Results of B-3 capacitor kit and R/C network installation

[Tom Ericsson <100732.2151@compuserve.com>]

I've just completed 8 hours of hard soldering labor on my early 60's B-3 
and installed Goff's Tonewheel Generator Filter Capacitor Kit (90$).

This kit is really worth every dollar. The sound of my B-3 sounded muddy
and dark with very little high-frequency components. It still had all the
brown old capacitors in it, nothing had ever been replaced in 35 years.

I did the installation in two steps. First, I installed the tonewheel
generator capacitors which are located on the top of the generator. To
this end, I tilted the keyboard as suggested in the instructions. Took
about 3 hours to install. You have to be VERY carful not to damaga any
of the VERY tiny leads underneath the capactitor. Repairing them would
be a nightmare. Also, avoid overheating the poles because the just drop
of the plastic when they get too hot. I used a 15W soldering iron which
I quickly replaced by a professional one (this is really a must).

This was the easy part. The sound immediately was now much brighter and 
I even could hear the key-click for the first time. What a revival!

According to the description that came with the kit, elder pre-1964 B-3s
lack the R/C (resistor/capacitor) network that was installed in later
models. I first thought this was too much of a pain to install and did
not install it for a week. In fact, the installation takes place from
the back of the tonewheel generator, you have to unscrew the preamp and
lift it to gain easy access to the generator.

Also, I found that the installation of the R/C kit is impossible if you
don't have GOFF's Technical Service manual (40$). You have to unsolder
the pedal and keyboard leads of frequencies 37 to 48, but how do you find
out which leads these are without the manual? The manual is really a great
help and a must for every B-3 owner.

Installing the R/C network is much more work than the first part. Took me
about 5 hours. This is due to the fact that you have to lengthen many of
the wires. Of course, it may have taken me so long because I like to do
perfect work :). It must not only SOUND good but LOOK good as well!

The difference with the R/C network installed is incredible. All nasty
transients, low and high frequencies that were audible before disappeared.
I first feared that I would miss some typical hammond growling, but that's
not the case. The sound is pure, without disturbing crosstalk from other
frequencies. Playing my B is now really a joy.

All in all, this kit is really worth the money and I can recommend it to
everybody. The R/C network is a pain to install, but this is a must for
every serious player with a pre-64 B-3.

Hope this was of interest.

Tom