Mic Kaczmarczik's Fender Tone Circuit Information

Fender Tone Circuit


Fender

Fender Tone Circuit

This directory contains USENET articles Mic has saved about guitars, equipment, pickup, techniques, players, and so on. Mic has graciously granted permission to post the stuff on the JT30 page on the off chance that it might be useful in the context of Blues Harmonica. Mic is not responsible for the content, just the collection.

Fender

Fender Tone Circuit
From fto--(at)--etcom.com Fri Oct 13 11:18:27 CDT 1995
Article: 4368 of alt.guitar.amps
Newsgroups: alt.guitar.amps
From: fto--(at)--etcom.com (Tom May)
Subject: Re: How to compute tone control response: was Marshall "sweep" control
In-Reply-To: mgarvi--(at)--anix.com's message of 5 Oct 1995 17:54:26 -0400
Message-ID:
Sender: fto--(at)--etcom7.netcom.com
Organization: The Planet Eden
References: <44t7qe$af--(at)--anix2.panix.com>
<451k6i$id--(at)--anix2.panix.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 1995 05:39:22 GMT
Lines: 111


Somewhere down at the bottom of this, I offer an interpretation of
what I believe the typical Fender/Marshall tone controls are *really*
doing to the frequency response. But first, this word from our
sponsor, Mark Garvin:


In article <451k6i$id--(at)--anix2.panix.com> mgarvi--(at)--anix.com (Mark Garvin) writes:


>.... Hi again, Tom. This is the one I was thinking about. It
>just changes the pivot point in the tone stack. In other words, it
>will shift the notch frequency upward and at the same time it will
>lessen the depth of the notch. A side result is that the bass and
>middle controls will have less effect.


>Back to the sweep control, consider the simplified version of that ckt
>with the treble and bass controls up full, mid at 0. This is the
>classic mid-cut (notch) circuit that most tone controls 'condense'
>to when considered closely.
>
> | | Ct
>from plate> -----------| |----------------> to vol control
> | | | |
> \ \
> / Rb / Rt
> \ \
> / /
> | |
> ----------------
> |
> ----- Cb
> -----
> |
> |
> -----
> ---
> -


[... Mark analyzes the hell out of this circuit before our very eyes ...]


>so the center frequency is 295.1 Hz (whew!)
>
>Note that these values are not exact, because from the start,
>I chose to simplify the 'voltage dividers'. The actual attenuation
>and formulae should have been:
>
> 250k
>----------- etc.
> 250k + Xc
>This requires a lot more complex equation. I believe that the Fender
>controls actually balance closer to 320hz. Big deal.


Mark, I spiced this thing (Fender Twin Reverb AB763 TABv3 p.483) up
good and your numbers for the -3db points and notch frequency are
right on even with all your approximations. Nice analysis, very
impressive and enlightening when I took the time to understand it and
draw even further reduced circuits for high and low frequencies. When
I included a non-zero source impedance on the input side, a finite
load impedance on the output side, and threw in all the parts you
threw out, it only made a difference in about the third significant
figure. The notch is indeed at 295Hz.


In general, the non-zero source impedance cuts highs (it is a divider
with Rb), and the finite output impedance cuts lows (it is a divider
with Rt). In the Fender circuit, the cuts are about equal so the
whole response drops fairly evenly.


>Writing a program to do the math above would be pretty easy. Then
>just vary Rb and see the resultant curve: As Rb gets smaller, the
>notch frequency will move upward and the attenuation in midband will
>decrease.


Yes, that is what I saw, but the other equally important effect is
that as Rb is decreased the treble response really falls off as the
treble gets shunted to ground through Rb and Cb. When Rb gets on the
order of 5K or so the "notch" appears more like this:
__
\
\
\ ____
\/


Not a Good Thing.


My new grokking of the Fender/Marshall type tone control is now:


Turning up the bass and treble *increases* the bass and treble
frequencies from a flat response, leaving a notch in the middle. The
corner and notch frequencies can be calculated like you said. The
midrange control is not *really* a midrange - it sort of sets the
"floor" for the whole response (not surprising from its position at
the bottom of the whole tone divider circuit) - as it is turned up, it
tries to compress the whole frequency response upwards to a flat line,
with the greatest affect (most compression) on the most deeply cut
frequencies. Since these are usually the frequencies in the notch,
this means it is usually turning up the midrange, but it is just as
capable of turning up the bass and treble when those controls are
turned down. The midrange control cannot boost the notch frequencies
high enough to flatten the response, though; the only way to get a
flat response is to turn the bass and treble all the way down to
eliminate the notch. The corollary to this is that turning up the
midrange will *not* boost the mids *above* the bass and treble.


I've got this weird feeling that I would have been better off not
knowing all that, but too late now :-)


And Rb, the "sweep" control? You're right, it looks better to change
the corner frequencies by adjusting Ct and Cb because of Rb's
deleterious effect on the treble. (Note that the 100k Fender value
actually seems to boost the highs somewhat; 50k gives a flatter
bass/treble balance in simulation).
--
Tom.


