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hairy-dude
Copper Member
Australia
10 Posts |
 Posted - 09/30/2009 : 20:46:00
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Hello all!
I have an old OD-2 Turbo Overdrive, and I've never really been happy with it. I bought it because I liked my mates one that I used many years ago, but mine just sounds thin, like there's no real body to the sound. It seems that it's lacking bass response, and does not sound very "full", and I'm suprised, because a lot of people seem to like this pedal, even rave about it. Also, with minimal drive with the Turbo switch off, the level control just does not go high enough!
According to the serial number (862718) and the Bossarea Deocoder, it was made in January 1988. I'm guessing that after all this time (20 plus years), the electrolytic capacitors have degraded. Would it be safe to say that if I replaced all of the electrolytics, I should have a better sounding pedal? If this works, I'll consider doing it to some other older pedals I have.
Let me know what you guys think. All opinions appreciated, folks!
Cheers,
Hairy-dude.
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 20:55:59
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| replace with metal film caps. you will notice a great improvement in tone |
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 20:59:33
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| Also,Welcome to the forum |
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hairy-dude
Copper Member
Australia
10 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 21:05:46
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Thanks for the welcome, the advice and the quick reply!
Am I correct in thinking the metal film caps are polarised?
Now to find an Australian dealer who stocks them....that should be fun. |
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Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 21:19:40
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Welcome! (G'day from a fellow Aussie in Canada)
We have a prolific technical Aussie member who may be able to help... Dr. Bob. |
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hairy-dude
Copper Member
Australia
10 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 21:26:19
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Hi Laurie,
I've noticed Dr Bob in a lot of posts on this forum. I look forward to his (and everyone else's) input!
Hopefully he knows an easy source of suitable caps for this restoration! |
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hairy-dude
Copper Member
Australia
10 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 21:50:40
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After doing a bit of research, I now know that metal film capacitors are not polarised, like electrolytics. Why do people recommend replacing polarised capacitors with non-polarised?
What is the precise name for these type of capacitors? I can easily find "metallised polypropylene" capacitors or "metallised polyester" capacitors, are these what I am looking for? |
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ChristoMephisto
Platinum Member
Canada
1288 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2009 : 22:37:30
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| Swapping out caps is only worth it on old pedals, not sure why they suggest replacing new caps with metal film caps. |
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hairy-dude
Copper Member
Australia
10 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2009 : 10:49:13
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After studying the circuit diagram for this pedal, I've figured out that there is only five electrolytic capacitors in the audio signal path, four 1uF 50V (C3, C10, C27 and C34) and one 0.22uF 50V (C30).
I'll start with replacing these, and see how it goes. The other electrolytics seem to be used in filtering or regulating the power supply through the pedal, so I think they might as well stay polarised. |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2009 : 11:38:41
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Welcome to the forum... i have an OD-2 as well and from reading posts from a lot of other owners i think the low volume boost issue is common to this pedal,i retired my and got a SD twintube instead..i don't think changing the caps will improve output might improve the tone slightly... |
Edited by - FRANZONI on 10/01/2009 11:39:15 |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2009 : 11:43:46
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Hi hairy-dude
Welcome to the forum.
I gather from your last post that you already have a supplier for the caps?
If not, please let me know what part of Oz your are in.
So We can help you out with various suppliers.
Please note:
We have a sticky thread in the FAQ Section.
Places to buy components
http://www.bossarea.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4705
If you know of any others or have a preferred supplier,
everyone is welcome to add to the list.
One other thing to consider about electrolytic caps, is that their
"ESR" changes with time & use, sometimes very considerably, & detrimentally.
( Equivalent Series Resistance )
Good luck with the cap upgrade.
And keep us informed of your progress - success.
Regards Dr. Bob 
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Edited by - Dr. Bob on 10/01/2009 11:46:01 |
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hairy-dude
Copper Member
Australia
10 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2009 : 16:32:38
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Hi Dr Bob!
I've put up a couple of parts suppliers into the FAQ section. I'll probably use RS Components for these caps as I can't seem to find them at Jaycar or Radio Parts, where I normally buy my parts.
I'll consider changing the non-audio related electrolyitcs in the pedal as well. Probably not silly while I'm in there, but I'll probably replace them with better electros.
When all is done, I'll definitely let you guys know how it turned out. Fingers crossed!
Thanks everyone!
Cheers,
Hairy-dude. |
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Topic |
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OD-2 "Restoration"
