Simple fix to brighten tone

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 14 Apr 2003 11:14 am

To 'brighten' or minimize high frequency loss
from pot volume pedals or volume controls anywhere do the the following simple, cheap fix: Install (solder) a small capacitor (100 pf to 330 pf) across the input and output lugs of the pot. Or, on a volume pedal, attach the capacitor from input jack 'hot' wire to the output jack 'hot' wire. I have used these fixes for over 40 years with very good results. I won't try to explain the reasons why it works, BUT it does work.

Jim

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 14 Apr 2003 1:03 pm

Interesting, Jim. Does this buffer the signal in the way my Li'l Izzy does? I have to admit I don't know how the circuitry in the Izzy works, but I do know that it evens out the signal so that the tone is consistent across the span of the pedal and it also gives it a 'sheen' that is that great, sweet sound we all want. I wouldn't say that it brightens the tone though, as my Mesas will poke holes in your eardrums with treble and presence cranked up.

Bill Terry · Post by **Bill Terry** » 14 Apr 2003 2:07 pm

Sounds suspiciously like a Fender amp bright switch to me...without the switch

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Terry on 14 April 2003 at 03:08 PM.]</p></FONT>

Gino Iorfida · Post by **Gino Iorfida** » 14 Apr 2003 2:31 pm

This is what Fender does on the Telecaster as well to keep the tone from muddying up.... the only downside is that it SOMEWHAT messes with the taper of the pot, and at lower settings, tends to 'thin out' the tone a bit. A way around it is to put a resistor in series with the cap that is about half the resistance of the pot (for a 250k pot, i use a 130k resistor in series with the cap)...

I have done retrofits to pot pedals using a buffer circuit that does the deed (similar to a Matchbox type device), however now we need a battery, which sometimes is what you are trying to avoid etc, but it DOES the trick.

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 15 Apr 2003 12:55 pm

The capacitor is strictly a form of 'hi-pass' filter that hi-fi buffs used on the 'old' analog equipment with pots. The cap is very cheap and it does what I wanted. I also use a Lil Izzy, which basically changes impedance from hi to lo and in the process, cleans up the sound a lot on my guitars. Thanks for the replies.

Jim