Problem with Boss pedals . . .

[GuitarStv]

I've loved my boss pedals for ages and drag them along with me evey time I head out to play, but as time goes on I've noticed that they seem to have a tendency of dying on me. I modded my BD-2 about 4 years ago and love the sound of it, but when I stomp on it it doesn't switch. It can take 3-4 stomps to finally turn on. Believe me when I say that this is very irritating when you're trying to play stuff live and have to remember to keep time, play your part, and try to hit the little box on the pedal board with your foot over and over again until it clicks. I figured that I may have buggered something up when I modded (although it did work fine for a few years after I did) but the DS-2 and CE-5 that I picked up last year have started to do the same thing as well. Does anyone who mods these pedals have any ideas as to what might be wrong? I don't want to get other pedals as I really love these ones . . .

 

[ErikH]

Re: Problem with Boss pedals . . .

It sounds like the switch circuit. Those are a bit of a pain since it's electronic switching so it could be the switch plunger itself or something in the circuit. It's happened to me before with an old flanger but it hasn't happened in quite a while. I'm thinking maybe spraying some contact cleaner in the circuitry and switch might help?

Hopefully Niels will chime in with some assistance.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Problem with Boss pedals . . .

Im pretty sure smallbear sells switches for Boss pedals.

 

[joelap]

Re: Problem with Boss pedals . . .

I'd go through and reheat the solder connections in the areas that correspond to the switching section. That worked for me on a pedal that was giving me trouble not too long ago. Put some flux on each solder connection, let the solder flow and reset. If that doesnt fix it, a .50 cent switch from smallbear might do the trick

 

[ElUnoAstuto]

Re: Problem with Boss pedals . . .

Lol, Joe, you're the first person I thought of when I saw this thread.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Problem with Boss pedals . . .

I think the plastic plunger on the Boss switch wears down over time. Try sticking a cardboard shim to the underside of the pedal and see if it improves.