Discussion about the Korg PolySix synthesizer group photo

Yahoo Groups archive

Discussion about the Korg PolySix synthesizer

Archive for polysix.

Index last updated: 2026-03-30 01:17 UTC

Thread

Re-capping

Re-capping

2019-02-28 by Steph

Hi all, I have a PolySix with the usual upgrades, new battery, power supply and midi tubbutec installed. I’ve seen a few vintage repair videos on you tube where they mention replacing old capacitors. Has anyone done this and what benefits have you noticed other than preventative measures. The effects section is a bit noisy on my PolySix, and the output generally quite noisy, would re-capping help?
Thanks
Steph

Sent from my iPhone

Re: [PolySix] Re-capping

2019-02-28 by Florian Anwander

Hi Steph

You may replace electrolytic capactitors and tantalum capacitors which
are between supply voltages and ground. Especially the electrolytics in
the powersupply can be replaced. I don't remember whether there are
tantalum caps in the polysix. Those from the 80s a prone do shorten. So
if there are any, you may do so.

But there is no need to replace electrolytic caps which transport
audiosignals. This kind of recapping in synths is a myth that comes from
the (necessary) replacement task while the restauration of old (very)
large studio consoles, which never were switched off, and which could
have continuously temperatures over 60 degrees celsius inside. If you
run a capacitor for 30 or 40 years under such conditions, then it will
dry out. But I doubt that any Polysix (or any other synth) ever was
switched on continuously for 30 years while suffering such temperatures
at the same time.

Conclusion: Powersupply yes, tantalums yes, the rest no!

Florian

Re: [PolySix] Re-capping

2019-02-28 by Chromatest J. Pantsmaker

At this point, the circuit boards in old synths are getting pretty fragile. When you go about shotgunning the capacitors, you're likely to start lifting and breaking traces.

If you don't have a proper vacuum-powered desoldering gun, you're going to have to be extra extra careful.

On Feb 28, 2019 3:28 PM, "Steph stephnaylor@ymail.com [PolySix]" <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


That’s very helpful Anwander, thank you very much. 
I will resist the urge to purge :-) 

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 28, 2019, at 2:08 PM, Florian Anwander fanwander@mnet-online.de [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

PS: sorry for all the typos.

Am 28.02.19 um 23:06 schrieb Florian Anwander fanwander@mnet-online.de [PolySix]:
 

... capactitors... a prone do shorten ...

;)



Re: [PolySix] Re-capping

2019-02-28 by Steph

Thanks, I do have a de-soldering device, but it’s not very sophisticated. If I was to have it done, I would probably take it to someone more qualified with vintage synths. 
Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 28, 2019, at 3:13 PM, 'Chromatest J. Pantsmaker' chromatest@azburners.org [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

At this point, the circuit boards in old synths are getting pretty fragile. When you go about shotgunning the capacitors, you're likely to start lifting and breaking traces.

If you don't have a proper vacuum-powered desoldering gun, you're going to have to be extra extra careful.

On Feb 28, 2019 3:28 PM, "Steph stephnaylor@ymail.com [PolySix]" <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


That’s very helpful Anwander, thank you very much. 
I will resist the urge to purge :-) 

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 28, 2019, at 2:08 PM, Florian Anwander fanwander@mnet-online.de [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

PS: sorry for all the typos.

Am 28.02.19 um 23:06 schrieb Florian Anwander fanwander@mnet-online.de [PolySix]:
 

... capactitors... a prone do shorten ...

;)



RE: [PolySix] Re-capping

2019-03-01 by Jonathan Williams

Hi Steph,

 

I have done a full sweep on both of my PolySixs. I do have a Hakko desoldering tool which makes it an absolute breeze but I totally concur with the thoughts that it is probably unnecessary in the audio chain and you need to take your time and be careful.

 

Any harm done? Absolutely not. Any audible gains? Absolutely not! But I like the peace of mind that it’s a job I won’t have to do again.

 

Jonathan

 

From: PolySix@yahoogroups.com <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 28 February 2019 21:47
To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [PolySix] Re-capping

 

 

Hi all, I have a PolySix with the usual upgrades, new battery, power supply and midi tubbutec installed. I’ve seen a few vintage repair videos on you tube where they mention replacing old capacitors. Has anyone done this and what benefits have you noticed other than preventative measures. The effects section is a bit noisy on my PolySix, and the output generally quite noisy, would re-capping help?
Thanks
Steph

Sent from my iPhone

Re: [PolySix] Re-capping

2019-03-01 by Steph

Thanks Jonathan, good to know the audio noise is not related to the caps, many thanks. I’m planning on doing a strip down, clean and fitting a new wooden case in a few months time and wondered if it would be worth the effort. Other than a few “sticky” touch buttons, it’s working fine. The old adage, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it applies in this case. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 1, 2019, at 4:00 AM, 'Jonathan Williams' jonathan@w-williams.net [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Steph,

 

I have done a full sweep on both of my PolySixs. I do have a Hakko desoldering tool which makes it an absolute breeze but I totally concur with the thoughts that it is probably unnecessary in the audio chain and you need to take your time and be careful.

 

Any harm done? Absolutely not. Any audible gains? Absolutely not! But I like the peace of mind that it’s a job I won’t have to do again.

 

Jonathan

 

From: PolySix@yahoogroups.com <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 28 February 2019 21:47
To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [PolySix] Re-capping

 

 

Hi all, I have a PolySix with the usual upgrades, new battery, power supply and midi tubbutec installed. I’ve seen a few vintage repair videos on you tube where they mention replacing old capacitors. Has anyone done this and what benefits have you noticed other than preventative measures. The effects section is a bit noisy on my PolySix, and the output generally quite noisy, would re-capping help?
Thanks
Steph

Sent from my iPhone

RE: [PolySix] Re-capping

2019-03-04 by Jonathan Williams

Both mine were completely stripped ‘to the bone’!

