Eliminate Muddy Tone: The Kinman Circuit |
Treble Bleed Comparison |
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The Kinman (Series) circuit uses an RC network in series with the signal path, which offers a more linear, “modern” response. Unlike parallel designs, the Kinman approach maintains a consistent tonal balance throughout the entire range of the volume sweep. This is the preferred choice for players using high-output humbuckers or active systems who need to preserve their sound without introducing the frequency shift that can occur in vintage-style parallel setups. |
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Keep your high-end clarity and sweetness—even when you roll your volume down.
If your electric guitar turns muddy, dark, or muffled when you back off the volume knob, your rig needs a treble bleed circuit. The Boffin FX “Kinman-Style” Adjustable Treble Bleed preserves vital high frequencies at lower volumes, delivering a beautifully balanced tone and an even sound across the entire sweep of your volume potentiometer.
The In-Series Difference
What sets the Kinman-style mod apart from traditional treble bleeds is its in-series layout (the capacitor and resistor run inline rather than in parallel). This design is specifically engineered to fix the erratic, abrupt volume drops or sweep issues that plague certain guitar setups when using standard parallel circuitry.
Tuned for Vintage Warmth: Vintage Output Pickups
This configuration features a precise 1,326 Hz cutoff frequency ($0.001\mu\text{F}$ Capacitor / 120K Resistor), making it highly versatile for both neck and bridge positions.
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Perfect for Vintage Output Pickups: Meticulously voiced to maintain the open, airy dynamics of vintage-style single-coils and classic humbuckers under 10k ohms.
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Flexible Placement: Works seamlessly in both neck and bridge positions to balance out your guitar’s overall frequency sweep.
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Even Tone: Provides a highly predictable volume sweep without causing your tone to turn brittle or harsh as you roll down.
Key Features
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Smooth Volume Sweep: Eliminates the “abrupt drop-off” issues common with parallel treble bleeds on specific guitar setups.
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Dial in Your Tone: Features a built-in 500K trim pot (adjustable trimmer), allowing you to fine-tune the treble bleed response perfectly to your ears and rig.
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Peel-and-Stick Mounting: No loose components rattling around inside your guitar. The bottom features a secure adhesive backing for a clean, professional installation inside your control cavity.
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Simple 2-Wire Installation: Easily solder your hookup wires directly to the clearly marked Input and Output pads on the compact board.
Selecting Your Adjustable Treble Bleed Circuit
We offer our adjustable circuits tuned to different frequencies to match your specific hardware and pickups:
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🔵 Blue (This Model): 1,326 Hz. Ideal for vintage humbuckers and single-coils under 10k ohms. Highly versatile for both neck and bridge positions.
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🟢 Green: 1,061.6 Hz. Best for low-output pickups in the 7k to 11k range. Ideal for neck and bridge configurations.
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⚫ Black: 1,592 Hz. Optimized for high-output bridge pickups. Recommended for hot humbuckers and single-coil Telecasters.
💡 Not sure which one you need? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Treble Bleed Circuits at boffinfx.com to find the perfect match for your guitar wiring setup.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Circuit Layout | Kinman-Style (In-Series) |
| Component Values | 0.001uF Capacitor / 120K Resistor |
| Cut Off Frequency | 1,326 Hz |
| Tuning Control | 500K Trim Potentiometer |
| Dimensions (H x L) | 25mm x 18mm (1″ x 0.6″) |
| Mounting Type | Integrated peel-and-stick adhesive |
Not sure which one you need? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Treble Bleed Circuits.
Treble Bleed Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my guitar tone get muddy when I turn down the volume?
Passive guitar circuits act as a low-pass filter. As you roll off the volume, the resistance increases, causing high frequencies to bleed to ground. Our circuits counteract this by providing an alternative path for those high frequencies.
Which circuit type should I choose for my pickups?
For vintage-output single coils, the Standard (Parallel) is ideal. If you use high-output humbuckers or desire a very consistent tone throughout the entire volume sweep, the Kinman (Series) is generally preferred. The Hybrid allows for fine-tuning the balance between these behaviors.
Can I install this if I am not an experienced technician?
Our circuits are designed for straightforward integration. If you are comfortable with basic soldering, you can easily install these directly onto your existing volume potentiometer lugs.
Does this work with my onboard Boffin FX Booster?
Yes. In fact, many players integrate our treble bleed circuits alongside our onboard MOSFET boosters to create a fully optimized signal chain that maintains both gain and tonal clarity at any volume level.
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