Sozo caps for Fenders

[Lo Blues]

I just went to their site a minute ago and on the purchase page they list a couple different products I haven't seen before (I haven't looked in a while). TropiFocus and BlueMolded Vintage. I did some research and found out what they are but how come there's no info on the website? Are they that new? Are they for sale yet? I'm gonna call them tomorrow but in the meantime has anyone heard/of these? Great news for us Fender and Vox guys if it does exist.

[skipm45]

Haven't seen them (i'll have to cruise the website) but the SoZo mustards work great for me in Fender clones.



Skip
www.skipzcircuits.com (http://www.skipzcircuits.com)

[Lo Blues]

Yeah, I've thought about doing that and have heard of a few folks doing it. So is the voltage rating not an issue? How do you like the sound?

[Trout]

I tried out a set of Jupiters a while back and they seem to cover the blue molded tone extremely well.

YMMV.

I have not seen anything on Sozo molded caps yet, but they sound interesting for sure.

[TNO]

I would use the regular Sozos for pretty much any application. Webervst is stocking them now.

[triodeamps]

Sozos are very good caps for nice smooth tone. Not too bright/Just right. But there are many uses for Orange drops. Try building a Marshall with all Sozo caps except for the PI. Use .033 or .022 OD caps for the coupling PI stage. Sound dam good.....

[merkaba22]

I had the caps done on my Princeton Reverb II this fall by amp wizard Don Butler here in LA and it turned out amazing -- fwiw:)

[Lo Blues]

Sozo finally emailed me back and told me the BlueMolded Vintage caps are indeed Fender style caps and they will be available in about six weeks.

[skipm45]

I'm a big fan of the mustards, Fender or Marshall clones seem to like them.
I'm building a "One Stroke' right now that will have mustards in it. I think I'll try a set of the blue molded ones, though!

+1 Trout. The Jupiters sound GREAT!


Skip
www.skipzcircuits.com (http://www.skipzcircuits.com)

[Roe]

apparently, the sozo bluemolded caps are available :D

[Trout]

I'm a big fan of the mustards, Fender or Marshall clones seem to like them.
I'm building a "One Stroke' right now that will have mustards in it. I think I'll try a set of the blue molded ones, though!

+1 Trout. The Jupiters sound GREAT!


Skip
www.skipzcircuits.com (http://www.skipzcircuits.com)

Allow me to update,

All of the Jupiter caps I bought have been removed from the amps because of Failures/Defects.

Without getting into specifics, they ended up being a total waste of good coin.

Sozo Blue Molded? I would like to know what part is " Molded ". All I see is a different color garden variety wrapped film cap.

As far as price goes, it looks like they borrowed Jupiters pricing playbook. They gotta be good they are 4-6 bucks.

Btw, there are 2 threads going on these.
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=573208

[hasserl]

Sozo =
http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/russ_bottle.jpg

[Roe]

having build several amps with original mustards and sozos I am a fan of sozo

[Trout]

having build several amps with original mustards and sozos I am a fan of sozo

I had a set of Sozo's in my ptp 1973 Marshall Lead 100W when I restored it, but I pulled them out for original mustards.
The Sozo sounded ok, The originals held a better tonal edge overall.

That said, no way I will buy into those blue film caps, Not at that price.

The top amount I would be willing to cough up is $2.15 each, anything beyond that is outright stupid given the great sounding options for far less.
I keep enough Sozo Mustards around for 1 Marshall amp rebuild, and those are only for customers that is insistent on buying into the hype.

Edit, I would be willing to go $3.05ea if they start selling caps NOT compared to something they are not (originals)

[Roe]

I had a set of Sozo's in my ptp 1973 Marshall Lead 100W when I restored it, but I pulled them out for original mustards.
The Sozo sounded ok, The originals held a better tonal edge overall.

That said, no way I will buy into those blue film caps, Not at that price.

The top amount I would be willing to cough up is $2.15 each, anything beyond that is outright stupid given the great sounding options for far less.
I keep enough Sozo Mustards around for 1 Marshall amp rebuild, and those are only for customers that is insistent on buying into the hype.

Edit, I would be willing to go $3.05ea if they start selling caps NOT compared to something they are not (originals)

well, that's simply not my experience. I have not noticed the sozos being inferior to the originals. but every amp is slightly different and even the old caps vary a little.
I own hundreds of the old mullard/phillips caps and have used they in a jmp50, jtm50 and two jtm45/100. I use the original mustards since they were accessible and cheap in trondheim (no I wont sell caps). also, I like the 27nf and 18nf values.

[slider313]

It's $5.95 for a .047 and $6.95 for a .1 on the blue Sozo's.
I think I'll just paint my Mallory 150's blue..........................................

