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Topic: Boss Tone Question |
Mike Brinkmeyer
From:
Houston, Texas
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Posted 23 Feb 2001 12:20 pm |
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I found a Boss Tone (Jordan Electronics) in an old box of supplies today. After trying it out for the first time in years, it seems to work properly when in the "on" position but when turning it "off", there is a slight bleed through of distortion. Is this something that can be repaired? I think I bought it in 1972 - if a part is required, is it obtainable? 
Thanks,
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Matt Farrow
From:
Raleigh, NC, USA
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Posted 23 Feb 2001 1:22 pm
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Mike, this is unfortunately a flaw in the design of the Boss Tone. I have worked on quite a few of these units over the years, and what is needed is to convert your Boss Tone to "true bypass" operation. It's a simple matter, I can do it in about an hour. Email me for details, but I repair effects and amps, and if you can't find someone locally to take care of you I'll be happy to work on it.
Matt Farrow
Pharaoh Amplifiers
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Matt Farrow
Marlen 9-string 6+2
Kustom K150
http://surf.to/pharaohamps
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 24 Feb 2001 3:41 am
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The unit I have has a DPST switch in it and completely removes the BossTone from the circuit when it's in the "off" position.
Could be the switch is bad, but just cleaning it may take care of the problem.
I was doing amp repair, in Nashville, back when they were popular and in their "prime" and I never had one brought in with that complaint. |
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Bill Crook
From:
Goodlettsville, TN , Spending my kid's inheritance
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Posted 25 Feb 2001 7:36 am
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I agree with Jack.....
Could be the switch is bad, but just cleaning it may take care of the problem.
I have a schematic of the "Boss Tone" around here somewhere, will post it if you need it.
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Matt Farrow
From:
Raleigh, NC, USA
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Posted 25 Feb 2001 12:04 pm
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Jack, I don't mean to disagree with you, but to completely remove an effect from a series circuit with your guitar and amp, you must break the input and output connections from the device. I have seen BossTones built with "SPDT" switches that leave the input connection of the effect and guitar connected at all times. This is what I am referring to as a design problem. In the FX world, this is frowned on because usually the input impedance of the FX device is fairly low, and robs highs from the "clean" signal. Replacing the switch with a "DPDT" switch will solve the problem.
Again, no offense meant.
Matt Farrow
Pharaoh Amplifiers
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Matt Farrow
Marlen 9-string 6+2
Kustom K150
http://surf.to/pharaohamps
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 25 Feb 2001 3:42 pm
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Matt, my Bosstone completely removes the device from the circuit in the bypass position. I have one of the original models.
There was a reissue model, a model that was put out with the Emmons Guitar Co name on it and I believe a model that was made in Nashville. Could be one of these had a different "bypass" switch in it.
I know there are several models, as I have a schematic of the original model and there is another schematic that I came across on the Internet and the components are slightly different. In the original model the output transistor is an emitter follower, in the Internet version it is not. The original model uses 1N4001 (clipping) diodes on the output and the other model uses small signal diodes, etc.
I did amp repair in Nashville in the early 70's and that was not an issue with the original Jordon Bosstone model back then.
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Jim Smith
From:
Midlothian, TX, USA
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Posted 25 Feb 2001 6:28 pm
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| Didn't the Emmons version also have an octave switch? |
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Matt Farrow
From:
Raleigh, NC, USA
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Posted 25 Feb 2001 7:06 pm
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Jack, you might be right on that score - I have worked on the old "Jordan" brand Boss Tones, and I have seen units with a PNP for the 2nd transistor, and also units with an NPN for this transistor. I have only seen units with a regular SPDT switch (with 2 terminals) but I'm not familiar with the Sho-Bud branded units. I repaired two for a guy last year and though they looked identical on the outside they had 2 different circuits in them.
AFAIK, the Emmons unit was actually made by Foxx, and is very much like their "Tone Machine" pedal. Incidentally, Danelectro now makes a mini pedal called a "French Toast" that is a re-issue of the Foxx Tone Machine, and sounds great for steel.
Matt Farrow
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Matt Farrow
Marlen 9-string 6+2
Kustom K150
http://surf.to/pharaohamps
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Danny Hullihen
From:
Harrison, Michigan
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Posted 26 Feb 2001 5:00 am
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Pharaoh: I tried the Danelectro "French Toast" pedal, and it does work good with steel guitar. It sounds very much like the old Foxx Tone Machine.
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Matt Farrow
From:
Raleigh, NC, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2001 6:07 am
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Yeah - I like the mini-pedals because they fit in my pac-a-seat! But the French Toast does sound great. Also the Tuna Melt Tremolo, Pepperoni Phaser, and the BLT Slap Echo are really good sounding for the $$$. Didn't like the reverb pedal much, but I don't really like reverb anyway. And the other distortion pedals are too "overdrive" for me for steel. They sound better with a regular guitar, though. I velcro my French Toast to my endplate so I can slap the switch with my right hand. Not bad for $39!
Matt Farrow
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Matt Farrow
Marlen 9-string 6+2
Kustom K150
http://surf.to/pharaohamps
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