Does a CC need pot and cap replacement?

[guitman]

The CCs include CTS pots and Bumblebee caps already. Supposed, the values of the pots and caps in my CC have about the right values (500K, .022mfd), is there any reason soundwise to replace these parts? Like with the ones from Martin Six String or Crazy Parts?

I read a lot about crap pots or caps being factory-installed in regular Gibsons (no Custom Shops), which makes a replacement reasonable. But in the CCs or any other of the top-of-the-line guitars (Skinnerburst, CS Aged Limiteds etc.)?

I know Martin Six String or Crazy Parts offer pots with different tapers, and I have to admit that the volume pot taper in my Lee Roy Parnell Goldtop is my favorite so far (notable volume drop from about 8 on). What else would benefit from replacing pots and caps in CCs?

Thanks.

 

[abracadaben]

Not really. well you can always change to your taste but that would kill its value.
keep it untouched. I dont htink the eventual improvement (if any) is work the hair cut. work on a R8-0 better IMO
Matt does wonders.

But take the CC as it is. If you dont like it, then get another guitar.

edit: Gibson uses good pots and caps now. If you dont mind your pot, dont change it If it bothers you then change it (but not on a CC ;-) )

 

[MATTM]

The CCs include CTS pots and Bumblebee caps already. Supposed, the values of the pots and caps in my CC have about the right values (500K, .022mfd), is there any reason soundwise to replace these parts? Like with the ones from Martin Six String or Crazy Parts?

I read a lot about crap pots or caps being factory-installed in regular Gibsons (no Custom Shops), which makes a replacement reasonable. But in the CCs or any other of the top-of-the-line guitars (Skinnerburst, CS Aged Limiteds etc.)?

I know Martin Six String or Crazy Parts offer pots with different tapers, and I have to admit that the volume pot taper in my Lee Roy Parnell Goldtop is my favorite so far (notable volume drop from about 8 on). What else would benefit from replacing pots and caps in CCs?

Thanks.

The Gibson reproduction Bumblebee caps are far from accurate to the originals. They are not paper in oil.

If you like the taper of the stock pots, by all means keep them.

 

[Sct13]

I am finding pots are hit or miss, caps are crap.

But as stated moding tends to hurt the value somewhat. Depends on the collector/buyer I guess.

I personally do not care if the job was done by someone competant and there isn't 1500 solder Iron burns in the cavity...

 

[drugprowlingwolf]

The CCs include CTS pots and Bumblebee caps already. Supposed, the values of the pots and caps in my CC have about the right values (500K, .022mfd), is there any reason soundwise to replace these parts? Like with the ones from Martin Six String or Crazy Parts?

I read a lot about crap pots or caps being factory-installed in regular Gibsons (no Custom Shops), which makes a replacement reasonable. But in the CCs or any other of the top-of-the-line guitars (Skinnerburst, CS Aged Limiteds etc.)?

I know Martin Six String or Crazy Parts offer pots with different tapers, and I have to admit that the volume pot taper in my Lee Roy Parnell Goldtop is my favorite so far (notable volume drop from about 8 on). What else would benefit from replacing pots and caps in CCs?

Thanks.

It almost sounds like you're asking us if your guitar needs an upgrade... How does it sound?

 

[BigDipper15]

I almost always upgrade the harness. I've used MSSC and Jnesy with great success. If the taper sounds good to your ear and rolls off the highs as you think they should then keep them.

 

[Sct13]

Yep, do the harness first...before you change the pickups. dont do both at the same time....you might find the picks you have are excellent with different pots...

I should add that I did change the pots in my CC7, them went back to the gibson pots and now I am back on the mod pots...So its the need for a particular response from a pot....If you pots do not allow for a smooth enough taper then try another set.

I am fussy, however...

 

[InsertUsernameHere]

Not really. well you can always change to your taste but that would kill its value.

I honestly don't think a harness upgrade is going to drop value much if at all. A CC may be a $10,000 guitar, but it's not a 59. I mean look at the people who throw whatever flavor PAF replica into them, they certainly aren't devaluing it by doing that, and if I could afford one, I'd pay extra for great pickups. As long as it's clean work, I'd say the value would be left intact.

All IMO of course.

By the way OP, I'd suppose that it's all up to you. I'm gonna guess that the factory pots are probably not matched very well, so that could probably stand to be upgraded, if just for consistency in the way the pots respond. It's up to you though really.

 

[Jakeislove]

Change anything that tickles your fancy.

