When people replace an old cap and say the new cap is not so good, it is probably that the old device had drifted and leaked over time, and had accidentally produced a desirable tone. Then the replacement cap will of course sound different, as its value will be in spec.
Exactly. But if you keep track of what you're pulling out and know what you are doing, you can tweak certain things. For example bumping the capacitance of filter caps for improved bass response.
@maat8249 Yeah but electrolytic caps rarely will increase with capacitance over their lifespan. Changes in value thru aging is going to have greatest effect where the signal is present such as the case with tone circuits and bypass caps where it bleeds off a certain portion of the signal at a certain frequency, or in coupling caps that will also cut a portion of the signal . Another thing to consider is how age and degradation affects the dynamic attributes of a component. How it reacts when subject to power and heat. Heat coefficients play a big role in what is considered in the sweetness of certain carbon comp resistors. These dynamics play a crucial role in what is perceived as the MOJO in certain types of aged components within the signal path. But it doesn't mean that I would want to place an otherwise inferior component device throughout the whole design of my audio circuit. But I might be able to utilize such shortcomings of certain components in specific circuit locations within the signal paths to create a dynamic response from what otherwise would be an unstable and substandard device, to the benefit of our perception of what makes a cool electric guitar tone. Pretty much everything we have comebto perceive as pleasant and standard electric guitar tone is because of what we initially have grown accustomed to in the early days of electrifying the guitar and making popular music from the crude basic amp designs of the post war time period. What is generally agreed upon best engineering and design practices for ultimate audio amplifier performance, goes out the door for guitar amplification. Best engineering practice and design is 180 degrees difference. The deficiency and coloration of the amplified signal is desired for the guitar. The amplifier is every bit a part of the tone and instrument as much as the guitar is the instrument.
Worked at Sprague electric in Vermont as a designer and r and d the black Beauty went through many iterations , ie dielectrics , insulators , encapsulation material while they look the same their properties are quite different, and the construction ie winding of the foils the mandrill size and tension foils overlays dielectric thicknesses , all made up the voltage and capacitance and frequency ratings the encapsulation material effects . Most were made to customer orders and specifications while theres some generic there specifications were very broad.
About 20yrs. ago,I talked to a woman at 'wal-mart'-checkout,who worked for 'Sprague'.She told me how they tested the capacitors'.A really fascinating conversation!
I find your voice calming. I could listen to you read the phone book and be fine. The fact you teach about amps and electronics is just an amazing bonus!
Young lady, I would like to know what your background is. You gave such an authoritative, informative, and professional presentation my thick head seemed to glow a little brighter. What really impressed my was that you were able to explain "older technology" so well that you could be a curator in an electronics museum. I am impressed!
Perhaps the most refreshing video on the subject ever. Usually, it's an intelligent, and nerdy guy. This is wonderful. Enchanting woman! Brains and beauty!
I've been playing music in some fashion since about 1980. Until a few years ago, the entire notion of 'having an ear' to me was about being able to listen to something and play it. All of my musician friends could do that. I could not. Now I am seeing, more and more, how there are many kinds of 'great ears'. Pedal builders. Leo Fender. Jim Marshall. I rarely ever discount when anyone says they hear something I don't.
I love looking at the old sprague components. They're like antiques and you can almost feel the pride and the feeling of like doing something important that is so new, like they used to make them by hand, and it's a whole different world, when you see how everything just was shrunken down and made by machines later on, by they still end up arriving at just a handful of packaging options and I'm the heyday if radio, they were still figuring it all out. Also the type of materials can be so much more exotic and they probably cost a lot of money relative to today. I used to hang out in the surplus when i was a kid for hours looking at all the surolus from the national laboratories. Such a treasure chest. Literally millions of dollars of components because it's from a lab that was then considered junk at that point. I w ish that store was still open.
I went down the capacitor rabbit hole a few years back when I was upgrading my Stratocaster. I searched for the best tone cap with the best mojo. I tried tropical fish, Russian PiO, mustard, bumble bee, and the last one came from a 20 for a dollar pack of eBay Chicklet caps. The Chicklet was the one I left in the guitar. I couldn't tell a bit of difference between any of them as long as the values were the same. Some will swear they can tell the difference and I'm glad they can. I just know that I couldn't.
Dont't worry. A spectrum analyzer would have difficulty finding real differences with caps of equal value, construction and intended circuit purpose. But I forgot, this is a crowd that will pay hundreds of dollars for an 'oxygen free copper' audio cable. I have a National NC-300 on the bench now undergoing a full rehab. Lots of musturds mixed with split bumblebees. As was said before, better components available now. And smaller too...
@@AE1PT Indeed. I'd like to see someone actually analyzing some simple circuits with different caps and showing us the frequency and phase responses measured on various input signals (guitar, noises, impulse, frequency sweep) and on different voltages. Then of course, the old caps leak current so maybe there should be some resistor put in parallel with that to simulate bad components. :D Maybe also a torture test to see which ones last the longest. Well, maybe temperature is another variable that should be added to equation.
