I picked up a ML-2 Metal Core cheap this morning, but when I got it home, the LED indicator didn't work right. It got brighter when I kicked in the distortion, but only got dimmer when switched out; it didn't ever shut completely off. Ever heard of this before?
I took the pedal apart to see if it was something I could fix and proceeded to shear off the LED when removing the nuts holding the pots onto the casing. DAMNIT! I felt like such an idiot.
I believe it is a 3mm LED, any ideas on fixing this thing before I get bent over by the Boss service center? How hard is it to get a replacement LED or LED/Holder. I'm assuming that Boss uses the same ones for all there compact pedals.
Would changing the LED fix the first problem mentioned?
TIA.
Tung
Fixing Boss ML-2 Metal Core pedal
Information
- Posts: 8
- Joined: 04 Oct 2008, 11:48
- my favorite amplifier: a Fender Twin Amp or a nice Marshall
- Completed builds: No way I could remember all of them. Been doing this since the early 80s, but . .
Mostly onboard active guitar preamps, hotrodding amplifiers a bit (mostly tubes), and home brew devices - experiments from my laboratory, mad scientist style.
I've modded and rebuilt some synthesizers, but as far as pedals go I pretty much build my own: overdrives, fuzzes, etc. I've built some software effects like ring modulators, but I'm back into the wires now. - Location: Texas, Arizona, Indiana, etc.
You can probably get a replacement LED online (smallbearelec.com or mouser) but you would have to be very specific about the dimensions. You might even get one Boss, but like you said, you'd probably get bent over.
However, I don't think that will fix your problem. That lies in the circuitry feeding the LED. Does it work, other than the LED? Maybe that's why you got it cheap.
However, I don't think that will fix your problem. That lies in the circuitry feeding the LED. Does it work, other than the LED? Maybe that's why you got it cheap.
"I love the smell of solder in the morning. Smells like . . . victory."
Thanks for your reply. The LED is 3mm, I have some in my junk box and I think I'm going to try replacing it. As for getting it cheap, it looked almost brand new and the seller assured me it worked, which it did. The effect does switch in and out. It's my fault for not trying it out beforehand. It's just that the LED never worked. I ended up damaging it, so I couldn't try to return it in good conscience.sepulchre wrote:You can probably get a replacement LED online (smallbearelec.com or mouser) but you would have to be very specific about the dimensions. You might even get one Boss, but like you said, you'd probably get bent over.
However, I don't think that will fix your problem. That lies in the circuitry feeding the LED. Does it work, other than the LED? Maybe that's why you got it cheap.
tung
I replaced the 3mm LED in the Boss Metal Core pedal this morning. Powered a battery, the pedal now works fine. The LED lights when the effect is kicked in and turns off when switched out.
Here's the weird thing: it still does the same thing with the Boss power supply that I got with it. The LED stays lit whether the effect is switched in or out. It does the same thing with another Boss power supply that I have. The weird part is that it doesn't do it with a brand new Boss PSA-120S power supply that I just got to power the FX in my BCB-30 pedal board. Very odd.
I think I'll call Boss tech support and see if this is a known glitch in that pedal.
tung
Here's the weird thing: it still does the same thing with the Boss power supply that I got with it. The LED stays lit whether the effect is switched in or out. It does the same thing with another Boss power supply that I have. The weird part is that it doesn't do it with a brand new Boss PSA-120S power supply that I just got to power the FX in my BCB-30 pedal board. Very odd.
I think I'll call Boss tech support and see if this is a known glitch in that pedal.
tung
Information
- Posts: 8
- Joined: 04 Oct 2008, 11:48
- my favorite amplifier: a Fender Twin Amp or a nice Marshall
- Completed builds: No way I could remember all of them. Been doing this since the early 80s, but . .
Mostly onboard active guitar preamps, hotrodding amplifiers a bit (mostly tubes), and home brew devices - experiments from my laboratory, mad scientist style.
I've modded and rebuilt some synthesizers, but as far as pedals go I pretty much build my own: overdrives, fuzzes, etc. I've built some software effects like ring modulators, but I'm back into the wires now. - Location: Texas, Arizona, Indiana, etc.
Glad to hear it's working ok. Since it works properly with a battery the power supplies are suspect. But since it does the same thing with two power supplies, and it works fine with another, I would guess it is a glitch and nothing to worry much about.
And, hey, you got a great deal on a cool pedal!
Ken
And, hey, you got a great deal on a cool pedal!
Ken
"I love the smell of solder in the morning. Smells like . . . victory."