caps, volts etc

[jumbodbassman]

I am thinking of putting some .1 MF caps in a few basses to get some extra thump.  looking on ebay the v (volts i assume)  are anywhere from 25v to 600 v.  Does the v make a difference  or is it just a needs to be above xxx..  also does it matter with active versus passive pickups.  I have a project i am working on that i decided to put one emg j pup in.  on test run  - full treble sound nice and clean  but missing the thump nwhen turning down the tone pot...     I put 25ohm pots  and .033 cap in.  after looking at emg website i realize they require a .1 MF cap....

I know most of you hate EMG's but i find they work well with certain basses or situations...

Jim

[Pilgrim]

My Schecter has EMGs and sounds great! 

[exiledarchangel]

The output of even the hotter pups are on the millivolt range, so practically any cap will work, even 6.3v caps or lower, if you can find them.

[dadagoboi]

I may have some .1 caps, Jim.  I'll check tomorrow and send you one if I do.

[Psycho Bass Guy]

The output of even the hotter pups are on the millivolt range, so practically any cap will work, even 6.3v caps or lower, if you can find them.

The high voltage ratings also serve another purpose; isolation from noise from the amp's input stage. That's why 400v ratings are common in basses whose pickups have a peak output of little over a volt.

[Highlander]

No problems with EMG's in this camp either...

[exiledarchangel]

The high voltage ratings also serve another purpose; isolation from noise from the amp's input stage. That's why 400v ratings are common in basses whose pickups have a peak output of little over a volt.

Didn't know about that, thanx PBG!

[Psycho Bass Guy]

Another, unstated benefit is that if there's an internal short in your amp and it starts dumping DC on your bass cable, you're protected up the voltage rating of your tone cap. That was a BIG deal back in the day.

[dadagoboi]

Another, unstated benefit is that if there's an internal short in your amp and it starts dumping DC on your bass cable, you're protected up the voltage rating of your tone cap. That was a BIG deal back in the day.

I think I understand those giant caps in vintage Teles now.

[jumbodbassman]

Another, unstated benefit is that if there's an internal short in your amp and it starts dumping DC on your bass cable, you're protected up the voltage rating of your tone cap. That was a BIG deal back in the day.

good to know...

[Psycho Bass Guy]

FYI, the reason it doesn't protect from ground shocks is that is AC at 60Hz, which the cap is all too happy to pass. AC will hurt you, but DC will kill you. It takes a much smaller sustained DC current to stop your heart than for AC.

[jumbodbassman]

here is the obligatory picture of this project.  put some labella flats on it on Saturday.  sound great.  ythe flats have taken some of that unwanted sizzle of the emg's.  it sounds really nice.  with the tone all the way off a very nice hofner tone.  inspired my to sit down and finally figure out a few beatle tunes i have always wanted to do/know....  Help from my friends ( always did the maddogs version in the past),  something

here it is next to a bruce johnson ssb i got from bill recently.



next to 2 bruce johnson basses



jim and the family scroll

[Highlander]

family shot...