A strat is also a terrible testing platform because you need to take the strings off every time you need to get to the insides. This inserts so many variables into the equation that you might as well not bother at all. Any guitar where the elctronics can be accessed through a panel would be far more reliable.
I always look forward to your videos Colleen, and I especially appreciate you educating us on the technology and its history. But as my mind is absorbing all of that goodness, my eyes are exploring your workspace for something interesting. You never fail to deliver. So, all amplification aside, tell us about that cool slot car track I see in the background. TYCO?
I took a capacitor apart. It appeared to be aluminum foil with like paper in between. Small with two wires and that was it. They say ceramic caps very depending on temperature. I love your videos. You define what cool interesting knowledge is. You Rock.
I enjoy these little sessions, they help me to review the basics I've not had a motivation to retain. After 50 years of playing I'd say whatever is original spec for the amp is the best choice. When replacement is necessary, go for the best reproductions or NOS. (but as an option, certainly Sprague would be hard to argue against!!)
I can't comment on sound quality but I too try to keep the old capacitors when they are still good. I fix a lot of WWII (and newer!) military radio gear for friends and it amazes me how so much of that old gear is either fully functional or has only one bad component. A recent ART-13 transmitter I fixed had never been used, from 1942, and the only problem was a leaky screen bypass cap in the audio amp causing low modulation. That's it!
I bought two Radio Shack MPA-250B amplifiers that turned out to be in protection mode. These are my crash test dummies. There are no schematics available anywhere, so its all diagnostic. And I love that you know so much of this history.. God, youre perfect. And im not even a creep. I never say these things. But you are so special. I mean that.
I have been saving a grip of these vintage Bumble Bee's I install them in m,y Gibson guitars. It is amazing how some have strayed in value and others are still spot on.
Great tube caddy and that Ohmite little devil resistor rack. 60 year old Mylar cap hold more cache that they really should . Since your using them in a Musical instrument the flavor does matter more than pure spec in other applications. Your closer to cooking than pure science here. That not a bad thing the proper application for it use. Nice video .
Q: Is there an amp that you feel is particulary underrated or underappreciated? Could be old and unknown, or a generally-disliked amp that you think really has something cool going on.
If it’s a coupling cap and leaking DC to the grids of the output tubes, then it will make a difference in sound because the tubes’ bias may have changed.
big thank you, hugely inspired by watching your videos. you make electronic-repair look so learnable and gratifying that i just had to go try my hand at it! i just got my first soldering iron and a whole kit to go with it. im about to go put some new pickups in my guitar and then fixup some shoddy solder joints on my amp! so for real, thank you again! it also doesn't hurt that you are really cool and make it all look cool in the process haha.
Colleen, always good info. Thank you. I love your two Simpson meters, behind you on the shelf. They are a good place to find Black Beauties in service. Take care of them, they still have value, in service and to collectors. Have a great New Year. 😁✌🖖
The only Bumblebee cap replicas I've tried are the Emerson ones. I have them in both my Burny LP and Ibanez PF200 (btw, the Ibanez Performer guitars are so damn good), but I have no idea if they are close to originals. I honestly couldn't say if they make much difference to the tone at all, but I can say that it's much more fun to mod guitars with high quality components than just buying some okay cheap components to put in them 😄
Yes, it is possible to bias by sound alone... as long as you're staying within the 10-40mA per tube bias range. Ken Fischer talks about this in The Trainwreck Pages.
Good comments, Colleen. Black Beauty caps usually leak, causing grid bias distortion. Some musicians like distorted sound, but it is certainly not good for the tubes and transformers. NOS bumble bees leak also, as they have been around for 40-50 years as well. If people like their looks maybe they could restuff them to keep original look. Happy 2024...........
I had a bunch of NOS bumble bees a while ago. I put them in guitars (not amps) and there was no difference. I am not immune to mojo though. I used to argue that different germanium transistors made a difference in circuits, beyond the measured values. I collected 100's, buying old radios etc. I made a Range Master with two transistor sockets and a bias knob. I proved myself wrong!
Q: Would you ever make your own Amp?Like you could start in the sweet spot with a 2×12 combo of your own Amp design, and choose your speakers for it etc. That would be cool 😎
Cool video Colleen. Very interesting and informative, I speak as someone who loves playing through amps but doesn’t know anything about them other than manipulating the tone. Thank you.
I believe we are looking to enhance our tone in capacitors and truth be told, true tone improvement comes from circuit design, proper lead/dress, output transformers, and speakers. I would never put a 50 or 60 year old capacitor in an amp today for we know they are very volatile after that many years of sitting on a shelf. Great discussion, Colleen! You are a rare find on RUclips and a fantastic resource of tube amp knowledge.
you have a broad knowlege on Amplifier Circuitry and love all your repairs ,Im still in deep research mode and 1 thing Im a little stuck on is what type of capacitor to use in the circuit and what not to use , I do have a Electronic background but basically it was needed to get my Electrical Certificate years ago so didnt ever apply that knowlege because Electricians just replace the whole board ,but I would love to see you do a Video of what capacitors you use to replace the old out of spec caps ,Merry Christmas hun !!!!1
Well done as usual, Colleen. My question is one of trivial wonderment. Do you do your own nail art? They are always something I notice while you're performing repair. It's not so much a distraction, but does grab my attention to the quality of the themes (flames being my favorite). Since you have a complete command of electronic expertise, there's no need to question any aspect in that area. Have a safe, happy new year. I wish you abundant health and success in 2024. Cheers!
