Efeeects Loop Volume Box vs. Replacing Vo.l Pot

[river rat]

So anybody have any info on volume boxes in the effects loop? I own an American made Fender Hot Rod DLX. The volume control (clean channel) is so touchy !It jumps sky-high at #2. Lately, I've heard alot about volume boxes and also something about swapping out the vol. pot. What's the straight skinny ? Thanks...

[Enzo]

A volume control in the FX loop is just that, a volume control. As it is in the FX loop, after the preamp, it acts as a master volume. If that gets you where you want to be, then there you go. Turn it down there to allow you more use of the regular preamp control. WHy not?


What DOESN'T happen is that volume control in the FX loop acting the same as an attenuator in the speaker line. I know that is not what you said, but those boxes are marketed on ebay or wherever making that claim, and it just isn;t true. SO I want to make sure no one leaves thinking it. I have one of those volume in a box things I made myself years ago sitting nearby. It is handy whenever I want to adjust the level of some line signal here in the shop.

[Albert Kreuzer]

You could build one like this (see attachment). Works great on a HRDX or a C30.

[Enzo]

Wow, how 'bout that thing.

[river rat]

WOW ! Of course. Yeah, OK. Now how do I do it? Thanks...

[Albert Kreuzer]

It's not that difficult. Take two cheap 1/4" plugs, snip off half of the ground lug and bend it back 90 degrees. Plug them in the FX loop to get the right distance. Then put a small amount of solder on the ground lugs and on the back of the pot (any value from 100k to 1M will work). Now hold the pot to the plugs and heat the solder with a large iron (I use 80W). Connect the input and output of the pot to the respective plugs, solder the pot ground to the metal case.

HTH
Albert

[Enzo]

And as an alternative, a DanElectro Fish and CHips EQ pedal is $30. Set it flat. It has a level control on it, use that.

[river rat]

Great Ideas! Thank you both for your input.This forum sure can be a great resource.