Disassembling a Whammy 4? (uncorked edition now with photos)

[Dave_B]

Hi all,
Today I purchased a Digitech Whammy 4 at a clearance center.  It was there because the previous owner put a cheap 1/4" plug into the input jack and the plug came apart, leaving the tip stuck inside.  The pedal appears to use Neutrik jacks and the spring metal is holding the piece in.  I've tried coaxing it out with various things without any luck. 

I obviously need to take it apart but I'm not sure how to dissassmble it.  I've removed the black allen head screws, but the top is still holding tight.  I'm guessing there's another set of screws under the rocker pedal, but because of the way it's attached, I can't tell how to remove it without possibly breaking something.  Also, they designed it so there's very little space between the rocker pedal and the bolt that holds it on.  My standard sockets won't fit over the bolt or the nut. 

So, can anyone tell me how to pop this thing open?  There was another example next to it that someone had tried to open with pliers and they messed it up real nice.  I'm hoping to avoid that.

Pic 1 (big image 1308x1600px)
Pic 2

[troubledtom]

i can't remember, it was built like a puzzle. i got mine back together but the octaves are off a 3rd
   it's works good but not perfect
                 - tom

[Connoisseur of Distortion]

you might wanna go with external work, if you risk hampering the pedal's functionality   

[Dave_B]

Here are a couple of pics of it.  I thought the plug might be threaded, but no such luck.  Now I'm thinking "adhesives" but I'm not sure what variety. 

[Dave_B]

i can't remember, it was built like a puzzle. i got mine back together but the octaves are off a 3rd

That's discouraging.  Did you remember if the treadle is attached to the top panel?  That's my main concern. If somehow that thing is attached to the bottom plate, I could see it being easily throw it out of calibration, bent, etc.

[no one ever]

magnet? isn't iron cheap? could be on the plug?

[b_rogers]

you could try a drop of super glue on the flat end of a finish nail. make sure you go in without hitting the sides and hold it in place for a few minutes, then pull staight back.  or...use a drill and a long thin screw. let it spin until it starts to thread then pull it  out.  maybe one of these will work for ya.

[Dave_B]

Success! 

b_rogers that's basically what I was doing as you left the message.  I actually canabalized a patch cord, pulling off the tip of the plug like this:


I trimmed the plastic ring a little so it wouldn't get hung up inside the jack.  Then I dabbed on a bit of Cyanoacrylate (really messy black glue used for model airplane tires) and inserted it.  About 45 minutes later I pulled it out:


This is fantastic.  Thanks for the assist folks!

[A.S.P.]

congrats!

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I was SO sure that glue wouldn't work...... that's (vicariously) made my day too!

[b_rogers]

cool man!   

glad you got it out without damaging anything..

[Dave_B]

i got mine back together but the octaves are off a 3rd

Tom, have you tried the recalibrate procedure?

[Connoisseur of Distortion]

that's really great! someone put a flag on this, i could see it being used in the future!

[troubledtom]

i got mine back together but the octaves are off a 3rd

Tom, have you tried the recalibrate procedure?

YES 
        - TOM