That was fun! I love the history of electronics. There is a mystique with bumblebee capacitors. They can be very expensive! Capacitors can definitely affect audio frequency performance. If you want to become a good tech, you need to know the details about resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. I am certain Colleen knows this! She is an excellent amp tech. My question is, "What are your three favorite guitar amp text books?" Thank you.
Colleen, I have been a fan of your videos for quite some time now. i'd like to ask a question if you have time to answer it.. what do you believe is a major difference Between a paper and oil capacitor and any other type With all other specs exactly the same ? Also, please for so many of us out here. Who are deeply into electronics don't ever ever. Quit making these videos. for the first reason. Because no one can do this kind of a video better than you and secondly, you're knowledge is extremely on point and thirdley because let's face it you're beauty and your voice are very attractive and these qualities draw your audience in and and hold their attention Like no one else. also, let's not forget. How how perfectly you explain everything you're doing with amazing detail. It was a stroke of brilliance for you to start doing these videos in the first pland you have set a bar that very few can match.. so please again. Don't ever stop you are. Enhancing a largecedent of repair people who are just getting into the business or players who want to understand not only how they're guitar and their amplifier. Work, but how also you show them how they can repair this problem? Whatever it is by paying attention to what you show in your videos. . education is a wonderful thing. And you have provided that to show many people thank you for what you do
No need to put em to a vintage amp. That alone introduces so many variables that the test is worthless. A better test is to use simple test circuit and measure responses to various signals and make spectrum analysis out of that. If you don't believe test data out of such test how can you trust anything that's science based. No, you don't need to hear the cap, you wanna measure and compare things in a consistent and repeatable ways.
If they are not leaky now, they will be in six months or year. Mylar ones are better but would also leak dc in time. Problem is with black coating that develops micro cracks and moisture gets in. Cracks can be revealed if you put them in boilling water, there would be small bubles along the crack. For replacement i recomend Solen (French), which are close in sound and much more durable. Another alternative are Illinois Capacitors which are excellent, but little brighter in sound. For electrolytics Panasonic NHG gives great results. i think that i recognize RCA Senior Volotohmist and Simpson multimeter on shelf behind you, i have same ones. Would also recomend Sprague Tel-ohmike cap analyzer or at least Heath IT-11 for next show. All the best, keep up the good work.
Yo Colleen! Great video, been a fan of yours for years. I'm also a tech in the LA area and work for a small company called Luxe Musical Instrument Co. in DTLA where we make authentic reproductions of the old Sprague Black Beauties, Bumblebees, and Gray Tigers. We actually hand wind them on an original Sprague winding machine, as well as hand soldering and molding the caps. Its very cool to see you doing an in depth dive on these guys!
I just worked on a couple amps. Of the 40 bumblebees I pulled out, only two were within spec. When these start failing (paper/oil in this case), the oil can form a sheen on the case. The value goes up but the breakdown voltage goes down. The value also varies with the amount of signal across them. You could use them in non power circuits for some interesting results.
Hey thanks, I did had experience to mistakenly took them as resistor and got confused by the meter reading as trying to check the value.. Never knew could be capacitors.
I love your vids... very informative. Hiw do you compare the new digital amps to analog? I've heard some amazing digital amps but never side by side with analog, so curious for your opinion.
I had some 20 of these caps with milk and sugar, another 20 were roasted in native olive oil and served with salt and spices. Digestion is difficult though, but full of sound.
Hi there, awesome information as usual and thank you for the knowledge you share,…question- what is your go to electrical cleaner & how do you clean the electrical parts? I bought a ‘68 SR Drip edge, and it crackles all around the top when you tap on it. I thought of just give a good cleaning and take pictures/video before I take it to a tech here in Phoenix, maybe that’s all it needs.
I like working on the old Tektronix gear such as the 503, 531A, 541A and etc. I shotgun these caps when I see them. I am starting to see that the newer Sprague caps with the red lettering failing as well. I have a 180A time marker that had a lot of the Sprague with the red lettering and it started giving me problems and ended up replacing several of them. Then about 4 months later, more of these caps failed so I just replaced them all. I know a lot of people like these bumblebee caps, but they are taking a chance with their life or their output tubes and I have noticed that output tubes has gone up in price!
excellent explanation of the bumble bee capacitor and history of Sprague. what's all that interesting stuff on the shelf on your right also what's that brown case on the shelf to your left that looks very interesting
That was great. The way these things fail is interesting. I guess carbon comp resistors become capacitors when they fail. This isn't really a question, but you talked about microphonic effects when you were showing us that Premier 71 amp with the reverb. That is a really great sound it makes. Aren't valve microphonics a part of that reverb sound? Producers like Syliva Massy use amps and re-recording as part of the production process and when I heard that amp I could understand why. So how can you tell when the sound of an old amp is right? I guess you just need a good ear and a knowledge of how they are made and how they used, and you clearly have a lot of that. Thanks for making such great videos, and I hope you have a great New Year!!
