Which cap to use for "dark circuit"

[McGlamRock]

I know that traditionally a .047 Cap is 'activated' to achieve the dark sound in the old Broadcasters. I added this in my recent 'Broadcaster tribute'.

However the dark circuit drops the volume significantly when selected.
If I change out the Cap for one with less resistance (maybe a .033 cap) will that lessen the volume drop?

I dig that dark sound, but the volume drop is really annoying.

 

[beanluc]

It'll be a little less dark but also it'll still be less loud.

Even a "normal" .022 will drop volume.

 

[McGlamRock]

It'll be a little less dark but also it'll still be less loud.

Even a "normal" .022 will drop volume.

Thanks @beanluc . Would the volume drop be lessened with a .033 cap?

 

[Boreas]

Thanks @beanluc . Would the volume drop be lessened with a .033 cap?

Tone caps will only alter the tone they get. What is your V pot value? If your "overall" tone is too dark, I would recommend bumping your V pot up to a 500k from the 250k that you likely have installed. That will give you a much brighter output to the T pot and capacitor. I would try that before I go down the cap rabbit hole. But your wiring schematic will dictate much of this.

 

[beanluc]

Thanks @beanluc . Would the volume drop be lessened with a .033 cap?

Some but probably not a lot, I don't think. Worth trying, though.

 

[McGlamRock]

Thanks @Boreas I actually do like the dark sound. (I just edited my OP)

The main thing I'm trying to fix is the volume drop that happens when I engage the "dark circuit". Below is the wiring I am using right now.

It sounds like changing the .047 cap to something with less resistance will just make the dark circuit brighter- and not impact the volume drop.

 

[Boreas]

Thanks @Boreas I actually do like the dark sound. (I just edited my OP)

The main thing I'm trying to fix is the volume drop that happens when I engage the "dark circuit". Below is the wiring I am using right now.

It sounds like changing the .047 cap to something with less resistance will just make the dark circuit brighter- and not impact the volume drop.

Which switch position(s) do you consider too dark? Have you tried raising the neck pickup?

 

[hepular]

I use that exact wiring (q pickups broadcaster repros, 250k cts audio pots. don't notice a volume drop with a .022. i started with a .015 & that made no noticeable difference to my ears. thinking about bumping up to .047 to get super chocolatey

 

[McGlamRock]

I use that exact wiring (q pickups broadcaster repros, 250k cts audio pots. don't notice a volume drop with a .022. i started with a .015 & that made no noticeable difference to my ears. thinking about bumping up to .047 to get super chocolatey

Thanks @hepular it's really helpful to hear about your experience with the other cap values!
I think I'm gonna put in the .033 cap and that balances things out. If it doesn't, I'll probably put the .047 back in. We'll see how it goes.
If you put in a 047 cap, I'd be curious if you notice any volume drop.