Would you REMOVE GOOD working filter caps on 1950s Fenders?

[rp]

Especially if you or you tech saved the old parts - What's the big deal?

BTW it's real hard to hear the caps degrade 'cause it's so gradual but in something transparent ie hi-end hi-fi IME the timeline is 10 years. I have Naim and an '80s Onix intergrated (both SS) and the Naim after 10 years just got too dirty to tolerate. The Onix seemed decent enough till I recapped it, then holy shit! It's my hifi again till I get the money to service the Naim.

So, you've got 10 good years after that you'll have less good years, and with guitars amps you might not hear it for 30 years - but 60 year old e-caps

[Structo]

I venture to say that modern high quality electrolytics will last longer than 10 years, especially when powered up regularly.

I can't imagine replacing them all every 10 years.

[rp]

I wouldn't bother either in guitar amps but in hifi I now believe, sadly, as it's real big dough to get the Naims serviced. My Naim stuff was made in '97 and they use the best caps around, in the past BHC or Epcos but now Kendeil. I'm sure they are ~97% fine after 10 years but that 3% is audible in good hifi.

BTW yeh I should recap it all myself, but a full inspection is in order and there's resale value to think about.

[Toppscore]

LOL, the topic of this tread begs the question. What is old, and what is good? If a filter cap is well past its expected service life, it is no longer considered good and should be replaced [1]. If it is a bank a caps, like under the dog house, I think you'd want to do all or none. Mixing old caps with new caps seems like a bad idea, sorta like changing 3 tires and leaving the 4th because it still has good tread.

[1] I suppose if you live in a developing nation where you can't get parts for love or money the you do what you have to do, but not in a modern country where supplies are plentiful and prices reasonable.

Thanks, Phil. Personally, I've learned (and agree with) that the set of six
filter caps should be removed as a group. I've read and was informed that only
removing "necessary" and not "all" is desired. But probably misunderstood that statement
My 1954 Fender 5D6 4x10 Bassman has six new filter caps


This economy DOES feel like a Third World Nation

[Toppscore]

Especially if you or you tech saved the old parts - What's the big deal?

BTW it's real hard to hear the caps degrade 'cause it's so gradual but in something transparent ie hi-end hi-fi IME the timeline is 10 years. I have Naim and an '80s Onix intergrated (both SS) and the Naim after 10 years just got too dirty to tolerate. The Onix seemed decent enough till I recapped it, then holy shit! It's my hifi again till I get the money to service the Naim.

So, you've got 10 good years after that you'll have less good years, and with guitars amps you might not hear it for 30 years - but 60 year old e-caps

He saved the old caps. Want them? Four are able and ready

Mostly, just trying to go out swinging to keep original items in the amp.
But, learn as you go. Some components just gotta walk the plank

[rp]

Once I would have, but gave up trying to fit small caps inside. Keep them, collectors are changing, you see it in cars, motorcycles... it's like old furniture now, untouched originals are becoming more valuable then perfect restores. Keep the mouse turds and insect wings too.

[Toppscore]

Once I would have, but gave up trying to fit small caps inside. Keep them, collectors are changing, you see it in cars, motorcycles... it's like old furniture now, untouched originals are becoming more valuable then perfect restores. Keep the mouse turds and insect wings too.

Thanks, RP!
I have them all in a bag with the original three prong plug.