Boss Metal Zone - No clean tone!

[Steve A.]

There's another test method called the 'disturbance test'. You plug the pedal in as usual, but turn your guitar right down to zero and the amp on low volume. You touch a metal object such as a paper clip or piece of uninsulated wire onto key points along the circuit board. The amp buzzes like touching the tip of you guitar cable when there's a signal path. If you start from the output socket you can work backwards until the buzz stops. You've then found the problem area.

I would suggest that Sub-Zero get something like a $3.49 pick set from Harbor Freight instead of using a paper clip to reduce the chance of shorting two traces together. The picks also come in handy when soldering and when removing broken strings from a guitar.



http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...-set-1816.html

Steve Ahola

[Mick Bailey]

+1. A pick is a better idea.

[oc disorder]

This may help ...

[Mick Bailey]

This may help ...

Well, you couldn't get any better. Other than going to the OP's home and fixing it for him.

[g1]

I would suggest that Sub-Zero get something like a $3.49 pick set from Harbor Freight instead of using a paper clip to reduce the chance of shorting two traces together. The picks also come in handy when soldering and when removing broken strings from a guitar.



5 Piece Test Probe Set

Steve Ahola

Please use some heatshrink to insulate the handle part of these, leaving only the tips uncovered.
Especially if doing disturbance testing in live units.

[Sub-Zero]

Thanks. I will have a look for something along those lines.
Otherwise I will just get hold of a multi effects pedal, which does all I need, with a single power source.

[Mick Bailey]

The reason I raised the disturbance test is because it's safe on an 9v pedal and body noise gives a good strong signal with an uninsulated probe. Sometimes an insulated probe gives vague or no useful results. I don't recommend this method anyhow for beginners on live or high-voltage equipment. I wouldn't trust a DIY insulated probe in those situations - only something of the correct insulation category rating.