Octabass pops bad when clicked on

[*insertcoolname]

Basically what the title says. When I stomp on my Octabass there is a very loud surge of low frequencies sent through my amp. The issue is that this pop is probably 3-6 db's higher than my actual signal so if I'm running my amp pretty high I get really concerned that it's going to blow it and I won't turn it on then.

Something to note, this only occurs when I haven't stepped on the switch for more than a couple of minutes. If I stomp on it and turn it off, and then immediately turn it back on there is no pop. Also, the footswitch sometimes gets screwy and won't work. I think this is an issue with the switch itself. Help?



Paul

[bongomania]

The bit about the switch sometimes not working is abnormal, and indicates it needs cleaning or maybe replacement. The other business with the popping, especially how you describe when it does and doesn't happen, is very common with 3PDT "true bypass" switches. What happens is a static charge builds up capacitively in your cables and the effect circuit, and this charge discharges when you make the connection through the switch. It can be modded with a pulldown resistor to reduce that occurrence. It might also be that it's happening "as badly" as it is because of the switch being faulty.

[*insertcoolname]

Originally Posted by bongomania

The bit about the switch sometimes not working is abnormal, and indicates it needs cleaning or maybe replacement. The other business with the popping, especially how you describe when it does and doesn't happen, is very common with 3PDT "true bypass" switches. What happens is a static charge builds up capacitively in your cables and the effect circuit, and this charge discharges when you make the connection through the switch. It can be modded with a pulldown resistor to reduce that occurrence. It might also be that it's happening "as badly" as it is because of the switch being faulty.

So replacing the switch should most likely be the fix? Something else to note, this pedal is the true bypass version

[bongomania]

First get some good-quality contact cleaner like Caig's, and spray it directly into the switch, and click the switch a bunch of times to work free any crud buildup. If that doesn't solve it (especially the part where it "just doesn't work" sometimes) then replace the switch.

If it's working fine but you still get the pops, then read up on the DIY sites about "pulldown resistors"--they are easy to install, and they are usually helpful (though not a 100% cure).

[dannybuoy]

You could also sell it and ouck up a used older version that has a buffered bypass.

[scotch]

Originally Posted by bongomania

First get some good-quality contact cleaner like Caig's, and spray it directly into the switch, and click the switch a bunch of times to work free any crud buildup. If that doesn't solve it (especially the part where it "just doesn't work" sometimes) then replace the switch.

If it's working fine but you still get the pops, then read up on the DIY sites about "pulldown resistors"--they are easy to install, and they are usually helpful (though not a 100% cure).

Definitely try Bongo's recommendations.

Unfortunately, I've found that for some unknown reason, EBS keeps using crappy footswitches! Both their 2P/ST and 3P/ST switches have failed on me. It's weird, too because all of the other components in their pedals seem to be high-quality.

[*insertcoolname]

Is there any way I can just replace the switch itself? I know nothing of soldering or pedal electronics so would it be cheap/easy fix for someone at a repair shop?

[scotch]

Originally Posted by *insertcoolname

Is there any way I can just replace the switch itself? I know nothing of soldering or pedal electronics so would it be cheap/easy fix for someone at a repair shop?

Yup! Quick, easy repair.

I actually replaced my old grey-label Octabass switch myself. Took about 10 minutes. Any amp or electronics repair shop should be able to do it for you pretty cheaply!