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dod fx 91 Bass Overdrive pedal problem...

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by Jeff2287, Jul 26, 2003.

  1. Jul 26, 2003 #1
    Jeff2287

    Jeff2287

    May 4, 2002
    I just recieved this pedal in the mail today from ebay and it isn't really working properly. It's strange. The connection between the pedal and the amp works just fine but the connection between the bass and the pedal is messed up. When I try playing my bass (Affinity P-bass) through the pedal, there's virtually no volume unless the strings touch the exposed magnet of the p'ups and, even then, it's really quiet. I've adjusted the volume on the bass, pedal, and amp, I've checked all of the cords which work just fine, and I even changed the battery, but it still doesn't work. Any suggestions?
     
  2. Jul 26, 2003 #2
    Jeff2287

    Jeff2287

    May 4, 2002
    Well, I've better identified the symptoms through experimentation. The only way I can get any volume is if I turn my amp's volume, lows, and mids up to full blast as well as crank up the volume on the pedal and bass. At this point, I can barely hear my bass coming through the amp and when I try to dial in some distortion or overdrive, the only difference that I can hear is that the static in the backround (at these settings, it's MOSTLY static) changes slightly. WHat can I do?!!? Am I missing something here? Is the pedal broken?
     
  3. Jul 26, 2003 #3
    Metal Mitch

    Metal Mitch

    Jul 14, 2003
    NJ
    Yeah, sure sounds like the pedal's busted. My best guess is a bad jack, bad battery connection, or a short.

    Easiest things to try are cleaning the jacks and using an AC adapter. Remember those old DOD pedals were positive tip, most new pedals are negative tip - so check the adapter first. You can get a universal adapter at Radio Shack with a polarity switch on it. Those are cheap and good for any pedal. If it works with the AC adapter you can just resolder/replace the battery connector to fix it.

    To clean the jacks, use either contact/pot cleaner spray or one of those pencil erasers with the sharp angle on the end.

    If none of that works you've probably got a short or a bad solder joint somewhere. Good luck!
     
  4. Jul 26, 2003 #4
    Jeff2287

    Jeff2287

    May 4, 2002
    Well, the pedal uses DC power so I'd need a different adapter. We just cleaned it out completely with compressed air to no effect. I don't think the battery was the problem because the light on the pedal turned on when I plugged into the input jack, but the dang thing made my bass extremely quiet. I think I'll just have to bring it to a music store for maintanence. Would that be more cost-effective?
     
  5. Jul 28, 2003 #5
    jondog

    jondog

    Mar 14, 2002
    NYC metro area
    Did the seller say it was working?

    Have you posted feedback yet?

    I'd see if they'll let you return it.