If you’re considering adding a treble bleed circuit to your guitar, this post breaks down the options I offer and how they behave in real-world use. I’ve tested these combinations with a range of pickups and pot values, and I’ve narrowed things down to a few configurations that are genuinely worth using.
I don’t offer capacitor-only circuits. Every option includes a resistor, because pairing the two gives a smoother, more usable volume taper, especially with audio taper pots, which most guitars use.
Configurations I Offer
I build two types of treble bleed circuits; both are pre-soldered and ready to install.
Capacitor + Resistor in Parallel
Preserves high frequencies and smooths out the volume sweep
Feels natural across the full range of the knob
Works well with most pickup types and playing styles
Available combos:
470pF + 220K
590pF + 150K
1000pF + 100K
Capacitor + Resistor in Series
Preserves highs with a slightly softer feel
Tames brightness at lower volumes
Useful for setups where the parallel version feels too sharp
Available combos:
590pF + 150K
1000pF + 220K
Choosing Based on Pickup Type
Here are some general recommendations based on pickup type. These aren’t rules — just starting points based on how these circuits behave in actual guitars.
Single-Coils (Strat, Tele, etc.)
• Recommended: 470pF + 220K (parallel)
• Keeps brightness intact without exaggerating highs
• Works well with clean tones and edge-of-breakup settings
Jazzmaster & Jaguar (1M pots)
• Recommended: 330pF–470pF + 220K (parallel)
• 1 M pots are naturally brighter, so smaller cap values help keep the tone balanced
• Prevents the top end from getting too sharp when rolling back volume
• Some brighter pickups may not need a treble bleed at all, since their highs tend to remain clear even at lower volumes
P90s
• Recommended: 590pF + 150K (parallel or series). Preserves clarity while smoothing out the taper
• Series version can help tame aggressive brightness
Mini Humbuckers
• Recommended: 1000pF + 100K (parallel) or 1000pF + 220K (series)
• Helps maintain articulation without getting brittle
• Series version is ideal for warmer, vintage-voiced setups
Standard Humbuckers
• Recommended: 590pF + 150K (series) or 1000pF + 220K (series)
• Keeps the tone open at lower volumes without adding harshness
• Series wiring helps control brightness in darker-sounding guitars
If you’re not sure where to start, the 590pF + 150K parallel is a solid middle-ground option that works well in most setups.
Coming Soon: Install Guide
In the next post, I’ll walk through how to install a treble bleed circuit, whether you’re adding one to an existing guitar or wiring a new build. I’ll include soldering tips, pot compatibility notes, and how to test different values if you’re experimenting.