There are also many different materials used for capacitors. A large portion of mass manufactured guitars come
stock with a small ceramic disc caps. Many don’t use the tone control, so they never switch
them out. However, for the serious tone-seeker, there are plenty of aftermarket caps available. Metal film,
paper-in-oil, and polyester/foil will each have a different effect on the overall tone of the guitar as well as
the response of the tone control. Testing is useful to help find the capacitor that provides the right tone.
Audio Potentiometers for Guitar Wiring
Potentiometers (Pots) for
audio
are used to adjust tone and volume. Pots are resistors with three terminals and a sliding
contact (the wiper) that creates an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used (one side and
the
wiper), it acts as a variable resistor or rheostat. Potentiometers are most commonly used as
control devices, such as volume control on audio equipment. A potentiometer for Audio
applications would feature very low to no introduced noise.
Tone Capacitors for Guitar Wiring
A capacitor (cap) is a
device that
can store energy in the electric field between a pair of conductors, or charged plates. Electrical charges of
equal magnitude but opposite polarity build up on each side to charge the plates to their highest potential. A
fully charged capacitor has completed the process of storing energy to capacity. In electric guitar wiring,
caps are most commonly used for controlling the tone by reducing or retaining selected
frequencies in conjunction with use of a potentiometer.
Wire & Shielding Supplies for Guitar Wiring
Wire and shielding supplies
for
audio can make a great difference in the end result of the sound experience. Shielding is
necessary to isolate conductors from electromagnetic fields which can induce current and therefore noise. In
part, the amount of noise is influenced by the thickness and size of the conductor that is being shielded and
the material that is used for shielding. Quality construction and materials also contribute to the life of
cabling that is constantly moved around for stage performances, for example.
Input Phone Jacks for Guitar Wiring
An input jack is a small
round
electrical connector most often used to connect audio signals. It is also called an audio jack, phone jack,
phone connector, jack plug, or headphone jack. The standard size for phone other portable headsets is 2.5mm,
and
the 3.5mm size is the standard for audio headphones. Jacks can support microphones and/or speakers, depending
on
the number of insulating rings around the plug or jack.
Battery Holders for Guitar Wiring
There are various types of battery
cases and holders that supply power to the pickups and help contain a 9
volt
battery neatly inside the guitar body allowing quick and easy replacement.
9 Volt Batteries for Guitar Wiring
In any electrical application, a
battery converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy in order to power an
electrical
system. In bass guitar wiring, batteries provide extra output and fuller frequency response
for
"active" pickups.