[Roe]

It's $5.95 for a .047 and $6.95 for a .1 on the blue Sozo's.
I think I'll just paint my Mallory 150's blue..........................................

please do, and send us a gutshot and a clip. :worthless:clips

I'll wait and see how the new sozo caps sound.

here's a clip of the old sozos btw: http://snotpope.com/downloads/20_Bones/Track%2002.mp3

[1guitarslinger]

Allow me to update,

All of the Jupiter caps I bought have been removed from the amps because of Failures/Defects.

Hey Gene,

Did you and and Sara actually have problems with multiple caps, or just the one failure that you contacted me and Jupiter about?

The reason I ask, is that to date, you guys are the only ones that I know of to have had that problem. There were issues with a fellow who had gotten a hold of some from one of the old R&D runs, and had problems with the outer foil being marked incorrectly. Those are the only issues that I know of.

Let me know when you get a spare minute.

Thanks!

Paul

BTW, the second production run of the Jupiters is in the works. I'm told that the issue you had with the cap you contacted us about has been addressed in this run.

[Lo Blues]

Just looked at their site. Says they're only rated for 400v. Aren't caps in Fenders supposed to be rated for 600v?

[Roe]

just want to report that these caps seems to be good. also, don "tone-man" butler appers to recommend them

[merkaba22]

just want to report that these caps seems to be good. also, don "tone-man" butler appers to recommend them

I confirm -- Don Butler put Sozos in my PR II along with Mercury magnetics last fall and with a few tweaks (that could have added to the Fender/Rivera Concert thread) turned out amazing. I get sooooo many compliments on that amp:)

[Roe]

these sozos didnt exist last fall. you're taking about the wrong type sozos

[WesKuhnley]

Sozo =
http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/russ_bottle.jpg
Can I buy you a beer? :beer

I really need to get into the pixie dust component business...ever since everyone and his dog became an amp builder, plastic cap prices have risen through the roof!

[GearHeadFred]

Oh good. I thought I was the only one who does a spit-take every time I read the term "musical cap" ??

[hasserl]

Can I buy you a beer? :beer

I really need to get into the pixie dust component business...ever since everyone and his dog became an amp builder, plastic cap prices have risen through the roof!

Oh good. I thought I was the only one who does a spit-take every time I read the term "musical cap" ??

Where this really gets me is with tone caps in guitars, a subtractive circuit. People spend crazy dollars for special caps claiming amazing results. :rolleyes:

[WesKuhnley]

Where this really gets me is with tone caps in guitars, a subtractive circuit. People spend crazy dollars for special caps claiming amazing results. :rolleyes:

And they leave the tone knob all the way up anyway...:barf

[smolder]

I'm not expert on either capacitors or tone. But similarly I have heard/read a bunch of people say they would save the money and buy an Acura rather than buy a BMW because there is really no difference. And... they launch at those who do. My brother thinks I'm crazy to have a decent stereo. He thinks the plastic bose kitchen radio thing is as good as it gets. Well... there is definitely a difference.

I'll be buying a few boot-ik caps here and there and doing some A/B swap outs in the tone stack.

[WesKuhnley]

I'm not expert on either capacitors or tone. But similarly I have heard/read a bunch of people say they would save the money and buy an Acura rather than buy a BMW because there is really no difference. And... they launch at those who do. My brother thinks I'm crazy to have a decent stereo. He thinks the plastic bose kitchen radio thing is as good as it gets. Well... there is definitely a difference.

I'll be buying a few boot-ik caps here and there and doing some A/B swap outs in the tone stack.

Buy what you want. One of the great benefits of western culture. More power to Mr. Sozo as long as he's selling product and people like it.

[hasserl]

I'm not expert on either capacitors or tone. But similarly I have heard/read a bunch of people say they would save the money and buy an Acura rather than buy a BMW because there is really no difference. And... they launch at those who do. My brother thinks I'm crazy to have a decent stereo. He thinks the plastic bose kitchen radio thing is as good as it gets. Well... there is definitely a difference.

I'll be buying a few boot-ik caps here and there and doing some A/B swap outs in the tone stack.

On the other hand, since we're using car analogies, some folks purchase Premium gasoline for their cars that don't need it and swear it makes their car run better. It doesn't. All it does is suppress detonation & pre-ignition, it does not make the car run better other then that. If you don't have a problem with pre-ignition or detonation Premium gas does no good.

And some folks use aftermarket lubricant additives, and swear they improve the operation of the engine. They don't, and in worse case scenarios can even cause damage.

But it's a free country (no politics intended), folks can spend their money any way they want to. If buying "premium" caps makes you feel better, go for it. Placebo's are known to cure illnesses too. The power of suggestion can do amazing things.