What is your take on current production preamp and power amp tubes? Dependability & sound. I'm glad that at 67 years old I can still hear and even feel a difference in all of them. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for all you do!
Do you have any cool learning resources on how to fault find and fix electrical gear? For example amps or synths. Or is everything you do from experience/feel? Great and interesting videos, even from a novices pov. Keep it up! Have a great new year!
Do you service more modern PCB based tube amps like say mesa boogie ect?.. Favourite guitar amp/amps of all time? Great Channel! I especially enjoy your interviews with old school technicians.Happy new year! Looking forward to more videos in 2024
Q: Any thoughts on taking video production on full time? It’s nice to see younger generation doing this stuff. Sorry Uncle Doug! We can’t wait for more content thank you for all you’ve done.
You did a fantastic video on a fender concert a while back. This video covered many issues that classic amps experience, however, the tremolo is different than the one on a 1959 - 1960 unit (6G12 circuit). Could you please explain how this one works through the use of a schematic. Thank you
Q1: what do you recommend for someone wanting to get into working on amps? Like what are good things to start doing. Q2: why do so many techs only work on vintage amps but refuse to touch more modern boutique amps? I understand modern amps can be “technically” more complex but at the end of the day an amp is an amp
You get bumbleebee caps in old McIntosch Amps - i changed them out as if they go they will take the amp with them and this amp was 65 or 66 - i used a good cap that was recommended in the Hifi forums--- i had a cap tester and they where ALL out of value...............specs where pretty slack back then - the BASS was a lot tighter after the work and i wasn't worried about my $5-6 k amp
Of course the old caps sound better because they are filled with "old sound". When they leak out all that old sound goodness, they loose that old cap sound. That is why you need to replace them. Always replace them with old caps because the new caps are filled with "new sound". New caps with that new sound filling make the music sound sterile and cold.😁
How did you get into amp repair? Also, do you have a place to buy your merch? Thank you Soo much for your vids, I have learned more than I care to admit not knowing haha happy holidays
Shango did some tests of coupling capacitors used to couple the deflection plates of a 1940s tv. The results were very strange and interesting. It is a bit hard to follow due to the video editing jumping around, I could not reach a conclusion. There are effects like dielectric memory and piezoe!ectrics that could affect the sound. Just a bit of leakage can change the bias by a volt or two and unbalance the output transformer affecting frequency response. It is good to check the voltage after swapping capacitors.
Very cool. Who doesn't love a Bumblebee 😀 I have a couple of questions for your final video. How do you check a cap for DC leakage? And how you you check components that are in circuit? Cheers Richard.
When people replace an old cap and say the new cap is not so good, it is probably that the old device had drifted and leaked over time, and had accidentally produced a desirable tone. Then the replacement cap will of course sound different, as its value will be in spec.
Exactly. But if you keep track of what you're pulling out and know what you are doing, you can tweak certain things. For example bumping the capacitance of filter caps for improved bass response.
@maat8249
Yeah but electrolytic caps rarely will increase with capacitance over their lifespan. Changes in value thru aging is going to have greatest effect where the signal is present such as the case with tone circuits and bypass caps where it bleeds off a certain portion of the signal at a certain frequency, or in coupling caps that will also cut a portion of the signal . Another thing to consider is how age and degradation affects the dynamic attributes of a component. How it reacts when subject to power and heat. Heat coefficients play a big role in what is considered in the sweetness of certain carbon comp resistors. These dynamics play a crucial role in what is perceived as the MOJO in certain types of aged components within the signal path. But it doesn't mean that I would want to place an otherwise inferior component device throughout the whole design of my audio circuit. But I might be able to utilize such shortcomings of certain components in specific circuit locations within the signal paths to create a dynamic response from what otherwise would be an unstable and substandard device, to the benefit of our perception of what makes a cool electric guitar tone.
Pretty much everything we have comebto perceive as pleasant and standard electric guitar tone is because of what we initially have grown accustomed to in the early days of electrifying the guitar and making popular music from the crude basic amp designs of the post war time period.
What is generally agreed upon best engineering and design practices for ultimate audio amplifier performance, goes out the door for guitar amplification. Best engineering practice and design is 180 degrees difference. The deficiency and coloration of the amplified signal is desired for the guitar.
The amplifier is every bit a part of the tone and instrument as much as the guitar is the instrument.
Worked at Sprague electric in Vermont as a designer and r and d the black Beauty went through many iterations , ie dielectrics , insulators , encapsulation material while they look the same their properties are quite different, and the construction ie winding of the foils the mandrill size and tension foils overlays dielectric thicknesses , all made up the voltage and capacitance and frequency ratings the encapsulation material effects . Most were made to customer orders and specifications while theres some generic there specifications were very broad.
