Description
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For sale here we have the above…
2 Pieces
22nF or 22000pF 160v Mustard capacitors.
Mustard capacitors are a type of film capacitor that was originally developed in the 1950s by Mullard, a British electronics company founded in 1920 and sold to Philips in 1977. They are characterized by their beige colour and their tubular shape.
These are the same types of capacitors used in the ’60s and 70s on all sorts of early audio equipment.
- D: Quarter of the year it was made (D = October–December).
- 8: Last digit of the year of manufacture (8 = 1968, 1978, etc.).
- M: Manufacturing plant (Mullard’s Blackburn plant in the UK or a specific European Philips facility).
If you’ve ever taken apart a vintage radio, amplifier, or other electronic gear from the 1950s through the 1970s, chances are you’ve encountered a so-called “mustard capacitor.” True to its nickname, this capacitor is encased in a distinctive yellowish coating that evokes the color of the classic English mustard.
It has achieved legendary status among collectors, audiophiles, and electronics enthusiasts for its unique appearance, storied history, and the warm sound it imparts to audio circuits.
Used in circuit positions where stable capacitance, relatively low ESR, and moderate voltage ratings were required. Common applications include:
1. Coupling/Decoupling: In audio preamps, power amplifiers, and mixing consoles (like Neve 80 Series desks), these caps coupled audio signals from one stage to another or decoupled supply lines from noise.
2. EQ and Filtering: Studio equipment designers sometimes selected polyester caps for their slightly “softer” transient response compared to other dielectric types, adding to the signature sonic coloration.
3. Oscillator Circuits: In radio frequency (RF) stages, for modest Q-factor oscillator sections, the stable film dielectric helped maintain consistent frequency.
4. Timing and Envelope Circuits: In effect pedals and synthesizers, the low leakage current was essential for accurate RC timing.
For more information on how the mustard capacitor came to be, what makes it special, how to decode its mysterious date codes, and why it still inspires so much devotion in the vintage electronics world go to…
https://mustardcapacitors.com/index.php/2025/06/01/the-mustard-cap-a-colorful-piece-of-electronics-history/
PLEASE NOTE!
These Mustard type Capacitors are highly regarded by musicians and electronics enthusiasts. They are not dated but came to us as part of a lot of surplus stock from a large ‘Milspec’ type Co. they have been in storage for many years we have therefore classified them as ‘new other’, the photographs are representative of their general condition, being of some of our actual stock, and, as with all our products they come with a full guarantee.
If you have similar items to this, or indeed any electronic components that are surplus to requirements please contact us with details.