[GearHeadFred]

Stop it Hasserl! Next you're going to tell me "Marvel Magic Mystery Oil" has no real Mojo! Just look at all the testimonials! http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/index.php/site/marveltales/

Hey.. What about a "marvel magic mystery oil" filled blue cap? Too much Mojo!!

<calling the patent attorney now>

[smolder]

Hey... if you hear no difference... you definitely shouldn't buy 'em. I know friends that have mammoth investment in home stereo... like more than my home is worth. I don't appreciate it... doesn't mean it's not real, just not for me.

[phsyconoodler]

Sure,and there's no difference between oil brands,cars and kitchen stoves either.That is until you try them.
Same with caps.Until you try them you can't say they are snake oil.
All brands of cola are the same,walmart shoes are just as good as any other's etc,etc,etc.....
Heck,Firestone tires never blew up on SUV's,it was just hype.
Blah,blah,blah.
I understand that you naysayers are trying to prevent people from investing in something that's worthless,but prove to me it's worthless before just saying 'nay' to everything.Yes,it's costs some money to find out for sure.
That's the nature of things,and there are lots of people who fool themselves into believing that the change is worth it.
But there are objective people who really care about tone and don't settle for 'just fine' in their amps.
It's got to be mass psyco-acoustics right?we are all wacked in the head,right?
Don't try anything new because nothing is better than anything else.Don't walk any further than the end of your block because there's nothing different on the next block.
Why want better tone when you suck as a guitar player anyway?You don't deserve a boutique amp because you can't play crazy train.
I have to play a hot rod deluxe because it's the same as a Carr Rambler anyway,so why spend the coin?
PHFFFFTTTTTTT..to you buddy!

[Prairie Dawg]

Stop it Hasserl! Next you're going to tell me "Marvel Magic Mystery Oil" has no real Mojo! Just look at all the testimonials! http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/index.php/site/marveltales/

Hey.. What about a "marvel magic mystery oil" filled blue cap? Too much Mojo!!

<calling the patent attorney now>

I used to use the stuff in my air tools all the time. It was pretty good for that. I've also used it when breaking in a new ring job....whether it did any good for anyone besides the guy who sold it is anyone's guess.

:rotflmao

[GearHeadFred]

I don't mean to sound bitter or condescending. Sarcasm often does not come across well on the Internet.

But as an electrical engineer, it rubs me the wrong way to see someone marketing electronic components to non-technical customers, using this sort of snake oil/mojo mentality.

Capacitors have been around for about 100 years. There is a well established set of parameters used by engineers to evaluate their performance for a particular application.

This is not like a high end car or stereo system (or even a $50K Dumble) where style and physical design are a a factor.

Please buy whatever you like. Just my opinion.

[phsyconoodler]

You are ok,it's the rest of the group that just seems to be so closed minded.
Yes,a capacitor has been around for a long time.But there are differences in quality,materials used and yes,sound.
An orange has the same ingredients and looks the same on the outside.But there is a great difference in taste between even oranges of the same grove.
Try first,nay-say later.
It's the same argument over and over.
Chocolate is chocolate,right?Wrong!

[WesKuhnley]

You are ok,it's the rest of the group that just seems to be so closed minded.
Yes,a capacitor has been around for a long time.But there are differences in quality,materials used and yes,sound.
An orange has the same ingredients and looks the same on the outside.But there is a great difference in taste between even oranges of the same grove.
Try first,nay-say later.
It's the same argument over and over.
Chocolate is chocolate,right?Wrong!


Why is it that whenever I reply to one of these threads, you're never far behind, insinuating that I've "never tried em" (referring to Sozo caps)? I've tried them, and many other varieties of VERY expensive caps and resistors, and in a guitar amplifier, they are NOT worth the dough. Plain and simple.

I'm trying to deliver a hand-built amp for less than $2000, AND make money, which in this economy is one mean trick. Pandering to the completely OBSCENE assertion that somehow an amp sounds completely different(!) with one variety of cap vs another variety of plastic capacitor is not in my nature. Changing one of 4 or 5 other parameters changes more in an amp than a global capacitor "upgrade"...Speaker, tubes, output transformer, even where the amplifier is placed in the room, has more effect on it's sound that the brand coupling caps used. A fact most reputable builders will acknowledge.

No one here is telling anyone NOT to buy Sozo's. In fact, I applaud John for his success, and I wish him much more. That doesn't mean that he's selling anything wildly different or better than IC, or Mallory, or Sprague, he's just better at niche marketing. Not unlike Mercury Magnetics I might add...