About 20yrs. ago,I talked to a woman at 'wal-mart'-checkout,who worked for 'Sprague'.She told me how they tested the capacitors'.A really fascinating conversation!
I find your voice calming. I could listen to you read the phone book and be fine. The fact you teach about amps and electronics is just an amazing bonus!
Hiya Colleen! Hope you have another year of growth and prosperity!
Young lady, I would like to know what your background is. You gave such an authoritative, informative, and professional presentation my thick head seemed to glow a little brighter. What really impressed my was that you were able to explain "older technology" so well that you could be a curator in an electronics museum. I am impressed!
The plunger in the corner is a nice touch.
My mother worked for Sprague electric in Concord NH where she worked on components ensemble that were use on the Apollo 11 space program.
That’s so cool!! I’d love to hear more about her experience there- shoot me an email fazioamps@gmail.com
Bless you for sharing your wisdom with us:) I love the whole vibe here, it's so nurturing :)
Perhaps the most refreshing video on the subject ever. Usually, it's an intelligent, and nerdy guy. This is wonderful. Enchanting woman! Brains and beauty!
Love this video, Colleen! Please please please do more of these.
I've been playing music in some fashion since about 1980.
Until a few years ago, the entire notion of 'having an ear' to me was about being able to listen to something and play it. All of my musician friends could do that.
I could not.
Now I am seeing, more and more, how there are many kinds of 'great ears'.
Pedal builders.
Leo Fender.
Jim Marshall.
I rarely ever discount when anyone says they hear something I don't.
I love looking at the old sprague components. They're like antiques and you can almost feel the pride and the feeling of like doing something important that is so new, like they used to make them by hand, and it's a whole different world, when you see how everything just was shrunken down and made by machines later on, by they still end up arriving at just a handful of packaging options and I'm the heyday if radio, they were still figuring it all out. Also the type of materials can be so much more exotic and they probably cost a lot of money relative to today. I used to hang out in the surplus when i was a kid for hours looking at all the surolus from the national laboratories. Such a treasure chest. Literally millions of dollars of components because it's from a lab that was then considered junk at that point. I w
ish that store was still open.
I went down the capacitor rabbit hole a few years back when I was upgrading my Stratocaster. I searched for the best tone cap with the best mojo. I tried tropical fish, Russian PiO, mustard, bumble bee, and the last one came from a 20 for a dollar pack of eBay Chicklet caps. The Chicklet was the one I left in the guitar. I couldn't tell a bit of difference between any of them as long as the values were the same.
Some will swear they can tell the difference and I'm glad they can. I just know that I couldn't.
Dont't worry. A spectrum analyzer would have difficulty finding real differences with caps of equal value, construction and intended circuit purpose. But I forgot, this is a crowd that will pay hundreds of dollars for an 'oxygen free copper' audio cable. I have a National NC-300 on the bench now undergoing a full rehab. Lots of musturds mixed with split bumblebees. As was said before, better components available now. And smaller too...
I can't hear that as well but vocal fry.....????
@@AE1PT Indeed. I'd like to see someone actually analyzing some simple circuits with different caps and showing us the frequency and phase responses measured on various input signals (guitar, noises, impulse, frequency sweep) and on different voltages. Then of course, the old caps leak current so maybe there should be some resistor put in parallel with that to simulate bad components. :D Maybe also a torture test to see which ones last the longest. Well, maybe temperature is another variable that should be added to equation.
A strat is also a terrible testing platform because you need to take the strings off every time you need to get to the insides.
This inserts so many variables into the equation that you might as well not bother at all.
Any guitar where the elctronics can be accessed through a panel would be far more reliable.
Russian PIOs are my favourite just simply because they are incredibly durable and very well made.
I always look forward to your videos Colleen, and I especially appreciate you educating us on the technology and its history. But as my mind is absorbing all of that goodness, my eyes are exploring your workspace for something interesting. You never fail to deliver. So, all amplification aside, tell us about that cool slot car track I see in the background. TYCO?
I took a capacitor apart. It appeared to be aluminum foil with like paper in between. Small with two wires and that was it. They say ceramic caps very depending on temperature. I love your videos. You define what cool interesting knowledge is. You Rock.
I enjoy these little sessions, they help me to review the basics I've not had a motivation to retain. After 50 years of playing I'd say whatever is original spec for the amp is the best choice. When replacement is necessary, go for the best reproductions or NOS. (but as an option, certainly Sprague would be hard to argue against!!)
I can't comment on sound quality but I too try to keep the old capacitors when they are still good. I fix a lot of WWII (and newer!) military radio gear for friends and it amazes me how so much of that old gear is either fully functional or has only one bad component. A recent ART-13 transmitter I fixed had never been used, from 1942, and the only problem was a leaky screen bypass cap in the audio amp causing low modulation. That's it!
Thank you a nice history and explanation about these caps.
Have seen a million of them, knew the name but not the history. Thanks!
Nice discussion. Keep the channel going and of course more interviews!
Very informative! Thanks Colleen!
Hay Fazio, I really love the words you pronounce. Ya speak my language, I really like hearing you talk. And yeah, you know your caps.
