EV-5 Expression Pedal replacements?

Blankmann44 · #1 03-02-2009, 09:41 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm going to purchase the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer in a couple of days and want to use an expression pedal with it. The Roland/Boss EV-5 look pretty weak and after reading some reviews it seems they aren't all that great of an expression pedal.

My question is are there any other expression pedals out that that work as a replacement for the Roland/Boss EV-5?

I have a Moog EP-2 Expression Pedal, its fantastic! But I'm scared to try it on the SYB-5 because in the manual it says not to use other expression pedals, I would be risking damage.

Anyone out there with experience that can help me out??

Thanks!

Jared Lash · #2 03-02-2009, 09:48 PM

I don't know how much this helps, but I think the EV-5 is a better expression pedal than the EP-2. But that's not saying much since I think they're both pretty flimsy/shoddy.

JFace · #3 03-02-2009, 09:51 PM

I've been using the Yamaha FC7 expression pedal for the Boss pitch shifter. The build quality is excellent, and the cost is ideal at $40. My gripes are that the range of motion is actually too much, and the potentiometer is too large. I believe Roland uses something around 10K ohms, whereas the Yamaha is around 50K. This means that most of the effect range is within the first 1/5th of the expression pedal. This can be defeated by changing to potentiometer, which to me, is completely worth it.

Blankmann44 · #4 03-02-2009, 09:53 PM

How about the line in the manual saying that using other expression pedals could cause damage. Is this bunk or is there some truth to this?

fightthepower · #5 03-03-2009, 12:58 AM

JFace- I have an FC7 and yeah the sweep does suck. I mean, the physical sweep is great- super long... but the actual sweep all occurs before you hit a 45* angle.. I used the one I bought for all of about an hour.. I think I'll look into changing the potentiometer.

Bunk, they just want you to buy their exp pedal.

B.C. · #6 03-03-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blankmann44

How about the line in the manual saying that using other expression pedals could cause damage. Is this bunk or is there some truth to this?

For the most part, bunk. However, since Boss pedals are made with selected polarity of the TRS jack, the boss expression pedal is guarenteed to work. Other pedals might have a different polarity and may not work, but most pedals have a polarity switch.

Will wrong polarity damage the pedal? I highly doubt it. All it will do is not work

judas jedermann · #7 03-03-2009, 01:55 AM

I`ve been using EV-5 for years without any problems. It has been more reliable than my "built-like-a-tank" Ernie ball volume pedal.

Jumbotron · #8 03-03-2009, 07:32 AM

If you can solder, build your own (very easy project): check out some instructions here: http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-...ression-Pedal/

merlinaz · #9 03-03-2009, 11:17 AM

I've got the Moog EP-2 and the RV-2 and I'm also looking for a better pedal.
I broke the Moog 3 times...it's really not well built, but the sweep is alright and it feels better like the RV-5.
Both are plastic and the Moog's potentiometer is scratching after a while of extensive use!!

so I use the EV-5 as a backup, since that damn string got torn on stage

this seems to be a good one:
http://www.toneczareffects.com/prod-exp.htm

I'm going to pick one up when the warranty of the EP-2 is over....

merten

jetofuj · #10 03-09-2009, 04:59 PM

Do you know M-Audio EX-P expression pedals? They are quite cheap, but as Malekko is selling them, I suppose they very reliable.

fokof · #11 03-09-2009, 08:25 PM

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-...ELAID=92187547

Blankmann44 · #12 03-09-2009, 08:32 PM

Thanks for the suggestions everybody. Tomorrow my Boss Syb-5 arrives. I already own a Moog EP-2 so I'm going to try this out for the EXP of the Syb-5. I'll let you all know if it works and how well it works if it does.