Vox wah switch...

Metalman_666

Metalman_666

Well-known member
So I've had my Vox V847 for awhile, and while I love the sound, the one thing that gets on my nerves about it is the switch. It's really hard to press it; I practically have to stop really hard on the toe position to get it to turn on or off. With my Dunlop CFH, I can press the switch sitting down with no problems whatsoever, and I want to be able to do that with my Vox wah but the switch is too damn hard to press.

Is there anything I can do alleviate this? Do I have to go and find a completely new switch that's easier to press and wire it up myself? Ideally I want to fix this problem without spending any money, but if it's a cheap fix, I'd be up for it. Thanks!
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

You might want to consider phoning Rich at "Amplifiers Plus" (first door on the left inside the main door at Sherwood Music) He stocks the pushbutton switches for both Vox and Dunlop wahs. If the Dunlop switch will fit in the Vox wah, you could just replace it. I'm guessing the cost will be about $25.00. Those switches were a pain to find otherwise, I've tried.

I don't think that you can "adjust" the "pressure" needed to activate the switch as the enclosures aren't made to be reopened, I'm not sure, even if you did get the switch open, what you would do. Maybe I'm wrong.

Rich will know.

Good Luck.

Dave
 
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Re: Vox wah switch...

Thanks for the suggestion Greco, I'll definitely check that out if there's nothing else I can do. I forget that I have a forum bro in the same city who knows the same shops :D
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

maybe sanding down the little rubber feet on the rocker so that there is less space between the rocker and the chasis in the full down position. This might make it easier to push down on the button and would save you from having to spend money.
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

Hope you can get it solved.

If not, you could always try weighted boots :bigok:

Sorry, couldn't resist.
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

Metalman_666 said:
So I've had my Vox V847 for awhile, and while I love the sound, the one thing that gets on my nerves about it is the switch. It's really hard to press it; I practically have to stop really hard on the toe position to get it to turn on or off. With my Dunlop CFH, I can press the switch sitting down with no problems whatsoever, and I want to be able to do that with my Vox wah but the switch is too damn hard to press.

Is there anything I can do alleviate this? Do I have to go and find a completely new switch that's easier to press and wire it up myself? Ideally I want to fix this problem without spending any money, but if it's a cheap fix, I'd be up for it. Thanks!
Click to expand...

You should be able to loosen the switch and adjust the nut or washers on the inside of the switch so they are closer to the metal portion of the inside of the treadle....Sometimes you have to remove the nut or washer on the inside part of the switch...Normally the switch is adjustable w/out cutting the rubber bumpers..

Basically you need to bring the height of the switch up and towards the opening of the treadle...
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

One thing I forgot to mention was that the switch is even hard to press with my hands. I have to squeeze it pretty hard before it clicks. I suppose raising the switch a little might work... how do I go about doing that?
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

Metalman_666 said:
One thing I forgot to mention was that the switch is even hard to press with my hands. I have to squeeze it pretty hard before it clicks. I suppose raising the switch a little might work... how do I go about doing that?
Click to expand...

Read above! If you have to replace the switch,normally they are about $10 and I prefer the Fulltone 3DPT switch..
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

STRATDELUXER97 said:
Read above! If you have to replace the switch,normally they are about $10 and I prefer the Fulltone 3DPT switch..
Click to expand...

These switches seem hard to find locally and this shop orders quite a few of them at a time. The owner also adds a bit for a margin for himself. That said, maybe my $25.00 CDN was a high estimate...but i'll bet that it will be close to $20.00 for sure (we have an additional 14% taxes here).

Maybe it would be less to order one from the USA, except that shipping and taxes will bump the cost up. Also, who wants to wait for it to come through the mail (the cheapest way to get it here).

Metalman...keep us informed on how the switch problem progresses. Thanks
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

greco said:
These switches seem hard to find locally and this shop orders quite a few of them at a time. The owner also adds a bit for a margin for himself. That said, maybe my $25.00 CDN was a high estimate...but i'll bet that it will be close to $20.00 for sure (we have an additional 14% taxes here).

Maybe it would be less to order one from the USA, except that shipping and taxes will bump the cost up. Also, who wants to wait for it to come through the mail (the cheapest way to get it here).

Metalman...keep us informed on how the switch problem progresses. Thanks
Click to expand...


I didn't read until now that you were from Canada,but a switch here isn't too much money in the scheme of things....1 of today's biggest problems with pedals,are crappy switches!

Try here.....I've bought alot of stuff from here!


http://www.banzaieffects.com/Pushbutton-Footswitches-c-246.html
 
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Re: Vox wah switch...

This is more of a question than a suggestion,

But would a lubricant like WD-40 loosen up the switch without ruining it? I'm just talking about a little bit to loosen up any friction?
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

lex666 said:
This is more of a question than a suggestion,

But would a lubricant like WD-40 loosen up the switch without ruining it? I'm just talking about a little bit to loosen up any friction?
Click to expand...

You'd want to try a contact cleaner or the Caig De-oxit product,but don't use an oil based product.
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

lex666 said:
This is more of a question than a suggestion,

But would a lubricant like WD-40 loosen up the switch without ruining it? I'm just talking about a little bit to loosen up any friction?
Click to expand...

I wondered about the same thing. Being a liquid, even a small amount might be a potential problem if it got down into the contacts of the switch. I wondered about graphite.

My conclusion is to just go get a new switch. Then you know that the problem won't be back....at least hopefully not for a long time.
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

greco said:
I wondered about the same thing. Being a liquid, even a small amount might be a potential problem if it got down into the contacts of the switch. I wondered about graphite.

My conclusion is to just go get a new switch. Then you know that the problem won't be back....at least hopefully not for a long time.
Click to expand...

Depends on the switch you buy? If you buy a cheap switch,you'll be doing the same thing again in the near future.I Like the Fulltone 3DPT or the Carling switch,but stay away from the Taiwan ones!

Don't overtighten the switch or you risk pulling the top of the switch apart.
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

Or, you could go find a die-cast garage-sale special (DOD, MXR, etc.) and gut it for parts...
 
Re: Vox wah switch...

OK, this question was posted long ago, but in case anyone is asking here's what I did and it works fine. There is a white felt disc that acts as a bumper for the switch itself on the underside of the pedal foot surface. The felt disc is similar to one you would use on the end of a leg os a chair to prevent it from marring a wooden floor. Rather than stack another felt disc I used a similar solid plastic disc used for the same furniture purpose. It has adhesive backing on it so just stick it on top of the felt disc and it will add enough height so that clicking the switch on and off is very easy, but not too easy so accidentally clicks off. No need to stomp on it any more.
 
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