I love these videos. Amp Electronics 101 is my happy place.
Great video with a good explination of caps and some of their history. Thanks!
Absolutely hypnotized by your knowledge skill and beauty! Also your voice is really nice to listen to.
Simp alert
@@vayabroder729 i just like to give people praise when they deserve it.
Q: If you replace a pot. What is the go to Brand and model? And Mike is brave with that cutwheel. stressed just watching that. lol 😳
I really appreciate this
Gorgeous capacitors
I bought two Radio Shack MPA-250B amplifiers that turned out to be in protection mode. These are my crash test dummies. There are no schematics available anywhere, so its all diagnostic. And I love that you know so much of this history.. God, youre perfect. And im not even a creep. I never say these things. But you are so special. I mean that.
I have been saving a grip of these vintage Bumble Bee's I install them in m,y Gibson guitars. It is amazing how some have strayed in value and others are still spot on.
Great tube caddy and that Ohmite little devil resistor rack. 60 year old Mylar cap hold more cache that they really should . Since your using them in a Musical instrument the flavor does matter more than pure spec in other applications. Your closer to cooking than pure science here. That not a bad thing the proper application for it use. Nice video .
Just found you bio info that you posted two years ago - very interesting. Many thanks to your uncles.
Well done !
Q: Is there an amp that you feel is particulary underrated or underappreciated? Could be old and unknown, or a generally-disliked amp that you think really has something cool going on.
Thank you ,great helpful video. God bless. Peace n love.
Nicely done. Thanks!
Always enjoy your vids, sweet darlin'
Happy Holidays, all the best to you and yours!
If it’s a coupling cap and leaking DC to the grids of the output tubes, then it will make a difference in sound because the tubes’ bias may have changed.
Questions: when is an amp not worth repairing? Have had to turn down amp repair work and why? Thank you! ❤
Thank you for taking the time to teach...
I really appreciate the information.🙏
You have a great voice. It is very listenable.
Great video! I always learn from your videos, and really enjoy them.
Thank you, very informative
Where do you purchase components. Is there a kit with caps and resistors you would recommend. Love the vids, keep em coming!
Great video, very interesting and informative!
big thank you, hugely inspired by watching your videos. you make electronic-repair look so learnable and gratifying that i just had to go try my hand at it! i just got my first soldering iron and a whole kit to go with it. im about to go put some new pickups in my guitar and then fixup some shoddy solder joints on my amp! so for real, thank you again!
it also doesn't hurt that you are really cool and make it all look cool in the process haha.
Colleen, always good info. Thank you.
I love your two Simpson meters, behind you on the shelf.
They are a good place to find Black Beauties in service.
Take care of them, they still have value, in service and to collectors.
Have a great New Year. 😁✌🖖
The only Bumblebee cap replicas I've tried are the Emerson ones. I have them in both my Burny LP and Ibanez PF200 (btw, the Ibanez Performer guitars are so damn good), but I have no idea if they are close to originals. I honestly couldn't say if they make much difference to the tone at all, but I can say that it's much more fun to mod guitars with high quality components than just buying some okay cheap components to put in them 😄
"Don't be vague, use Sprague!" LOL
BB can go, but I like the orange drops and NOS big can electrolytics if well preserved. Nice video.
a couple of questions for Q&A.
Is it possible to bias by sound alone?
what was your first record? favorite record?
Yes, it is possible to bias by sound alone... as long as you're staying within the 10-40mA per tube bias range. Ken Fischer talks about this in The Trainwreck Pages.
Good comments, Colleen. Black Beauty caps usually leak, causing grid bias distortion. Some musicians like distorted sound, but it is certainly not good for the tubes and transformers. NOS bumble bees leak also, as they have been around for 40-50 years as well. If people like their looks maybe they could restuff them to keep original look. Happy 2024...........
I had a bunch of NOS bumble bees a while ago. I put them in guitars (not amps) and there was no difference. I am not immune to mojo though. I used to argue that different germanium transistors made a difference in circuits, beyond the measured values. I collected 100's, buying old radios etc. I made a Range Master with two transistor sockets and a bias knob. I proved myself wrong!
Q: Would you ever make your own Amp?Like you could start in the sweet spot with a 2×12 combo of your own Amp design, and choose your speakers for it etc. That would be cool 😎
Cool video Colleen. Very interesting and informative, I speak as someone who loves playing through amps but doesn’t know anything about them other than manipulating the tone. Thank you.
Great video! I certainly learned something new today.
