Farfisa Compact Duo

[eric appla]

Hi Guys/Gals,

I have here one Farfisa DUO which generally speaking works, all the notes produce sound but there are few issues. Percussion part not working, Repeat function not working, tremolo not working and sound level is quite low overall, particularly on lower octaves. Bass pedal multipin connector is broken and few wires disconnected.

I have measured ESR of some electrolytics but it wasn't too bad. All those in PSU unit are fine, there is no measurable ripple.

There is quite a lot of information already provided on several threads but what I'm after is general experience from servise techs.

I am not a fan of blind recaps. Often good capacitors are replaced and more issues created then solved, traces damaged, wires damaged etc. There are few exceptions where bad batch was used or they were in hot environment where I know total recap is advisable.

What is your general guidance for me before I undertake this restoration piece by piece?

Thanks

[Drawbar Dave]

Hi Guys/Gals,

I have here one Farfisa DUO which generally speaking works, all the notes produce sound but there are few issues. Percussion part not working, Repeat function not working, tremolo not working and sound level is quite low overall, particularly on lower octaves. Bass pedal multipin connector is broken and few wires disconnected.

I have measured ESR of some electrolytics but it wasn't too bad. All those in PSU unit are fine, there is no measurable ripple.

There is quite a lot of information already provided on several threads but what I'm after is general experience from servise techs.

I am not a fan of blind recaps. Often good capacitors are replaced and more issues created then solved, traces damaged, wires damaged etc. There are few exceptions where bad batch was used or they were in hot environment where I know total recap is advisable.

What is your general guidance for me before I undertake this restoration piece by piece?

Thanks

The Facon caps were said to be poor quality. I have done full recaps on both of my Compact Duos - a Mk1 and a Mk2 and the difference was noticeable in tuning stability and volume. The transistors don’t need replacement unless they are playing up. I think David Anderson recapped his as well. Both times I used quality Panasonic caps from Farnell. I used a solder sucker to release the capacitor legs and did not have any problems with lifting traces.