RMC Picture Wah - problem?

[Rich_S]

So, I've been repairing/modding my boss' Picture Wah for him. The original switch crapped out; he wanted me to replace it with a Fulltone 3PDT and add an LED. Easy little job, no problems.

But... now that it's done, I'm checking it out and i noticed this oddity in the pedal's sweep. There's a point, about 2/3 of the way up, where it sounds like a bright switch is being turned on. It's not a click or noise - it's just a step change in the brightness of the pedal. The change in tone is smooth from zero up to this point, and it's smooth from this point up to the top, but there's this one point where the brightness just clicks up.

Is this normal for the picture wah?

One thing it could be - I'm playing through my Vox "Classic Rock" Amp Plug. I suppose it might be some weird non-linearity in the amp model. I'll try the RMC through my real amp tomorrow. Still, it's kinda peculiar, somebody set my mind at ease, or I'll have to call my boss and/or Geoffrey Teese.

BTW, and as usual, I'm happy with my own cheapo gear up until the point where I play some of boss-man's booteek stuff. Jeez, what a nice wah. I might need to get one, or at least repaint my old Crybaby dark gray hammertone when I put in the Whipple inductor.:arms:

Also, the Picture Wah looks bada$$ with the bright blue LED poking out the left side.

 

[millsart]

Re: RMC Picture Wah - problem?

Sounds like the peak in the sweep thats just part of the classic wah sound. Vox wah's are even more pronouced about 2/3rds of the way up. They just aren't a smooth linear wah sound by nature and the PW is designed to be authentic.

It bothers so people and others dont mind it, I just think of it as part of the vintage italian wah sound and what really gives that "wacka wacka" sound on mutes

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: RMC Picture Wah - problem?

Did you loosen the pinion on it? If so the sweep could have been moved forward a bit causing it to sweep up more. Millsart is correct about the huge treble spike being part of the Vox wah tone.

Once I get really started on my pedalboard (aka stop buying crap I don't need off Ebay), I'm going to have 2 wahs, a more classic wah like you have another suited more for high gain apps.

 

[Tor]

Re: RMC Picture Wah - problem?

I noticed that on the Budwah I had as well.. It pierced the eardrums.. Not something for me..

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: RMC Picture Wah - problem?

That sweep in the pic sounds normal to me...vintage Vox wahs do it too.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: RMC Picture Wah - problem?

...aka stop buying crap I don't need off Ebay...

...or books from the Trading Post.:bigthumb:


Okay, gents... if you say it's normal, I'll stop worrying about it, though this one little spot really can't be described as a "sweep" it like two different sweeps with a switch in between.

BTW, I did not move the pot - just wired in the new stomp switch and added the LED. I would never presume to change a wah pedal that had been hand-tuned by Geoffrey Teese.