I believe we are looking to enhance our tone in capacitors and truth be told, true tone improvement comes from circuit design, proper lead/dress, output transformers, and speakers. I would never put a 50 or 60 year old capacitor in an amp today for we know they are very volatile after that many years of sitting on a shelf. Great discussion, Colleen! You are a rare find on RUclips and a fantastic resource of tube amp knowledge.
you have a broad knowlege on Amplifier Circuitry and love all your repairs ,Im still in deep research mode and 1 thing Im a little stuck on is what type of capacitor to use in the circuit and what not to use , I do have a Electronic background but basically it was needed to get my Electrical Certificate years ago so didnt ever apply that knowlege because Electricians just replace the whole board ,but I would love to see you do a Video of what capacitors you use to replace the old out of spec caps ,Merry Christmas hun !!!!1
Well done as usual, Colleen. My question is one of trivial wonderment. Do you do your own nail art? They are always something I notice while you're performing repair. It's not so much a distraction, but does grab my attention to the quality of the themes (flames being my favorite). Since you have a complete command of electronic expertise, there's no need to question any aspect in that area. Have a safe, happy new year. I wish you abundant health and success in 2024. Cheers!
That was fun! I love the history of electronics. There is a mystique with bumblebee capacitors. They can be very expensive! Capacitors can definitely affect audio frequency performance. If you want to become a good tech, you need to know the details about resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. I am certain Colleen knows this! She is an excellent amp tech.
My question is, "What are your three favorite guitar amp text books?" Thank you.
Colleen,
I have been a fan of your videos for quite some time now. i'd like to ask a question if you have time to answer it.. what do you believe is a major difference Between a paper and oil capacitor and any other type With all other specs exactly the same ?
Also, please for so many of us out here. Who are deeply into electronics don't ever ever. Quit making these videos. for the first reason. Because no one can do this kind of a video better than you and secondly, you're knowledge is extremely on point and thirdley because let's face it you're beauty and your voice are very attractive and these qualities draw your audience in and and hold their attention Like no one else. also, let's not forget. How how perfectly you explain everything you're doing with amazing detail.
It was a stroke of brilliance for you to start doing these videos in the first pland you have set a bar that very few can match.. so please again. Don't ever stop you are. Enhancing a largecedent of repair people who are just getting into the business or players who want to understand not only how they're guitar and their amplifier. Work, but how also you show them how they can repair this problem? Whatever it is by paying attention to what you show in your videos.
. education is a wonderful thing. And you have provided that to show many people thank you for what you do
I love your vidéos ! Best ! Ps: Use modern caps !!
Left a lot of these behind!
In my Les Pauls I prefer bumble bee caps for a darker tone than the orange drop
Just run a blind test of "vintage correct" vs modern caps on the same amp if possible. It would probably "bee" a mythbuster video.
That’s exactly what I was hoping for when I clicked
...and anyone who disagrees needs to BUZZ OFF!!!
get it? get it? get it?
(snucker-snucker-snucker!!!)
No need to put em to a vintage amp. That alone introduces so many variables that the test is worthless. A better test is to use simple test circuit and measure responses to various signals and make spectrum analysis out of that. If you don't believe test data out of such test how can you trust anything that's science based. No, you don't need to hear the cap, you wanna measure and compare things in a consistent and repeatable ways.
If they are not leaky now, they will be in six months or year. Mylar ones are better but would also leak dc in time. Problem is with black coating that develops micro cracks and moisture gets in. Cracks can be revealed if you put them in boilling water, there would be small bubles along the crack.
For replacement i recomend Solen (French), which are close in sound and much more durable. Another alternative are Illinois Capacitors which are excellent, but little brighter in sound.
For electrolytics Panasonic NHG gives great results.
i think that i recognize RCA Senior Volotohmist and Simpson multimeter on shelf behind you, i have same ones.
Would also recomend Sprague Tel-ohmike cap analyzer or at least Heath IT-11 for next show.
All the best, keep up the good work.
Another video before the new year. We are getting the royal treatment.
Happy Holidays !!!!!!!!
Yo Colleen! Great video, been a fan of yours for years. I'm also a tech in the LA area and work for a small company called Luxe Musical Instrument Co. in DTLA where we make authentic reproductions of the old Sprague Black Beauties, Bumblebees, and Gray Tigers. We actually hand wind them on an original Sprague winding machine, as well as hand soldering and molding the caps. Its very cool to see you doing an in depth dive on these guys!
Absolutely crazy! Wonderful reproductions!
Omg!! I read about Luxe but wasn’t aware it’s here in LA! Please shoot me an email to fazioamps@gmail.com , I have an idea!
Big fan of Luxe, and I have the above 3 models in my Les Paul's. Fantastic warmth and tone from all! Colleen really knows her stuff!
I LOVE Luxe products. I have their reproduction capacitors in all my guitar builds. They look and sound great!
...I'm all for free enterprise!!!
I know it's none of my business- but if I were you people, I'd get the heck OUT of California...(!)
Happy New Year 🎉
you've been making a lot more videos ----- I like it, love your videos
I just worked on a couple amps. Of the 40 bumblebees I pulled out, only two were within spec. When these start failing (paper/oil in this case), the oil can form a sheen on the case. The value goes up but the breakdown voltage goes down. The value also varies with the amount of signal across them. You could use them in non power circuits for some interesting results.
Hey thanks, I did had experience to mistakenly took them as resistor and got confused by the meter reading as trying to check the value.. Never knew could be capacitors.
You're just awesome =)
I love your vids... very informative.
