Dunlop Wah Problem

juno75

I have a problem with my old Dunlop Wah, was debating getting a shiny Vox (just cause they look sweet) but money a bit tight so -

My Old Dunlop has well scratchy pot, you can really hear it when wahing. So I was thinking of just relpacing the pot for 30 Euro or so.
but
I also have a problem when you press down on the wah to activate/deactivate it. You have to press down on it hard as fek to get the thing to turn on/off. I had to retire it from gigging becasue it just cut the guitar out completly a few times untill I literally jumped on the fekker to get the button to connect.

So, just to confirm, a new pot will sort out the scratchy side of things but I assume the button is knackard - so even if I replace the pot Im still going to have to jump ion it from a great hieght to start/stop the wah?

If its knackard then good excuse for a shiny new wah but I'd like confirm that the button problem is a seprate issue?

Thanks

Doctor J

So you have to replace the pot and the on/off switch? Probably more economical in the long run to just buy a new one.

Ancient1

Ah, don't tell me this just days after i got my Dunlop.

Afaik, replacing the button is going to cost you less than replacing the pot.

Actually i was just reading about this the other day. I'll find the links and post them up.

Eoin Madsen

Maybe the button is just too low? If it has a nut on either side of the mounting surface you could raise it up.

Ancient1

I just pulled these out of my history, i think you'll find the button issue there:

http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/wahpedl/wahped.htm

http://www.diyguitarist.com/DIYStompboxes/WahTrueBypass.htm

http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/wahmod/wahmod.htm

http://www.torresengineering.com/noname.html

http://www.geofex.com/effxfaq/fxfaq.htm

http://www.wah-wah.co.uk

Eoin Madsen

Doctor J wrote:

So you have to replace the pot and the on/off switch? Probably more economical in the long run to just buy a new one.

I dunno about that - you could probably replace the entire insides for about 30 quid!

Ancient1

Well that's encouraging news.

Replacing the pot should be pretty straightforward if you're good with soldering (which i'm not). There's plenty of info out there on how to do it, but i don't know about the button...

juno75

Cool, thanks for all them links Ancient1, Build yer own eh?....

Pot thing is grand, replaceing is no problem.

I will check the hieght of the button, somehing I did not think about, makes sence that it may have been getting pounded down over the years.

The soldering looks pretty simple, I would not be a whizz with an Iron but I make my own cables usually so I reckon I can strech to that :rolleyes:

That Shiny (Jimi Inspired)Vox is still looking cool though if my repairs go tats up

Ancient1

Let me know when you figure out what the story is with the button.

My button clicks ok, but could be a bit easier, tbh. I don't know if they're supposed to be like that or maybe it's just that i'm new to wahs.

juno75

I would not be to worried about the Dunlop, to be fair mine was second hand when I got it and had a fair amount of abuse already before I started jumping on the thing reguarly.
Its a classic wah, simple and tuff.

I hear you about the button, compared to a Morely or something modern they take a bit of getting use to. It can be a bit off putting nailing it with so much pressure.

but then you get giant muscles on yer right leg and and walk lop-sided in circles

Ancient1

but then you get giant muscles on yer right leg and and walk lop-sided in circles

LOL, in that case it's definitely a keeper.

Got mine second hand as well, but in immaculate condition, it shows no signs of use at all. Yeah i'm just trying to get the feel for it.

jcoote

get a vox they are a much nicer pedal and much less hassle...u can always fix the dunlop another time

Ancient1

In what way are they better, jcoote?

feylya

Personally I prefer the Dunlop. The Vox is slightly harsher I think.

Eoin Madsen

The switch is easier to replace than the pot. You won't get an exact right one in Dublin (the wah switches kinda click a certain way, tbh I hate it - I never know if I've got it until it's too late), but you can pick up a regular double- or triple-pole footswitch for 3 or 4 quid in Maplin.

feylya wrote:

The Vox is slightly harsher I think.

Some might say brighter. It's down to taste I reckon.

feylya

Actually, if you can click it before you buy it, you can know. There should be no travel in the button before the actual switch is hit....kinda hard to explain.

Brighter, harsher, it all depends on the gain

juno75

the Vox is nice and shiny though

Anyone tried the Clyde Mccoy version?

Sounds like it has a bit extra poke, i like the old school vibe too

http://www.thomann.de/thoiw6_artikel-175484.html?sn=92db659c06a95437e7692f6757977aee

Eoin Madsen

feylya wrote:

Actually, if you can click it before you buy it, you can know.

Sorry, I meant when I actually play with a wah. The switch always confused me. No quite responsive enough.

sean_0

You can pick up the parts you need (pot and dpdt switch) at www.smallbearelec.com. I've used this guys stuff a few times and his service is excellent. www.banzaieffects.com looks good too but I haven't used that site yet


If you're buying one, buy the best switch you can because cheap ones (maplin) won't last with heavy use.