 

[rich85]

Keep the original parts and do whatever you want

 

[baj66]

The Gibson reproduction Bumblebee caps are far from accurate to the originals. They are not paper in oil.

If you like the taper of the stock pots, by all means keep them.

What kind of change to the tone would be expected using the paper in oil caps vs. the Gibson Bumblebees? Just curious.

 

[Sct13]

This is a minefield...

the cap filters (shunts) high frequencies to ground, it cuts them out.

An electrical engineer will tell you that the caps value determines this, and only this. So a Mylar cap shunts exactly the same frequencies as a PIO will of the same value. No more no les, providing the values are identical.

The disagreements surface using this argument (which is science) as valid and undisputable.

However, the material used in the construction of the cap is rumored to have properties that are not that cut and dry. This will allow frequencies to pass that are harmonic, providing a smoother sounding filter, instead of a gate.

How true is this? Id love for the Mythbusters to get ahold of this one.

I presently use Russian PIOs in all of my guitars because along with a good tapering pot these should be different when engaged.

this is KEY when engaged or allowed into the circuit, remember when they are off they are not interacting and not affecting anything. Its not until you twist the knob that they start to filter.

Do I hear anything different???

I use the PIO's because I hear highs still brimming through, but It might be that I am having a good tone day.

Its up to you and your ears. Try them and see...they are all different too.

 

[freebyrd 69]

OP, the simple answer is it's personal preference. I personally use my volume and tone knobs A LOT. I prefer a nice even sweep. I want to hear them from 2-10 when my amp is at gig volume, and I want there to be a difference with each increment on the knob.

That being said, it has been my experience that about 40% of the Custom Shop guitars, R7-R0, CC, Artist Run, whatever, are good to go right out of the box. They all get the same harness, pots, caps, etc., so it stands to reason it won't matter the cost or designation of the guitar.

I have had CC's that were TERRIBLE for this. Sounded KILLER from 8-10 on the volume knob and then BAM, nothing.

Being that CC's and Artist run guitars are limited in numbers, and are probably purchased equally by collectors as much as players, you will most likely hurt the value by popping the cherry on the stock wiring and or pickups. If nothing else, it creates a negotiation point in the buyers favor that wouldn't be there otherwise. How much? It depends on the interested buyer. Thousands, no....probably not, but hundreds, possibly.

I gig every guitar I own....it's a right of passage. Personally, I won't mod a CC. For the amount invested in them, I'll sell them if it's not acceptable.

My 2011 R9 is incredible, and I have modded that. Pickups, bridge, tailpiece, harness. Made a big difference. Most people looking at a used older R9 are players, not collectors, and will appreciate the upgrades. I would never expect to see my money back on them, but, keeping all of the stock parts, it shouldn't hurt the value anyway.

Good luck!

 

[guitman]

Hi, OP here. Thanks for all the comments.

There is no problem with the sound or taper of my CC. I was just curious if the well-respected replacements will enhance the sound in any case. I selected my CC#15 out of several other CC#15s and a lot other CCs, Limiteds, R8, R9 etc. So it's definitely got the sound that I (and not just me) liked best.

Sct13, you're saying it best regarding the caps, imo. I've also seen tables of values that confirm that there is no measurable sonical difference when using caps with absolutely the same value, no matter if ceramic, paper in oil or anything else. Still, some people hear a difference sometimes.

So I just can try it out and will not expect anything. A replacement harness could be better, or not, but it at least should not be worse than before. I also don't think the CC value will be hurt at all, as long as I'll keep the original parts.


One remark on volume pots. I had the luck and pleasure to try some vintage guitars, like '58 335, '58 Burst, '54 GT, '56 GT, '55 LPJR, '54 Strat at my home. Did also have some recent CCs, Limiteds, Skinnerburst, Ritenour and Haynes 335 etc. for direct comparison. What really stood out was that if you turned the volume down to 1 to 3, the old guitars had a notable fuller, richer and more transparent and dynamic sound than any of the recent Custom Shop guitars. At some point all the recent guitars were missing frequencies and got thinner and thinner in sound. That can't just be a pot (and cap) thing, can't it? (If so, I would immediately put appropriate replacements in all the recent guitars). The old wood (and bridge and ... ???) has to make a difference here as well. But that's another topic.

 

[Sct13]

Several things affect the pots "behavior" Constrution materials, construction practices, and of course quality. there is also how its wired. But a CC "Should" be wired 50's style,

I look for pots that are rated 550k and similar values.

I have a few pots frome the 60's and they do feel different.