Hiw do you compare the new digital amps to analog? I've heard some amazing digital amps but never side by side with analog, so curious for your opinion.
A little interesting tidbit. The big Sprague factory in North Adams Massachusetts is now a famous modern art museum, Mass MOCA.
I had some 20 of these caps with milk and sugar, another 20 were roasted in native olive oil and served with salt and spices. Digestion is difficult though, but full of sound.
Colleen I love you so much- Q: Have you ever made tubes from scratch?
Hi there, awesome information as usual and thank you for the knowledge you share,…question- what is your go to electrical cleaner & how do you clean the electrical parts? I bought a ‘68 SR Drip edge, and it crackles all around the top when you tap on it. I thought of just give a good cleaning and take pictures/video before I take it to a tech here in Phoenix, maybe that’s all it needs.
I like working on the old Tektronix gear such as the 503, 531A, 541A and etc. I shotgun these caps when I see them. I am starting to see that the newer Sprague caps with the red lettering failing as well. I have a 180A time marker that had a lot of the Sprague with the red lettering and it started giving me problems and ended up replacing several of them. Then about 4 months later, more of these caps failed so I just replaced them all. I know a lot of people like these bumblebee caps, but they are taking a chance with their life or their output tubes and I have noticed that output tubes has gone up in price!
excellent explanation of the bumble bee capacitor and history of Sprague.
what's all that interesting stuff on the shelf on your right also what's that brown case on the shelf to your left that looks very interesting
That was great. The way these things fail is interesting. I guess carbon comp resistors become capacitors when they fail. This isn't really a question, but you talked about microphonic effects when you were showing us that Premier 71 amp with the reverb. That is a really great sound it makes. Aren't valve microphonics a part of that reverb sound? Producers like Syliva Massy use amps and re-recording as part of the production process and when I heard that amp I could understand why. So how can you tell when the sound of an old amp is right? I guess you just need a good ear and a knowledge of how they are made and how they used, and you clearly have a lot of that. Thanks for making such great videos, and I hope you have a great New Year!!
Which is so cool....
What is your take on current production preamp and power amp tubes? Dependability & sound. I'm glad that at 67 years old I can still hear and even feel a difference in all of them. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for all you do!
Do you have any cool learning resources on how to fault find and fix electrical gear? For example amps or synths. Or is everything you do from experience/feel?
Great and interesting videos, even from a novices pov. Keep it up! Have a great new year!
the Sprague cap im familiar with is the Orange Drop
Do you service more modern PCB based tube amps like say mesa boogie ect?.. Favourite guitar amp/amps of all time?
Great Channel! I especially enjoy your interviews with old school technicians.Happy new year! Looking forward to more videos in 2024
Q: Any thoughts on taking video production on full time? It’s nice to see younger generation doing this stuff. Sorry Uncle Doug! We can’t wait for more content thank you for all you’ve done.
💙👍🏽👍🏽 Put some of those in my amps! 😉
Love your videos about components; the bumblebee caps are new for me!
Q: do you have a favourite component and why?🙂
You did a fantastic video on a fender concert a while back. This video covered many issues that classic amps experience, however, the tremolo is different than the one on a 1959 - 1960 unit (6G12 circuit). Could you please explain how this one works through the use of a schematic.
Thank you
Q1: what do you recommend for someone wanting to get into working on amps? Like what are good things to start doing.
Q2: why do so many techs only work on vintage amps but refuse to touch more modern boutique amps? I understand modern amps can be “technically” more complex but at the end of the day an amp is an amp
??? How easy is it to adjust the sound and feel of an amp to personalize the amp ? Thanks so much for your educational and fun approach to amp stuff
You get bumbleebee caps in old McIntosch Amps - i changed them out as if they go they will take the amp with them and this amp was 65 or 66 - i used a good cap that was recommended in the Hifi forums--- i had a cap tester and they where ALL out of value...............specs where pretty slack back then - the BASS was a lot tighter after the work and i wasn't worried about my $5-6 k amp
Of course the old caps sound better because they are filled with "old sound". When they leak out all that old sound goodness, they loose that old cap sound. That is why you need to replace them. Always replace them with old caps because the new caps are filled with "new sound". New caps with that new sound filling make the music sound sterile and cold.😁
How did you get into amp repair? Also, do you have a place to buy your merch? Thank you Soo much for your vids, I have learned more than I care to admit not knowing haha happy holidays
Shango did some tests of coupling capacitors used to couple the deflection plates of a 1940s tv. The results were very strange and interesting. It is a bit hard to follow due to the video editing jumping around, I could not reach a conclusion.
There are effects like dielectric memory and piezoe!ectrics that could affect the sound. Just a bit of leakage can change the bias by a volt or two and unbalance the output transformer affecting frequency response. It is good to check the voltage after swapping capacitors.
Question: which power amp topology do you feel delivers the best tone? Single ended, push-pull? Cathode bias or grid bias? Negative feedback loop?
Very cool. Who doesn't love a Bumblebee 😀
I have a couple of questions for your final video.
How do you check a cap for DC leakage?
And how you you check components that are in circuit?
Cheers
Richard.