 

All tact switches replaced regardless, Tubbutec’s ModyPoly installed and both now have a gorgeous American Walnut case from Robert Sitek (seller ‘mintsite’ on Ebay).

 

On one I also performed the Synth Hacker mod to brighten the top end which I prefer to the stock sound.

Then at some point, I’ll get round to installing Peter Kliegelhöfer’s stereo panorama mod which I purchased a while back!

 

Totally worth doing Steph, put it through some modern effects and it becomes a truly beautiful thing!

 

Jonathan

 

From: PolySix@yahoogroups.com <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 01 March 2019 22:05
To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [PolySix] Re-capping

 

 

Thanks Jonathan, good to know the audio noise is not related to the caps, many thanks. I’m planning on doing a strip down, clean and fitting a new wooden case in a few months time and wondered if it would be worth the effort. Other than a few “sticky” touch buttons, it’s working fine. The old adage, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it applies in this case. 

Sent from my iPhone


On Mar 1, 2019, at 4:00 AM, 'Jonathan Williams' jonathan@w-williams.net [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Steph,

 

I have done a full sweep on both of my PolySixs. I do have a Hakko desoldering tool which makes it an absolute breeze but I totally concur with the thoughts that it is probably unnecessary in the audio chain and you need to take your time and be careful.

 

Any harm done? Absolutely not. Any audible gains? Absolutely not! But I like the peace of mind that it’s a job I won’t have to do again.

 

Jonathan

 

From: PolySix@yahoogroups.com <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 28 February 2019 21:47
To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [PolySix] Re-capping

 

 

Hi all, I have a PolySix with the usual upgrades, new battery, power supply and midi tubbutec installed. I’ve seen a few vintage repair videos on you tube where they mention replacing old capacitors. Has anyone done this and what benefits have you noticed other than preventative measures. The effects section is a bit noisy on my PolySix, and the output generally quite noisy, would re-capping help?
Thanks
Steph

Sent from my iPhone

Re: Re-capping

2019-03-04 by t_tangent2003@yahoo.co.uk

Yes the Panorama mod looks very interesting, and the demos sound fantastic. Have a listen to them here, the review is in German, but look down the page for the demos.


I am considering doing this mod sometime but need to check few things first to make sure it is compatible with the Kiwisix upgrade.


Re: [PolySix] Re: Re-capping

2019-03-05 by Steph

Thanks Jonathan, I have a set of new tac switches ready, the black plastic cradles that hold the buttons are proving very illusive, and feel sure I’m going to need some of those once I get into replacing switches. 

I’m having a new wooden shell made, not 100% decided on the wood. I’ve also looked into getting some acrylic transparent pitch and mod wheels from Moog and having them back lit. 

The panorama mod sounds interesting, I’ll check it out. 

My long term goal is to completely renovate and have a complete new “skin” made, with new blue LED’s, blue lit pitch and mod-wheels and an arctic metal panel. For any purists, and for historical preservation, I will keep all the original parts so it can be reverted back to original state if required. 

Here’s what I’m hoping to copy for the “skin” 



Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 4, 2019, at 10:35 AM, t_tangent2003@yahoo.co.uk [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Yes the Panorama mod looks very interesting, and the demos sound fantastic. Have a listen to them here, the review is in German, but look down the page for the demos.


I am considering doing this mod sometime but need to check few things first to make sure it is compatible with the Kiwisix upgrade.


Re: Re-capping

2019-03-05 by t_tangent2003@yahoo.co.uk

Sounds like you have a lot planned for your Polysix Strph. I am sure it will look great when you are done.

I forgot to say I agree with Jonathon that Robert Sitek aka mintsite on eBay makes excellent wooden cases. I bought one for my Polysix, made from Iroco wood since it was half price....probably someone ordered it then decided not to purchase, who knows. It has a beautiful orange tinge to the wood, and brings out the Orange of the Arpeggio button, LOL. I figured seeing as I have the Kiwisix upgrade my Polysix wasn't a purists P6 so wasn't worried if it didn't look like the original laminated case, but I would suggest if you do want to keep to a more authentic looking wood, probably Walnut is a good choice. Have a look at his cases for ideas, just search Polysix Case on eBay and you should find several made by Robert. :)

Best of luck with your restoration :)

Re: [PolySix] Re: Re-capping

2019-03-06 by Steph

Many thanks, my P6 is noisy, some sticky buttons and needs a damn good clean. But other than that is working fine. 
I’m fortunate to have someone local who is great with wood, so I’m getting that made in house. 
The metal cover I’m getting made by a company in Vancouver. If anyone wants an Arctic P6 shell, let me know, I’m guessing it’s cheaper if I order more. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 5, 2019, at 7:44 AM, t_tangent2003@yahoo.co.uk [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Sounds like you have a lot planned for your Polysix Strph. I am sure it will look great when you are done.

I forgot to say I agree with Jonathon that Robert Sitek aka mintsite on eBay makes excellent wooden cases. I bought one for my Polysix, made from Iroco wood since it was half price....probably someone ordered it then decided not to purchase, who knows. It has a beautiful orange tinge to the wood, and brings out the Orange of the Arpeggio button, LOL. I figured seeing as I have the Kiwisix upgrade my Polysix wasn't a purists P6 so wasn't worried if it didn't look like the original laminated case, but I would suggest if you do want to keep to a more authentic looking wood, probably Walnut is a good choice. Have a look at his cases for ideas, just search Polysix Case on eBay and you should find several made by Robert. :)

Best of luck with your restoration :)