Russian big muff issues

[Damonjames]

Having trouble with my big muff at the minute, I'm not getting any output, then if I press
Down on the volume knob it intermittently works. Has anyone else had this? Is it just a dry solder joint?

[TG Flatline]

[quote name='Damonjames' timestamp='1369807472' post='2092852']
Having trouble with my big muff at the minute, I'm not getting any output, then if I press
Down on the volume knob it intermittently works. Has anyone else had this? Is it just a dry solder joint?
[/quote]

Could be one of a few things to do with the volume pot itself or the connections to it, have you opened the pedal and had a look at the wires running from the pot?

Edited May 29, 2013 by TG Flatline

[paul_5]

The wiring loom inside those old Russian Muffs is notoriously thin stuff. It could be a dry joint, the pot could be dicky or (worst case) the gossamer-thin wire needs replacing. I might have some pots in my man-shed taken from a Russian Muff if you'd like me to have a wee look?

[Damonjames]

Thanks for the responses guys, ill open it up when I get home and see what the caper is and get back to you

[Beer of the Bass]

I repaired a green Russian Muff for a friend which had more than one bad solder joint, so it's definitely a weak spot on these. Actually I was surprised how shonky the insides looked for something which is considered such a holy grail of fuzz! It did sound good though...

[Damonjames]

Yeah I'd agree on the build quality, it's pretty ordinary. It's such a shame as most of the electronics are Ex soviet military grade from what I understand and they do sound amazing. Just had a quick look, the solder looks ok at first glance. Ill try it again at rehearsal tonight and see if I can isolate the problem

[umcoo]

The poor solder joints add to the mojo and make it sound as good as it does.

[Kev]

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1369818018' post='2092963']
I repaired a green Russian Muff for a friend which had more than one bad solder joint, so it's definitely a weak spot on these. Actually I was surprised how shonky the insides looked for something which is considered such a holy grail of fuzz! It did sound good though...
[/quote]

If you remember how cheap these were when they were sold new, you probably wouldn't be surprised at all!

[Beer of the Bass]

[quote name='Kev' timestamp='1369854038' post='2093605']
If you remember how cheap these were when they were sold new, you probably wouldn't be surprised at all!
[/quote]
This is true, I remember seeing them in Victor Morris in Glasgow in the 90s. I was thinking more of the price they fetch nowadays!

[Damonjames]

Tried it rehearsal last night and it seems to be back working again now, think ill get some contact cleaner and spray the pots as they are
Pretty crackly. Has anyone put a dc power supply socket on one of these? Is it easy to do?

[paul_5]

DC power sockets on these can be a bit tricky, as I seem to remember it's something quirky like a positive ground. Fitting the socket is easy enough, but wiring it up so that it does't buzz can be a bit of a minefield...

[paul_5]

[quote name='Kev' timestamp='1369854038' post='2093605']
If you remember how cheap these were when they were sold new, you probably wouldn't be surprised at all!
[/quote]

£40 for my first one - brand new from Johnny Roadhouse in Manchester - many, many moons ago.

[Damonjames]

I remember them being relatively affordable back in Australia too. My mate had three of them stuffed in a cupboard that had various things Wrong with them. If memory serves at least one of them was a green one....

[Damonjames]

I think I may have found the problem, I noticed there is a blue wire with a ring lug on it floating about inside the casing. I think that it should be grounded to the chassis???

[paul_5]

[quote name='Damonjames' timestamp='1370470791' post='2101637']
I think I may have found the problem, I noticed there is a blue wire with a ring lug on it floating about inside the casing. I think that it should be grounded to the chassis???
[/quote]
yup, use one of the screw on feet to attach it to the case or any of the 4 screws on top and trap it between the 2 halves of the case.

Edited June 9, 2013 by paul_5

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='Damonjames' timestamp='1369807472' post='2092852']
Having trouble with my big muff at the minute, I'm not getting any output, then if I press
Down on the volume knob it intermittently works.
[/quote]

HAHAHA!

Oh... you're serious... oh...