Question for pedal techs - how easy is it to switch the foot switch on an 80s boss pedal?

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DeathJag
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Question for pedal techs - how easy is it to switch the foot switch on an 80s boss pedal?

Post by DeathJag » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:38 am

Apologies if this is a dumb question. I recently got a 1980s DS-1 and the foot switch is not 100%. Upon engaging it sometimes switches and sometimes does not, and I am afraid that someday it will become stuck in the off position.

So I'm wondering if it is an easy swap out? I guess I could completely bypass that switch and have the effect always be on in a pinch?

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ryland
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Re: Question for pedal techs - how easy is it to switch the foot switch on an 80s boss pedal?

Post by ryland » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:55 pm

As easy as it gets if you can solder. Smallbear electronics sells replacements. You need to pop off the back panel and carefully lower the board enough to reach the switch to get it out (there are tabs on the side) then de-solder the ole one (after taking pictures of where everything goes) and install/reconnect the new one. It's an easy service.

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tdksa90
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Re: Question for pedal techs - how easy is it to switch the foot switch on an 80s boss pedal?

Post by tdksa90 » Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:08 pm

It could be an easy fix. Open up the pedal and spray contact cleaner (Deoxit) on the switch, then work the switch to let the cleaner penetrate. That took care of my Boss Tremolo immediately.
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DeathJag
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Re: Question for pedal techs - how easy is it to switch the foot switch on an 80s boss pedal?

Post by DeathJag » Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:49 pm

ryland wrote:
Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:55 pm
As easy as it gets if you can solder.
NICE! Thanks so much for this. I can solder.
tdksa90 wrote:
Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:08 pm
It could be an easy fix. Open up the pedal and spray contact cleaner (Deoxit) on the switch, then work the switch to let the cleaner penetrate. That took care of my Boss Tremolo immediately.
And thanks for this too! I'll try this first.

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JSett
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Re: Question for pedal techs - how easy is it to switch the foot switch on an 80s boss pedal?

Post by JSett » Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:53 pm

It's two wires and pops in and out. You have to be careful and quick so as not to melt the very small wires attached but it's super easy - probably the easiest switch replacement possible
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Re: Question for pedal techs - how easy is it to switch the foot switch on an 80s boss pedal?

Post by øøøøøøø » Fri Mar 17, 2023 7:47 am

In addition to cleaning the existing switch, I'd check the solder joints (sometimes they can crack... rather than inspecting I usually just reflow them, which is faster.)

About an 80% shot you can get it happening just with cleaning and/or reflowing. But as others have said, the part is available, affordable, and replaceable.

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