Tubescreamer problem: Output level too low

[Pain Devine]

My buddy has a tubescreamer re-issue that he loves. But, when he switches it on, the live level drops. He has the level on the pedel at 100% but it still seems to lose volume when engaged. It still overdrives the signal, but it's output is a little quieter than the clean signal is.

Is this a common problem with TubeScreamers? Anyone know how to "fix it"?

Thanks!

[Pain Devine]

So... no ideas?

[mikeb]

It's possible the FET bypass isn't quite working right and that the 'on' resistance of the FET passing the audio is a number of k instead of a hundred ohms or so. Also, there could be a problem with the connection of the volume control or operation of the output stage. You need to open the pedal up and so a little tracing with an audio probe to find where the volume goes from being 'normal' to quiet.

HTH

Mike

[GBlekas]

It's tough to take a guess without seeing the pedal because people do all sorts of weird shit to their gear.  It could really be anything from a screwed up op-amp, bad Q2  transistor, broken wire, volume pot malfunction due to the pedal being dropped into a pitcher of beer. The sky's the limit.

If he needs help with it have him email me and I'ld be willing to work it out with him.

All the best

George

[Pain Devine]

Well, if that's all I need to do, I can do it. I have a Signal generator and an ocilliscope. I'll just trace the signal through the pedal. I betcha it's the volume pot. Those things go bad all the time.