Fuzz face capacitor directions

[SprinkleSpraycan]

I've posted a picture of the current FF I have in the works. The first input cap (2.2uf) in most cases is what i want to know more about. In pnp schematics it it shown with the negative side facing away from the input and npn schematics show it facing towards the input.

In my breadboard I've tried it both ways and I I think there is a slight tonal change. Am I fooling myself? What's the reason for one direction over another? My current understanding is that polarized caps want the negative to face the easiest path to Ground.

[antonis]

What's the reason for one direction over another? My current understanding is that polarized caps want the negative to face the easiest path to Ground

If by "the easiest path to ground" you mean the lower voltage level, you're right..

Now, in your schematic, input cap should be reversed 'cause its input side is grounded (via input level pot) where its other side faces to about 650mV..
(assuming a Si BJT..)

[SprinkleSpraycan]

I'm confused then why the pnp version has it facing the other direction.

[PRR]

An electrolytic cap blocks DC only in one way.

So for a DC-block cap, naturally it will go the other way when the transistor (and battery) is reversed.

Good e-caps *may* block "wrong direction" for minutes or days, but -will- break-down under prolonged reverse polarity.

(Big e-caps on big power supplies will go boom. Little ones only leak and make the circuit quit working.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZS8J3EwKLs
https://youtu.be/YHcjMibFGmk?t=46
https://youtu.be/rbCXKhhzBN0?t=127

[GibsonGM]

The PNP version of course uses a positive ground instead of what we're most used to, the negative being ground. 

But to the cap, "plus is plus".  It's still 'more positive' even tho we're calling it ground, which is only a convention - a common reference point for the circuit to operate around. 

[mozz]

I usually use a 1uf film or poly type cap, ala analogman, no worrys then.

[SprinkleSpraycan]

The PNP version of course uses a positive ground instead of what we're most used to, the negative being ground. 

But to the cap, "plus is plus".  It's still 'more positive' even tho we're calling it ground, which is only a convention - a common reference point for the circuit to operate around.

Right...of course....that silly 'center positive' pnp nonsense. I totally didn't think of it. Thanks.

[antonis]

There are also 1μF (up to 100μF or so) non-polarized electro caps cheaper than 1μF poly-something ones..

[antonis]

I totally didn't think of it.

Polarity orientation guessing should be easier in case of input pull-down/anti-pop resistor existence..
(you can imagine previous effect output pot in place of that resistor..