Tone Capacitor Problem?

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

The tone pot on one of my National Chicagoan's has no effect when I turn the control. Would a bad capacitor cause this? and how can I test it? Also, if the capacitor is bad what size would I use to replace it?

Joe McHam · From: Houston, TX * R.I.P.

If you have an volt/ohmeter, select the ohms function, you can check the capacitor. If the capacitor is shorted or open, you will not see any change in the volt/ohmeter. A shorted capacitor would seem like the problem. I hope this is helpful. For small value capacitor, you will not see much change in the ohmeter, if the capacitor is shorted you should read zero ohms.. or close.. You might also check the solder connections on the circuit.. a cold solder joint will cause problems..

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Don't have a volt/ohmmeter. I looked under the pickup plate and it looks like the original capacitor in there. I'm gonna try and re solder the connections and see if that helps any and take a closer look at the capacitor to see what size it is.

John Daugherty · From: Rolla, Missouri, USA

Andy, although it is rare, a pot can get corroded and dirty enough to cause the problem. It's a good idea to squirt some cleaner into the pot if possible.
It is not likely that the capacitor is bad. The more likely suspects are the pot and the 4 solder connections.
You can check for an open cap by bridging it with a good cap to see if it changes the tone. If the cap is shorted, the tone control will kill the signal in the ccw position. The cap value should be printed on the cap. I don't know the value used in your situation. I do remember some tone pots using a .04mfd cap.

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[This message was edited by John Daugherty on 22 August 2006 at 06:24 AM.]

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