
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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby ClassicRock88 » 08 Dec 2017, 06:28

Thanks for the help guys. Yes it is a turret board amp. The replacement caps are Mallory capacitors. I've been able to find what seem to be three attractive alternatives. 1) Find a set of mustards. 2) Mojotone Dijon. 3) SoZo Vintage Series. I've heard an A/B of the Mojos and the Sozos and I slightly preferred the Mojos, but I like a fatter and softer tone rather than one that is hard edged. Joe B. once said it's easier to add brightness than to take it away. Opinions on replacements?

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Re: Raplacing tone caps

Postby TM1 » 19 Dec 2017, 10:14

Buy some Sozo Caps. Those are near identical in sound & build to the original Iskra/Phillips mustards. I've used these for years, ever since John Gaynor started making them probably 2003 or so. The NexGen's are exactly the same as the originals except for the outside epoxy coating that the EPA wouldn't allow. He sold his distribution to Antique Electronics about a year or so back. I've used them in new builds, restorations and repairs and they sound better than any other new caps I've tried. Prices are very reasonable.
Link: https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/c ... rd-vintage
and
https://www.sozocapacitors.com/

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