NOS 1 and 2 Watt Carbon Composition Resistors Set

I’ve had this box of 1 and 2 watt carbon composition resistors sitting on a shelf, with no immediate use for them, so I’m offering the entire lot here. All are +/- 10% unless stated otherwise, and there is no guarantee any of the pieces have not drifted, due to age. Please, no emails asking to sell individual resistors. This is offered as a set only. 41 total pieces. Most are IRC branded, and have been stored in original packaging and in plastic bags since I acquired them in 1994.

Values:

(2) 470R 1W
(1) 100K 1W
(1) 1.9M 2W 5%
(4) 4.7K 1W
(2) 4.7K 2W
(2) 12R 2W
(3) 12K 2W
(4) 10K 1W
(3) 1.5K 1W
(1) 560R 2W
(4) 1.8K 1W
(2) 1.2M 1W 2% (may be wirewound)
(2) 15M 1W
(2) 5.6K 1W
(2) 3.3K 1W
(2) 82R 1W
(4) 8.2K 1W

41 total pieces

NOS (New Old Stock) carbon composition resistors are highly sought after for vintage restoration and high-end audio projects, particularly in vacuum tube guitar amplifiers. Unlike modern film resistors, which use a thin layer of resistive material, carbon composition resistors are made of a solid cylindrical core. This core is a mixture of finely ground carbon black or graphite, a non-conducting ceramic or clay filler, and an organic resin binder. When using NOS components, it is standard practice to measure each resistor with a multimeter before installation to ensure it hasn’t drifted too far out of its functional range.

Key Characteristics

• Pulse & Surge Capability: Because the entire volume of the resistor body is conductive, they can withstand high-energy pulses and voltage transients much better than thin-film alternatives.

• Low Inductance: Their solid-core construction makes them inherently non-inductive, which is ideal for high-frequency RF applications.

• The “Vintage” Sound: In audio circuits, they are known for a specific type of harmonic distortion and “warmth.” They exhibit a voltage coefficient where their resistance changes slightly with the applied voltage, adding a subtle compression and character that many musicians prefer.

• High Noise Floor: They generate more thermal noise than modern metal film resistors, which can be an issue in low-level signal stages (like the input stage of a preamp).

• Drift and Tolerance: Carbon composition resistors are notoriously susceptible to moisture and heat. Over decades, “New Old Stock” units may drift significantly from their original marked value—often increasing in resistance—and generally have wider tolerances (±5%, ±10%, or ±20%).

Applications

• Guitar Amplifiers: Used extensively in the plate, grid, and cathode circuits of vintage-style tube amps (such as Fender or Marshall clones) to achieve period-correct tone and aesthetics.

• Restoration: Essential for maintaining the historical accuracy of antique radios and test equipment from the mid-20th century.

• Power Supplies: Utilized in snubber circuits or as discharge resistors for large capacitors due to their robust surge handling.