Question:
Keep in mind, I have absolutely no electrical knowledge or experience and have never so much as touched a soldering iron...
I recently bought a Boss TR-2 tremolo on Ebay, and I've read from a number of sources that it is common to improve the pedal's sound by simply clipping out the C-4 capacitor--I haven't done it yet (pedal is still on its way), but it is supposed to stop volume loss and improve tone. I know this voids the warranty if you have one, but since almost all of my stuff comes from Ebay and ran out of warranty long ago, warranty issues are not a concern.
So, I'm looking at a pedal board full of other Boss pedals (and other stuff) and wondering if the same kind of easy mods can be done on other pedals. Curious to know if anyone knows of any similar, idiot-proof-easy mods that can be done.
Answer:
As far as i know, that's the only one when it comes to simplicity (just cutting off a component)
you know about indyguitarist.com/guitartone.net right? Brian allows you to buy the mod sheets from him, and the mods aren't that hard to do at all (and cost ~$4). Also, the mods sound GREAT. Check it out.
Answer:
I hope you're not dead yet. Capacitors are very dangerous...always handle them by the body, never by the wires.
Answer:
Originally Posted by SoapbarII I hope you're not dead yet. Capacitors are very dangerous...always handle them by the body, never by the wires. eh...this is true of large capacitors, like the kind that you'd find in an amplifier, but small value caps like the ones in a pedal don't hold much charge. you could probably safely lick them and you might get a little shock ala 9V battery.
Answer:
Despite my lack of electrical knowledge, I have enough common sense to know that the battery should be out and the pedal unplugged when clipping out a capacitor....thanks for looking out for me, though.
Answer:
With small capacitors you will be ok. But if you start working with tube amps and larger capacitors it won't. Some capacitors can hold their charge for a long time, even aftetr its beeeen unplugged for a while.