From PYLO--(at)--su.edu Mon Nov 27 16:47:41 CST 1995
Article: 5850 of alt.guitar.amps
From: PYLO--(at)--su.edu (Ruth and Dale VanZile)
Newsgroups: alt.guitar.amps
Subject: Re: Tone circuits: part 3
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 1995 13:03:29
Organization: Arizona State University
Lines: 25
Message-ID:
References: <499a1r$1o--(at)--anix2.panix.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: ppp2-13.inre.asu.edu
X-Newsreader: Trumpet for Windows [Version 1.0 Rev A]


In article <499a1r$1o--(at)--anix2.panix.com> mgarvi--(at)--anix.com (Mark Garvin) writes:


>Please try to post follow-up queries. No problem with email generally,
>but I will not have as much time to reply to separate email questions.
>This post has already taken long enough. Darn ASCII diagrams.


>Anyway, I hope this has helped to answer a few of the email queries.
>Sorry for the delay.


I think also that the Fender circuit has a bit less insertion loss. I'd be
interested to see your thoughts and analysis on the Hiwatt tone circuit and
the 6G7 Fender Bandmaster. I've done some freq. response analyses on these
circuits using a program called "ECAP". The Hiwatt actually has a bit of a
mid-boosting action to it in the area of 400Hz to 2500Hz (estimated #s, as
it's been a while since I ran the circuits) or so, along with a serious scoop
at about 300Hz. The 6G7 has a big dip at about 800 Hz, and both have better
bass response than the later Fenders. IMO, they are really nice sounding
circuits. The 6G7 sounds brown and almost Marshall-esque, and the Hiwatt is
crisp but still packs some punch in the lows, along with a "clean" sounding
low mid area. Do you have a print of these? I can send a copy of each if you
need it. Or, if you're in the NYC area, I can drop one off over the holiday
break, as I'm going to be back that way for a wedding....


Dutch


From mgarvi--(at)--anix.com Wed Nov 29 00:29:58 CST 1995
Article: 5911 of alt.guitar.amps
From: mgarvi--(at)--anix.com (Mark Garvin)
Newsgroups: alt.guitar.amps
Subject: Re: Tone circuits: part 3
Date: 28 Nov 1995 21:05:16 -0500
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC
Lines: 76
Message-ID: <49gf4s$ga--(at)--anix2.panix.com>
References: <499a1r$1o--(at)--anix2.panix.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: panix2.panix.com


In <499a1r$1o--(at)--anix2.panix.com> mgarvi--(at)--anix.com (Mark Garvin) writes:


>TONE CIRCUITS, PART 3. Fender controls vs hifi controls.


>----------------- BASS and TREBLE BOOST (MID CUT) ------------------


> In >---+-------------------------------
> | |
> / |
> / R1 ---
> / --- C3
> / |
> | R4 |
> +--------------//////----------+--------> Out
> |
> ---
> --- C2
> |
> /
> / R3
> /
> /
> |
> -----
> ---
> -


By the way, assuming that the 'left' and 'right' R-C sections do not
interact (left RC net is low impedance compared to right-side RC net),
the center frequency (and therefore the attenuation) can be
approximated as:


159000
------------------------------
_ /-------------------------- <-attempt at square root symbol
\/ R1 * C2 * R4 * C3


where Cap values are in microfarads


R3 is ignored, since it is usually small compared to R1


>----------------- BASS and TREBLE CUT (MID BOOST) ------------------


> In >---+
> |
> /
> / R1
> /
> /
> |
> --- C1
> ---
> | R4
> +------//////-------+--------> Out
> | |
> / ---
> / R3 --- C4
> / |
> / |
> | |
> ----- -----
> --- ---
> - -


Pretty much the same here, ignoring R1


159000
------------------------------
_ /-------------------------- <-attempt at square root symbol
\/ C1 * R3 * R4 * C4


>Mark Garvin
>Composer/Design Engineer
>New York City





 

Index:

