I hate Digitech stomp boxes.

metallist · #1 10-23-2007, 04:46 PM

Ok, as the title suggests, I am slightly pissed at Digitech's stompboxes.

I currently own one of there DigiDelays and the switch that activates the delay has decided to **** it self - something would not happen very easily with Boss pedals.

Digitech have decided to use a very small and weak tactile switch that when you stomp on the footswitch a rubber stopper hits the switch and activates the effect (take the battery cover off and you will understand what I mean).

I have managed to find a spare part for this; but now have the fun task of trying to fit it.

Now - share your experiences with dodgy pedals, it may make me feel a little better

nad · #2 10-23-2007, 04:55 PM

Are they still built the same way when they were called DOD?

It was one reason I, generally speaking, preferred Boss, but I never had one fail on me either.

Jimbob Jones · #3 10-23-2007, 04:56 PM

I know what you mean about the switches. My BSW really annoys me because you have to literally stomp on it to switch, whereas with boss and other pedals, you touch it and it's switched.

metallist · #4 10-23-2007, 05:06 PM

I have a Boss Flanger, Bass Chorus and Tunner - you only need to touch them and they are activated, as opposed to having to stomp on it. Ridiculos - now looking at buying a DD-3.

**TheMutt** · #5 10-23-2007, 05:46 PM

I don't know, I've had a Digitech Bass Multi Chorus for at least 6-7 years. (it was my first effect) It has never given me any trouble with switching. But I am realizing more and more that I am not a huge fan of too many buffered bypass pedals in my effects chain.

metallist · #6 10-23-2007, 05:49 PM

The boss way of switch is soooo much better.

assboglin · #7 10-23-2007, 06:16 PM

I've owned several of the digitech stomboxes, and personally I wouldn't put them on my board. I do use some Boss pedals though.

dancehallclasher · #8 10-23-2007, 06:33 PM

My Digidelay has been solid, but yeah, that switch seems weak to me too. Hope mine holds up.

Taylor Livingston · #9 10-23-2007, 07:31 PM

A long time ago the footswitches on my BP200, which was my first effect, stopped working. So I took it apart. The switch was similar to, maybe the same as, the one you found. The rubber had simply worn away, leaving nothing to actuate the switch.

One thing I thought was pretty wonky was that the "hinges" for the footswitches are common binder clips, like you would use to clip a huge stack of paper together. I guess it works, but... Anyway, the thing died as soon as the warranty was up (if nothing else, you have to admire the engineering involved in ensuring something dies precisely as soon as the warranty expires).

Timi · #10 10-23-2007, 07:36 PM

I love my Bad Monkey, but the footswitch is just horrible.

phat daddy · #11 10-23-2007, 07:44 PM

I have a BSW, and I think it kills the Boss synth pedals that cost twice as much and is easier to use. A great deal for a killer pedal, totally changed the way I think about Digitech, but the switch? I never really thought about it, so I don't think mine's that bad, but I guess Boss's are a little easier-- I have a heavy foot so the stomping doesn't bother me.

40Hz_of_Love · #12 10-23-2007, 07:49 PM

My Bass Squeeze switch - flawless performance since 2005.

OhThePeacock · #13 10-23-2007, 08:19 PM

I have a couple DODs and they stomp fine, I especially like the older models. Very easy stomping.

PunkerTrav · #14 10-23-2007, 08:26 PM

I agree. When I had my digidelay apart it struck me as a weakness. I haven't had any issues so far though. *knocks on wood*

metallist · #15 10-23-2007, 10:16 PM

I am just hoping that I can fix it - if not I will have to pay someone to fix it, if not i will have to pay for a new delay!

niftydog · #16 10-23-2007, 10:28 PM

If you are able to determine which end of a soldering iron gets hot, then you will be able to fix it. Just don't rush it!

metallist · #17 10-23-2007, 10:35 PM

"If you are able to determine which end of a soldering iron gets hot, then you will be able to fix it. Just don't rush it!"

I am able to solder, but everything is so small inside.

Have you had experience fixing stuff like this?

lobey · #18 10-23-2007, 10:38 PM

I've owned 3 Digitech pedals and had no problem with them. My old roomie, however, is having problems with his delay. Same problems as you.

Think it'd be possible to put a new switch in it? Perhaps a Boss switch?

metallist · #19 10-23-2007, 10:48 PM

I am not very intelligent when it comes to electrics - it would be good if I could put a Boss switch into it.

niftydog · #20 10-23-2007, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallist

I am able to solder, but everything is so small inside.

The switch is probably the biggest thing in there though, right? And if it is the switch that's faulty, which is very, very highly probable, then it's a dead easy fix.

The Boss switches are essentially the same technology. Where the Boss design excels is in it's mechanical design - the foot treadle is mechanically prevented from applying excessive force to the switch.