Tantalum caps vs Electrolytic

[okstateblues]

Is it possible to use tantalum caps in the place of Electrolytic? I am new to pedal building and haven't found a great answer yet. All help is greatly appreciated.

 

[DGWVI]

Yes. I've been using Tantalums in quite a few build recently (check my most recent threads in the Build Reports sub-forum). Haven't noticed any differences between those and the pedals using aluminum electrolytics.

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

Tantalum electrolytic are superior to aluminum electrolytic in almost every case. I use them pretty much exclusively in the audio path.

 

[okstateblues]

Ok if they are ok I will put them in C3 and C5 on my Sherwood overdrive or is that a no go?

 

[Nostradoomus]

Yep that’s where you want em. Just mind the polarity as you would with any electro cap.

 

[okstateblues]

Thank you greatly sir!

 

[falzhobel]

One thing to point out is the max voltage. Many Tantalum in the low uF value are limited at 16V. Pedals with 18V internal voltage are likely to cause trouble.

 

[okstateblues]

I don't think the Sherwood is 18v but I will double check to verify before installing

 

[okstateblues]

How about for c100 on the Tweed man overdrive? Also is it bad to use a value larger in its place?

 

[benny_profane]

Another consideration you might want to weigh is that tantalum is a conflict mineral (particularly in the mining region of the DRC/Rwanda). It can certainly be mined ethically—some companies have taken steps for closed-loop extraction and supply chain accountability—though, it remains a chief concern for ethical accountability in electronics.