Caps in a TS808 (poly vs. Tant)

[Sic]

So, im building a Ts808 and instead of ordering the .22uf tant caps, i ordered the .22uf poly ones. I don't really want to have to make another parts order, and my local radio shack doesn't have the right value of tant caps... (they have like 2 values of tant heh)

Will using the poly caps really make THAT much of a change in the way it will sound? I really want this pedal to sound good, its not for me.

I did a search and didn't really find what answer i was looking for.

considering that it specifically SAYS tant caps, im assuming it will make a big difference, but i just wanted to get the 100% answer

[Jason D]

Actually, from what I hear, the poly's should be an improvement over the the tants. As long as you have room, because the .22uf poly's may be larger than .22uf tants.

Having said that, I haven't tried them, but I am going to this week with the 2 TS808's I am gonig to build.

[NaBo]

but tants are the key to tube screamer mojo!!!!!!  :lol:

anyway, i really doubt one cap will make as much a difference as some people say.  i'll have to socket and try both myself when i build mine next week... provided the store i shop at has restocked their .22uf 35V tants over the holidays (for some reason i think thats unlikely).  otherwise i'll use a film, be happy with it as is, and sleep soundly.  i suggest the same for you

[MartyMart]

I did a search and didn't really find what answer i was looking for.
considering that it specifically SAYS tant caps, im assuming it will make a big difference, but i just wanted to get the 100% answer

If Metal/Poly film caps ( which replace those tants in their mods )  are good enough for Keeley and Analog Mike, then they are good enough for me and you my friend !!
I go along with "best quality parts" = "Best quality tone" and no noise!!

Marty

[cb]

If you replace a cap (or caps) in your TS with another of the same value (but different makeup, i.e. tant for film) and can actually hear a difference, please post so we can can try it, too.

I suggest starting with 2 TS's, both identical, and which presumably sound identical. Then you'll know you are doing a (nearly) blind test after the mods.

I A/B'ed a stock TS-9 with a silver modded TS-9 and heard absolutely no difference. I suspect a lot of guys (not diy'ers, of course!) send their only pedal off to be modded in this fashion and get it back and, yes, it does sound better! Is it because that's what they want to hear, and they aren't doing a blind test? Not trying to be cynical, just asking questions...

[MartyMart]

If you replace a cap (or caps) in your TS with another of the same value (but different makeup, i.e. tant for film) and can actually hear a difference, please post so we can can try it, too.

I suggest starting with 2 TS's, both identical, and which presumably sound identical. Then you'll know you are doing a (nearly) blind test after the mods.

I A/B'ed a stock TS-9 with a silver modded TS-9 and heard absolutely no difference. I suspect a lot of guys (not diy'ers, of course!) send their only pedal off to be modded in this fashion and get it back and, yes, it does sound better! Is it because that's what they want to hear, and they aren't doing a blind test? Not trying to be cynical, just asking questions...

Hmm, of course you wont hear two caps changed in a TS-9, I don't know what a "silver mod" is, but there IS a huge change if you do the following to a TS-9:
Change the op-amp to a 4559p or 5532
Return the two output resistors to 808 values
Change the tone caps
Change the two NP caps to metal film
Play with the resistor values in the gain stage, for cleaner/dirtier settings
upgrade the input tranny to MPF102
Up the input resistor from 510k to 1m ohm, or there abouts

Huge benefits from those mods, which when added up, do improve the circuit.

Marty

[bwanasonic]

I recently tried swapping out the .22 tants in my vintage TS9 and felt that it really took away from the character of the pedal. It made it sound unfocused and *generic*, and I promptly restored the tants. If you want your pedal to sound like a TS, I advise the use of tants in those positions. Switching out the NPs with polys was a subtle improvement to my ears, but not a life-changing one. I wish I had thought to make some clips of before and after the tant switch.  

Kerry M

[Sic]

ok well, cool. this its not a complete disaster... i'll give it a try with the poly ones and if i don't like it, i'll just change em out.

i've never acutally played any Tubescreamer (/ducks)

((i don't get out much hehe ))

so i wasn't sure what i should be listening for... lol

[Hal]

from my experiance, tants are a bit more distored. The TS isn't a high distortion pedal as it is, so the polys _might_ sound a little "flatter."  I really dont know though.  It should be fine.

2 caps CAN make a huge differance, depending where they are in teh circuit.  Play with a multiface, you'll see.

[sskl]

all i know.. when i changed my tant to poly, aint a reissue one vintage version ... and loads of stuff
i got the creamic tone... on the middle tone.... but it soound very generic when i turn it to 6 o clock

[javacody]

MartyMart is dead on. Changing the Tants did effect the tone without a doubt, however, whether or not for the better is highly subjective. I like my tubescreamer with the mods that MartyMart listed, along with using 5 (yes I said 5) clipping diodes for assymetrical and more transparent distortion. If you do the mods MartyMart listed, you end up with a much more useful pedal, and if you set up switching for different capacitor values, you can still get the mid-range hump when you want it.