1974 prices
3 Spring Reverb Tanks
3 Wire Cord installation
5R4 not enough current
5V4 in BF Deluxe
6550s in Super
68 Princeton Rectifier
68 Super Reverb
6L6 in Champ Again
6L6 in Deluxe LV
6L6 in Deluxe Reverb
6SC7 to 12AX7
6V6 In 6L6 Amp Test
6V6 in Showman Test
6V6s in Super
AA vs AB 763
AA763 vs AB763
Alternative Switches
Bad Fender Mods
Bandmaster Cathode Bias
Bassman 10 info
Bassman Head Running 2ohms
Beef Up Tweed Champ
Birth of Fender Reverb
Blackface Cabinet Dates
Blackface Pro
Blame UL
Blues Deluxe review
Brown Bassman Transformers
Brownface Trem Pulse
Brownface Tremolux Cabinets
CBS Deluxe Reverb Changes
Champ 8ohms
Champ problems
Champ speakers
Champ Transformers
Choke Specs
Clean Ckt Board
Concert Head Footswitch
Dead Amp Checkout
Deluxe Cathode Bias Mod
Deluxe reissue vs original
Deluxe Tweed vs BF
Design Eras
Detailed AB568 test
diy
Dr Z Harp Amp Mods
Early Blackfacing
Ed Jahns Xformers
Eyelet Board Problems
Faceplate Restoration
Factory Mistakes
Fender 6V6 Overvoltage
Fender AA568 circuit
Fender Alternative Footswitches
Fender Amp Covering
Fender Amp Dating
Fender amp tremolo
Fender Amp Tremolos
Fender bad Supers
Fender BF Bassman mods
Fender BF SF changes
Fender Bias Pot Failures
Fender Bias Schemes
Fender Blackface
Fender Blues Deluxe Settings
Fender brownface topology
Fender Cap Replacements
Fender Channel Coupling Caps
Fender Combo Reverb trick
Fender Concert Reissue
Fender Concert Tremolo
Fender Correct Tubes
Fender coupling caps
Fender decrease reverb mix
Fender Deluxe Power Trans
Fender Deluxe reissue
Fender diodes
Fender Ext Spkr Jack
Fender Grill Cloth
Fender ID circuits
Fender Input Jacks
Fender Midrange Knob
Fender neg feedback
Fender Normal Channel
Fender replacement parts
Fender Reverb Both Channels
Fender Reverb FX loop
Fender Reverb Reissue
Fender Reverb Transformer
Fender RI Reverb mods
Fender RI Reverb Tube
Fender RI Reverb Tweaks
Fender SF vs BF
Fender Silverface facts
Fender speaker recs
Fender Super 60 price
Fender Super pricing
Fender SuperChamps
Fender The Twin
Fender tone circuit boost
Fender Tone Circuit
Fender Tone Circuits
Fender Transformer Codes
Fender Treble Caps
Fender Tube Chart Dates
Fender Vib Rev Pedal
Fender vibrato pot
Fender Vibrato Ticking
Fender Vibro King circuit
Fender Vibrolux RI review
Fender VibroVerb
Fender Was Dumb
fender
Footswitch specs
Grid Blocking
Homebrew Vibroverb
Invert normal channel
Knob Changes
More Pro Reverb
Narrow Deluxe Chassis
No 5R4s
Normal Channel Delay
PA 100
Pot Tapers
Princeton Adjustable Bias
Princeton driver mods
Princeton Mods
Princeton PI Headroom
Princeton PI Heater Cathode v
Princeton PI Mod Layout
Princeton Reverb Power
Princeton Reverb Tweaks
Princeton tone bypass
Princeton Vs Deluxe
Princeton with 5881s
Pro Reverb baffles
Pro Reverb History
Pro Reverb Orig Speakers
Pro Reverb Parts
Pro Reverb Questions
Pro Reverb Speakers
Pro with a 15
Proper Blackfacing
Pull Boost Failures
Red Knob Twin problems
Reduce Champ Screen Voltage
Replacing Glued Baffles
Restoring Grille Cloth
Reverb Amp Effects Loop
Reverb Fixes
Reverb Pan Bottom
Reverb Trans Specs
Reverb Unit Mods Page
RI Bassman Mods
Rivera Designed Fenders
Scrape Vibrato Pot
Screen Resistors
SF Deluxe mods
SF Deluxe Reverb Questions
SF Reverb Cathode Resistor
SF Vibrolux Changes
Shielding Plate Problems
Showman vs Twin
Silverface Changes
Silverface Pro Reverbs
Small Trannys Sometimes Better
Super Champ 6C10
Super Molestation
Super Too Much Bass
Tolex Repairs
Tremolo Tick Tips
Tweed Champ Filter Caps
Tweed Deluxe Bypass Cap
Tweed Deluxe Transformers
Tweed Twins
Twin Reverb History
Twin Reverb overdrive
Twin Reverb Variants
Vibrato Click Fixes
Vibrato Tick Svc Bltn 9
Vibro King fat switch
Vibro King info
Vibroverb tone
What is Hi Pot
What Makes Fender Sound
What Was Ice Cube
Why 68K Input Resistors
Why No More Cloth Wire
Why Silverface Changes

micK pages
Amps
Caps
Circuits
D-I-Y
Effects
Fender
Guitars
Q & A
Speakers
Tubes
Vendors

 


Mic Kaczmarczik's USENET Articles

Circuits Guitars Fender Amps
Tubes DIY (do it yourself) Caps
qanda (Questions and Answers) Speakers Vendors
Effects
Popular Pages

Canned Ebay Searches

Amps:
Microphones:
Effects:
Harmonicas and Gear:
Harmonica Music and Instruction: