Eliminate Muddy Tone: The Kinman Treble Bleed |
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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Retain your high-end clarity, air, and sweetness—even when you roll your volume down.
If your guitar tone turns muddy, dark, or muffled as you lower your volume knob, your tone needs a treble bleed circuit. The Boffin FX “Kinman-Style” Adjustable Treble Bleed keeps your high frequencies perfectly intact at lower volumes, giving you a smooth, even tone across the entire sweep of your volume pot.
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 parallel). This architecture is specifically engineered to fix the unnatural, abrupt volume drops or sweep issues that plague certain guitar wiring setups using standard parallel circuitry.
Tuned for Sweetness: Low-Output & Neck Pickups
This configuration features a precise 1,061.6 Hz cutoff frequency ($0.001\mu\text{F}$ Capacitor / 150K Resistor), making it highly optimized for warmer, softer pickup configurations.
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Ideal for Neck Pickups: Prevents naturally warm, bass-heavy neck positions from turning dull or muddy at lower volumes.
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Perfect for Low-Output Pickups: Meticulously tuned to preserve the open, dynamic top-end of low-output single-coils and vintage-voiced humbuckers.
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Consistent Tonal Balance: Provides a highly predictable volume sweep without altering your core pickup characteristics or making the tone brittle.
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 control cavity. The bottom features a secure adhesive backing for a clean, seamless installation.
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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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🟢 Green (This Model): 1,061.6 Hz. Best for low-output pickups (both single-coils and humbuckers). Highly recommended for neck positions.
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🔵 Blue: 1,326 Hz. Tailored for vintage humbuckers under 10k ohms. Excellent alternative choice for neck positions.
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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 / 150K Resistor |
| Cut Off Frequency | 1,061.6 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.
Specifications
Type: 0.001uF Capacitor / 150K Resistor
Cut Off Frequency: 1,061.6 Hz
500K Trim Pot for tuning bleed circuit.
Dimensions H x L: 25mm x 18mm / 1 inch x 0.6 inch
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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