As some of you may remember, me and wah's don't get along. My neglected 535Q came off the shelf the other day because I wanted to take a look at the solder again (I really don't want to shell out the money for another wah). After 45 min. of not being able to get the PCB out, I had an idea. I began playing with the pot sweep position. I found the place where it works properly.

I plugged in, gave it a whirl, and the thing worked flawlessly. The tone was effected the entire sweep of the treadle. After 15 min. of playing, things were going south again. The problem isn't electrical at all. The pot and toothed stem from the treadle are slipping somehow, causing the pot to get out of it's effective sweep. What can I do to fix this? This is really good news for me, as I'm unqualified to fix an electrical problem, but I can handle a mechanical one like this as long as I know what to do.

Thanks again,
D

The "toothed stem" has to be tightened. There's usually a black or white plastic piece that's connected by a philips head screw to the top. That piece is what holds the stem to the gear on the pot.

quote:

Originally posted by DIYpedalguy:
The "toothed stem" has to be tightened. There's usually a black or white plastic piece that's connected by a philips head screw to the top. That piece is what holds the stem to the gear on the pot.

That screw is tightened all the way down and is against the stem. I don't know if it is applying enough pressure. It is pressing against it though, and the screw is as tight as it can get.

Thanks,
D

EDIT: I just found out that the stem is called the rack gear

That plastic piece that's held down by the screw has to be repositioned. It looks like a wire clamp. Loosen the screw a bit and try to push the "clamp" tighter against the rack. Then while you still have pressure on it tighten that screw. That should do it. Just don't strip the screw.

quote:

Originally posted by 01redcobra:
That plastic piece that's held down by the screw has to be repositioned. It looks like a wire clamp. Loosen the screw a bit and try to push the "clamp" tighter against the rack. Then while you still have pressure on it tighten that screw. That should do it. Just don't strip the screw.

That was the problem. I found it before you posted it, but thanks for the help!

D

I wonder how many wah problems could be fixed by a simple repositioning of the pot and treadle. I had the Vox Clyde McCoy reissue - way to bright out of the box. Repositioned the pot and got it darned close to my Picture Wah. Still not as vocal as the PW, but dang close.

It can definitely fix a bunch.

That was the first thing I did with my McCoy as well, and I was constantly messing with my old Vox Wah getting it just right. Both Times it was like two totally new pedals. Just a matter of finding that perfect sweet spot where the bass does not fart out and the treble is not ice picky.