Replacement caps for Astron Minimites?

mr_hankey · May 27th, 2007, 06:51 AM

I recently bought a G6G-B '64 Bassman, which (electronically) is in good shape. The previous owner took good care of it, so it's functioning perfectly. I did however, notice that some of the filter caps look like they need replacement.

What should I replace them with? AFAIK, filter caps don't affect tone, but I want to make sure the replacements are as similar as possible.
http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/index.p...6ecd4ae2c7764f
Which out of these would be best? Or should I look elsewhere?

Also, what are some good power tubes for it? I've got Sovtek 5881WXT's in there right now, which aren't really doing it for me.

Thanks!

Dacious · May 27th, 2007, 09:04 AM

I would suggest Spragues for best fit in Fenders and to retain value. The blue filter caps are available in various values from 8-100uf and voltage ratings from 350-500v. The smaller but long black ones in 100v work for the bias and the smallest as signal path caps.

Lots of vendors sell these - Doug Hoffman does, so does Triode Electronics. I've used the black Nichon/Ixion (?) ones in a Vibrosonic where the owner was budget minded and in a hurry and they sounded fine and still work OK several years on, but they look strange inside the doghouse as they're so small.

My view is 20 or more y.o. old electro caps regardless of how good they were new; if they are worn do adversely affect tone by attenutating frequencies and losing bass repsonse either in the power supply or in the tone stack. It's one of those things you change and then realise how much you were missing.

I've had good success in homebrews and low-value amps with the small black caps especiallly where space is an issue. In a Fender vintage amp I'd use the Spragues as a preferrence because they are a good product and fill the space well plus they are not dear. Plus they are a good product and show you cared about the amp.

For tubes - another can of worms. I like Svets. I have Sovtek 6L6WXT+ (not the military '5881') in my Vibrolux at present and have been happy with them. Many swear by the JJs.

mr_hankey · May 27th, 2007, 11:16 AM

How would the Sprague's affect tone? I've heard that they are quite bright, but is that only the case with the signal caps?

geoffreysnow · May 27th, 2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_hankey

AFAIK, filter caps don't affect tone, but I want to make sure the replacements are as similar as possible.

Filter caps do change tone. Replacing old worn caps will make the amp sound more full and can get rid of hum.

The blue spragues recommended are the standard and many have said sound better than jj's or generic asian (i believe if i'm not mistaken, but correct me if i'm wrong, jj's are generic asian caps just relabeled).

What's more is that if you don't replace them and you keep playing, it's just a matter of time before one goes and leaves a nasty mess.

mr_hankey · May 27th, 2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffreysnow

Filter caps do change tone. Replacing old worn caps will make the amp sound more full and can get rid of hum.

The blue spragues recommended are the standard and many have said sound better than jj's or generic asian (i believe if i'm not mistaken, but correct me if i'm wrong, jj's are generic asian caps just relabeled).

What's more is that if you don't replace them and you keep playing, it's just a matter of time before one goes and leaves a nasty mess.

Yeah, I've seen it before.

Well, thanks for the help, I'll order some Spragues very soon!

CancerLeoCam · May 27th, 2007, 11:28 PM

I'd recommend Xicon. I still use the Spragues for the high-end amp models I build but the Xicons are stout and are mucho smaller in size and inexpensive compared to the Spragues.

Retail a Sprague 20uF/500V will cost you $6.50 a piece. The Xicon 22uF/450V will cost you $2.10.

For six of the Sprague filter caps your cost would be $39.
For six of the Xicon filter caps your cost would be $12.60.

A great alternative.

mr_hankey · June 24th, 2007, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CancerLeoCam

I'd recommend Xicon. I still use the Spragues for the high-end amp models I build but the Xicons are stout and are mucho smaller in size and inexpensive compared to the Spragues.

Retail a Sprague 20uF/500V will cost you $6.50 a piece. The Xicon 22uF/450V will cost you $2.10.

For six of the Sprague filter caps your cost would be $39.
For six of the Xicon filter caps your cost would be $12.60.

A great alternative.

I don't mind paying a little bit more for quality; but if the difference is negligible, I might as well go for some Xicons.

Should I also be thinking about replacing the signal caps? They don't show any visible signs of (imminent) failure; but the fact that they are 40+ years old might be reason enough.

dibber124 · June 24th, 2007, 04:18 PM

I have been an amp repair tech for over 35 years, and always use Sprague Atom caps in Fender amps. What you heard about bright sounding Sprague caps refereed to the "orange drop "715. The sound of these caps seemed to change about ten years ago. Now I use Mallory 150's. Just cannot bring myself to use cheapo caps in my repairs, although Panasonic and Nichicon caps are excellent. N/A in axial configuration or I would use them.

RomanS · June 24th, 2007, 04:18 PM

F+T caps (as sold by www.tubetown.de ) are supposed to be very high quality, too!

mr_hankey · July 28th, 2007, 11:21 AM

I've replaced the filter caps with Sprague Atoms, but I haven't had a chance to fire it up and test it yet.

I did notice, while poking around in the amp, that the 25+25 Mallory signal caps are also showing signs of bulging. Are Mallory 150's the way to go here?

geoffreysnow · July 28th, 2007, 12:25 PM

25/25 is also an electrolytic. Replace those too. if you don't want to use a dual 25 (F&T makes one) you can use two seperate 25uf caps wired next to eachother.

you also need to replace the one above the power transformer in the pic above on the small board with the diodes next to them.

mr_hankey · August 1st, 2007, 11:46 AM

^Right. Which ones do you guys recommend?

