You got a free non-working Crybaby, what do you do with it?

NKUSigEp · #1 08-23-2010, 01:59 PM

I got a Dunlop Crybaby for free. It's not necessarily functional though occasionally if you step on it just right and the sun is at the right angle and if you're standing on your head, it will come on and the wah is actually really nice sounding. I think everything is there except the bottom plate too.

So, I've got an itch to mod a few things but I don't know where to start. Any ideas?

Wud · #2 08-23-2010, 02:07 PM

http://www.diyguitarist.com/DIYStompboxes/WahMod.htm
as a starting point

Floyd Eye · #3 08-23-2010, 05:17 PM

Send it to this guy.

http://www.tone-man.com/

NKUSigEp · #4 08-23-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Send it to this guy.

http://www.tone-man.com/

I'd rather do it myself. My background is in electronics but I don't have any experience with what components/parameters do what to your sound.

Floyd Eye · #5 08-23-2010, 06:34 PM

From Don's website.

UP-GRADE #1
Replace inductor, pot and add DPDT switch for TRUE BYPASS
Only $90.00

UP-GRADE #2
All Features Of #1 But Add Modifying Circuit To Use Original Type Parts (Carbon comp. resistors & mylar & polyester caps) Involves Changing All
Parts In Signal Path To 1966 Specs
Only $120.00

a.green.martian · #6 08-23-2010, 09:29 PM

I would put a delay or fuzz in it and have the time or intensity controlled by the treadle.

or just fix whatever's wrong with it if it sounds good.

groooooove · #7 08-23-2010, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.green.martian

I would put a delay or fuzz in it and have the time or intensity controlled by the treadle.

or just fix whatever's wrong with it if it sounds good.

i played a distortion like this once- the footpedal controlled the gain/intencity, and the thing was actually really awesome. (such a feature is more common nowadays in just about any digital programmable pedal with a foot pedal, but i digress..) im pretty sure it was made by visual sound before they "existed," whoever the head guy with them is made it as a one-of, if i remember correctly.

superbassman2000 · #8 08-24-2010, 06:58 AM

take out the circuitry and drop in a Chicago Iron parachute wah DIY kit
http://www.chicagoiron.com/

it's made to be dropped into a dunlop enclosure. Plus, it's nice this way because then the wah is much more affordable!

Darkglass · #9 08-24-2010, 07:32 AM

I would do a Kay Fuzztone! I once built one for a friend using an old crybaby housing! Here's a photo

I got the schem from uStomp, and did my own layout. But the one there should be ok!

This pedal is a lot of fun!

NKUSigEp · #10 08-24-2010, 08:11 AM

I really like the fuzz and the Parachute-wah idea. Thanks for the help! Anyone else feel free to chime in, as I'm sure you will. LOL

xk3smith · #11 08-24-2010, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Send it to this guy.

http://www.tone-man.com/

Thanks for this link!!!!

bassteban · #12 08-24-2010, 08:17 AM

I want to concoct a reverb box w/a built-in wah-type expression pedal & real spring reverb tank, so there's my vote. I'm envisioning a rather clunky or at least large unit(TWSS)but it would be mostly for home wankage.

dokazaado · #13 08-24-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

take out the circuitry and drop in a Chicago Iron parachute wah DIY kit
http://www.chicagoiron.com/

it's made to be dropped into a dunlop enclosure. Plus, it's nice this way because then the wah is much more affordable!

this. great wah.

NKUSigEp · #14 08-24-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

take out the circuitry and drop in a Chicago Iron parachute wah DIY kit
http://www.chicagoiron.com/

it's made to be dropped into a dunlop enclosure. Plus, it's nice this way because then the wah is much more affordable!

Any idea of the DIY kits come out as true-bypass? I read that the Parachute wahs are, but I couldn't discern if there was a difference or not.

timmus · #15 08-25-2010, 03:07 PM

personally, I'd get it working reliably and then mod it if you want to..there's tons of info on the web showing how to fix these things....from what you described what the problem was, it sounds like the switch under the pedal is either bad/intermittent or misadjusted or a loose component. Shouldn't be a big deal to fix.

kingbiscuitpant · #16 08-25-2010, 03:16 PM

same thing happeded to my best friend. he took it apart (without messing with the soldering) sprayed it very liberally with electrical contact cleaner (6 bucks or so at Radio ShacK) cleaned it up and carefully put it back together & it hasn't sone him wrong in 17 years. I recommend trying that I know I would.

MAMMOTHvolume · #17 08-25-2010, 06:23 PM

put a ring mod in it, obvious solution

NKUSigEp · #18 08-25-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAMMOTHvolume

put a ring mod in it, obvious solution

Why didn't I think of that? lol Any examples you know of?

NKUSigEp · #19 08-26-2010, 10:10 PM

I think I'm hooked on the Chicago Iron Parapedal DIY kit! Even if one of my guitarists ends up using it, it still sounds phenomenal! Just put in my order...I'll let ya know how it turns out.