Russian Big Muff button replacement

the blast · #1 10-27-2009, 04:01 PM

Hi guys, I think the button on my Russian Big Muff (big green one from the 90's) is bad so I've located a new one & ordered it. Now I have to figure out how the button top comes off. Evidently that big button is a press-fit sort of thing. Any of you ever done this & know exactly how hard it is to get off?

Thanks guys, -john

TheWoodShed · #2 10-27-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the blast

Hi guys, I think the button on my Russian Big Muff (big green one from the 90's) is bad so I've located a new one & ordered it. Now I have to figure out how the button top comes off. Evidently that big button is a press-fit sort of thing. Any of you ever done this & know exactly how hard it is to get off?

Thanks guys, -john

If you are replacing the button you may as well make it true bypass.

Otherwise, no I don't.

Lindsay · #3 10-28-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the blast

Hi guys, I think the button on my Russian Big Muff (big green one from the 90's) is bad so I've located a new one & ordered it. Now I have to figure out how the button top comes off. Evidently that big button is a press-fit sort of thing. Any of you ever done this & know exactly how hard it is to get off?

Thanks guys, -john

Where did you find the button? I need a new one for my Green Russian Muff. I also need to replace one knob.

A link or phone number would be appreciated

ampegfuzz · #4 10-28-2009, 12:23 PM

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=454 For an OEM style switch. I put a TBP in mine with no mods to the case or circuit board.

the blast · #5 10-28-2009, 02:46 PM

Hi Lindsey, he beat me to it with the link!

As for the TBP switch, where did you get it or is it the normal switch just wired differently? It's my understanding that if the pedal is made to be TBP, the LED will no longer work.

-John

ampegfuzz · #6 10-28-2009, 03:58 PM

Normal TBP switch. The guy that put it in got it so the led will work BUT!!!!!!!!! You can turn the pedal on with a batt in it with out a cable pluged in. No kill when no cable plugged in. Also i have left a batt in it with no cable and off and didn't eat the batt. You would think i would drain but no. I also don't use it too much right now (And no im not selling it if anyone is wondering

) But when it was getting a lot of use i used a PP2.

the blast · #7 10-28-2009, 04:31 PM

Normal TBP switch?? doesnt it only take the special switch that Bear Elec. sells? Are you saying you can install a normal looking switch? Not sure how you could do that as that hole is fairly large in comparisson to a norrmal button hol. I think??? I'll have to look again when I get home. Thanks for all the info.

-John

Lindsay · #8 10-29-2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampegfuzz

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=454 For an OEM style switch. I put a TBP in mine with no mods to the case or circuit board.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the blast

Hi Lindsey, he beat me to it with the link!

As for the TBP switch, where did you get it or is it the normal switch just wired differently? It's my understanding that if the pedal is made to be TBP, the LED will no longer work.

-John

Thanks

ampegfuzz · #9 10-29-2009, 09:05 AM

Ill post some pics later today but yes a regular TBP like in a fulltone pedal.

sonicvi · #10 10-29-2009, 10:19 AM

I've done it before. Those green muffs suck tone about as bad as anything. To get the old switch out, pull off the cap, and unscrew the larger outer ring.

ampegfuzz · #11 10-29-2009, 12:55 PM

Just how mine looks. ^^^^

the blast · #12 10-29-2009, 02:39 PM

So did you guys put washers in there? Any close up pics?

ampegfuzz · #13 10-29-2009, 04:58 PM

No extra washers because you need the entire length of the switches shaft. I will post some inside pics as soon as my wife removes the honeymoon pics off the camera. If i delete those i'm a dead man

sonicvi · #14 10-29-2009, 08:21 PM

No, I don't have any closeups. It's not the easiest true bypass job because the jacks are board mounted, so you have to cut a trace or two.

ampegfuzz · #15 10-29-2009, 08:27 PM

My jacks were replaced with switchcraft jacks and wire ran so no more pcb mount

the blast · #16 11-01-2009, 10:23 PM

Hi guys, so I replaced the button & low & behold, it's not the problem. I've since found a bad capacitor. It's one of the big, orange ones. Seems easy enough to replace. Just got to find them. Any ideas where to get em? I googled & no luck. Also, know of any "upgraded" caps?

ampegfuzz · #17 11-02-2009, 07:47 AM

small bear is the only one off the top of my head but look in the wiki at the "DIY stompboxes" forum. You can join their forum but it take a good bit of effort to become a member at their forum. Never know radio shack and ebay are posable options too.

the blast · #18 11-08-2009, 02:23 PM

Finally!! $40 for the pedal a few years ago in great shape + $20 for a new Switch it didn't actually need + $5 for a new Cap = A like-new Russian Big Muff.

Bought some of that de-soldering copper wick to absorb the old solder on the circuit board, pulled out the old Cap & soldered in the new Cap. Easy & done. One more thing off my plate.

Thanks guys,
-john