Rusty · August 1st, 2007, 03:53 PM

http://stores.ebay.com/Luxe-Guitars

seen these on ebay for a while...have no idea if they're any good? they look cool, but i haven't heard any reports on them...

geoffreysnow · August 1st, 2007, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

http://stores.ebay.com/Luxe-Guitars

seen these on ebay for a while...have no idea if they're any good? they look cool, but i haven't heard any reports on them...

Those are repro caps - basically new stuff in cases to make it look like the old. pretty sure their filters are just xicons and their signal caps are sprague 150's? nothing special, look like the old, but you can just use what was recommended above (sprague atom/f&t) and it'll be cheaper and possibly even better.

Rusty · August 5th, 2007, 10:48 PM

good to know...thanks!!!

May 27th, 2007, 06:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
mr_hankey Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Netherlands Age: 19 Posts: 237	Replacement caps for Astron Minimites? I recently bought a G6G-B '64 Bassman, which (electronically) is in good shape. The previous owner took good care of it, so it's functioning perfectly. I did however, notice that some of the filter caps look like they need replacement. What should I replace them with? AFAIK, filter caps don't affect tone, but I want to make sure the replacements are as similar as possible. http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/index.p...6ecd4ae2c7764f Which out of these would be best? Or should I look elsewhere? Also, what are some good power tubes for it? I've got Sovtek 5881WXT's in there right now, which aren't really doing it for me. Thanks!

May 27th, 2007, 09:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
Dacious Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Godzone Posts: 2,612 35 Photos	I would suggest Spragues for best fit in Fenders and to retain value. The blue filter caps are available in various values from 8-100uf and voltage ratings from 350-500v. The smaller but long black ones in 100v work for the bias and the smallest as signal path caps. Lots of vendors sell these - Doug Hoffman does, so does Triode Electronics. I've used the black Nichon/Ixion (?) ones in a Vibrosonic where the owner was budget minded and in a hurry and they sounded fine and still work OK several years on, but they look strange inside the doghouse as they're so small. My view is 20 or more y.o. old electro caps regardless of how good they were new; if they are worn do adversely affect tone by attenutating frequencies and losing bass repsonse either in the power supply or in the tone stack. It's one of those things you change and then realise how much you were missing. I've had good success in homebrews and low-value amps with the small black caps especiallly where space is an issue. In a Fender vintage amp I'd use the Spragues as a preferrence because they are a good product and fill the space well plus they are not dear. Plus they are a good product and show you cared about the amp. For tubes - another can of worms. I like Svets. I have Sovtek 6L6WXT+ (not the military '5881') in my Vibrolux at present and have been happy with them. Many swear by the JJs. __________________ My other Telecaster is a Thinline The Tele Bible, Ch 1, v 10 Love thy Telecaster, covet not thy neighbour's Strat!

May 27th, 2007, 11:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
CancerLeoCam Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mule Deer-Mt. Lion Safari, CA Posts: 1,653 5 Photos	I'd recommend Xicon. I still use the Spragues for the high-end amp models I build but the Xicons are stout and are mucho smaller in size and inexpensive compared to the Spragues. Retail a Sprague 20uF/500V will cost you $6.50 a piece. The Xicon 22uF/450V will cost you $2.10. For six of the Sprague filter caps your cost would be $39. For six of the Xicon filter caps your cost would be $12.60. A great alternative. __________________ Everyone's your buddy when they want you or something from you. If you're not willing to work for free why should somebody else?

June 24th, 2007, 04:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
dibber124 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Long Island, New York Age: 54 Posts: 1,192	I have been an amp repair tech for over 35 years, and always use Sprague Atom caps in Fender amps. What you heard about bright sounding Sprague caps refereed to the "orange drop "715. The sound of these caps seemed to change about ten years ago. Now I use Mallory 150's. Just cannot bring myself to use cheapo caps in my repairs, although Panasonic and Nichicon caps are excellent. N/A in axial configuration or I would use them. __________________ "I feel that it is healthier to look out at the world through a window than through a mirror. Otherwise, all you see is yourself and whatever is behind you." - Bill Withers

June 24th, 2007, 04:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
RomanS Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vienna, Austria Age: 36 Posts: 2,701 14 Photos	F+T caps (as sold by www.tubetown.de ) are supposed to be very high quality, too! __________________ http://www.pbase.com/romans http://www.myspace.com/romans212

May 27th, 2007, 11:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
mr_hankey Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Netherlands Age: 19 Posts: 237	How would the Sprague's affect tone? I've heard that they are quite bright, but is that only the case with the signal caps?

July 28th, 2007, 11:21 AM	#10 (permalink)
mr_hankey Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Netherlands Age: 19 Posts: 237	I've replaced the filter caps with Sprague Atoms, but I haven't had a chance to fire it up and test it yet. I did notice, while poking around in the amp, that the 25+25 Mallory signal caps are also showing signs of bulging. Are Mallory 150's the way to go here?

July 28th, 2007, 12:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
geoffreysnow Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 208	25/25 is also an electrolytic. Replace those too. if you don't want to use a dual 25 (F&T makes one) you can use two seperate 25uf caps wired next to eachother. you also need to replace the one above the power transformer in the pic above on the small board with the diodes next to them.

August 1st, 2007, 11:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
mr_hankey Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Netherlands Age: 19 Posts: 237	^Right. Which ones do you guys recommend?

August 1st, 2007, 03:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
Rusty Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 331 26 Photos	Luxe??? http://stores.ebay.com/Luxe-Guitars seen these on ebay for a while...have no idea if they're any good? they look cool, but i haven't heard any reports on them... __________________ Take it easy, Rusty www.myspace.com/1rusty www.rustyanderson.net

August 5th, 2007, 10:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
Rusty Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 331 26 Photos	good to know...thanks!!! __________________ Take it easy, Rusty www.myspace.com/1rusty www.rustyanderson.net