Vintage Synth Repair

--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "John LeVasseur" <jrlaudio@...> wrote:
>
> NOT the best advice dude.
> 
> Electrolytics capacitors have a very specific shelf life, whether charged regularly or otherwise. The chemicals breakdown over time regardless of use. Since most MS-20's are approaching 30 years of age or more, most of them have exceeded this time period, by about 5 years. Electrolytics do not only exist in the audio, but also play a role in control and timing of circuits, so lack of bottom end end is only one small symptom. Also a bad electrolytic may not show sign of leakage.
> 
> Furthermore, a mini recap in the audio chain only and VCF section, is the most intrusive choice sonically. It also wouldn't address the issues in this situation.
> 
> His problem sounds to me to be a cap related one, since there is a time factor in the problem. Sounds to me like the caps are becoming weak chemically are are taking longer to charge to full capacity.
> 
> Most vintage synths from the 70's and early 80's are at the end or way past their life in terms of electrolytics. Once you reach 25 years in age that's pretty much it, used often or never is irrelevant.
> 
> That's coming from an MSEE.
> 
> just my twocents
> 

Did you actually read my post? Your advice sounds like it is coming from a classroom rather than from the real world.