I understand that you'll forever tout Sozo's as the end all, be all of coupling caps, that's fine. But, PLEASE do not continue to imply that I haven't used them before. I'm well aware of how they sound, and choose not to use them because of the added expense without matching improvement in tone (from my perspective, of course).

[davemccarthy707]

I can hear a slight difference between some caps. Not enough to really talk about but some are slightly different.

[phsyconoodler]

I'm not singling out anyone Wes,let alone you.I respect your opinion,and not having used Sozo caps myself I can't comment on them in particular.But I have used a few other varieties that do deliver the goods.
One is Russian NOS paper in oils and the other two are Mojo Dijons and Auricaps.All are notably better sounding than Mallory 150's and Orange drops.
These are the ones I have first hand experience with and can honestly say they work.
I build a lot of amps and I get no requests from people to use any particular brand of capacitor.It's my own choice.I need to make a profit too,but if I hear a notable difference And I don't have to pay out a lot of extra cash for a better tone,I'll do it without question.
The final result of a great sounding amp vs just a good sounding one is the sum of it's parts.
My argument is not for Sozo's in particular but for a few other's that I know do work.
Many argue that MM transformers are the best sounding,but I disagree by experience.I prefer Hammond.
Opinion?Maybe.Maybe not.

[smolder]

WesKuhnley... for what its worth, I very much appreciate the subtlety of your position. Not worth the dough... is subjective, and worlds from saying they don't sound any dfferent. There is a reason they didn't put pirellis on my Camry.

[hasserl]

Sure,and there's no difference between oil brands,cars and kitchen stoves either.That is until you try them.
Same with caps.Until you try them you can't say they are snake oil.
All brands of cola are the same,walmart shoes are just as good as any other's etc,etc,etc.....
Heck,Firestone tires never blew up on SUV's,it was just hype.
Blah,blah,blah.
I understand that you naysayers are trying to prevent people from investing in something that's worthless,but prove to me it's worthless before just saying 'nay' to everything.Yes,it's costs some money to find out for sure.
That's the nature of things,and there are lots of people who fool themselves into believing that the change is worth it.
But there are objective people who really care about tone and don't settle for 'just fine' in their amps.
It's got to be mass psyco-acoustics right?we are all wacked in the head,right?
Don't try anything new because nothing is better than anything else.Don't walk any further than the end of your block because there's nothing different on the next block.
Why want better tone when you suck as a guitar player anyway?You don't deserve a boutique amp because you can't play crazy train.
I have to play a hot rod deluxe because it's the same as a Carr Rambler anyway,so why spend the coin?
PHFFFFTTTTTTT..to you buddy!

Don't misinterpret or misrepresent my position. I never claimed all oil brands, cars or stoves are alike, or caps either. I do like to poke a little fun now and then, and cap marketing hype is such an easy target.

[brad347]

In before the lock.

[WesKuhnley]

In before the lock.

Don't start that crap...no one here is flaming anyone else, no reason to lock the thread.:beer


phsyconoodler- I'd love to know where you're able to get Auricaps or foil-in-oil caps for remotely nearly the same price as Mallory caps. Seriously, PM me if you've got a good hook-up.

smolder- I'm relieved that I'm finally being articulate enough (it's hard online sometimes to be clear enough to have your relatively fine points understood) with this. I'm starting to be known as "the guy who doesn't like Sozo", which isn't true whatsoever. Thanks for the heads up about the website too!

[brad347]

Don't start that crap...no one here is flaming anyone else, no reason to lock the thread.

No, but I've been around the internets long enough to know how it starts. :beer

[davemccarthy707]

The internet? That's still around?

[Trout]

I always look for bargains,
And these will stand up to about anything.

Chucks! & only 2 bucks a pop!

http://home.mchsi.com/~my_mcintosh_240/corksniffers.JPG

[WesKuhnley]

I always look for bargains,
And these will stand up to about anything.

Chucks! & only 2 bucks a pop!

http://home.mchsi.com/%7Emy_mcintosh_240/corksniffers.JPG

You're undercharging friend. Those should fetch at least $7 a pop

[Trout]

You're undercharging friend. Those should fetch at least $7 a pop


:aok

[hasserl]

I always look for bargains,
And these will stand up to about anything.

Chucks! & only 2 bucks a pop!

http://home.mchsi.com/%7Emy_mcintosh_240/corksniffers.JPG

Put some gold plating on those leads, give the whole thing the cryogenic treatment and raise the price up to twenty bucks a pop, then you'd have something. ;)

[sidehatch]

Put some gold plating on those leads, give the whole thing the cryogenic treatment and raise the price up to twenty bucks a pop, then you'd have something. ;)



Now you are on to something!!!!!!!!!

[hasserl]

Spam alert!!!

[WesKuhnley]

*sigh*