[sdiy] Lifespan of Electrolytics?

[mark verbos]

Hi Joe,

they should last about 15 years, which means that the Tapco Reverb is 
due for some replacements.


In the recording industry, it's really popular to get old Neve or API 
channel strips (one channel from an old mixing board) rack mounted and 
use them as ouboard pre amps and EQs. It is common practice to "recap" 
these modules, since they were built in the 70s or befgore. The funny 
part of that story is that most people who buy the modules from high 
priced dealers, famous for selling the 24 modules from a $10,000 console 
for $2,500 each (do the math), don't really know what "recapping" is. 
They just like to use the term to describe an electronic overhaul. 
Anyway, the caps will often times die after 20 years.

mark



Joe Kramer wrote:

>Hi Folks,
>    I recently got ahold of a Tapco 4400 reverb for cheap because one channel
>was dead.  After chasing down a handful of 4136s and systematically replacing
>each one, I came to find that the actual problem was a bad electrolytic in the
>signal path.  The circuit board is dated 2/17/77.  I'm guessing that several
>more of the caps in this board are marginal.  What is the expected lifespan of
>electrolytics, and what are the effects of old and aging ones?  Is it worth the
>trouble going through any old gear including synths that are past, say, about
>twenty years and giving them a electrolytic overhaul?  Anyone have firsthand
>(or secondhand) testimonials?  Thanks.
>
>Regards,
>Joe Kramer
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