Dyna comp history?

[bennettcab]

I have searched here and google and haven't come up with much information regarding the history of the dyna comp or revisions. I am basically trying to find out if it is worth the money to try a non-LED dynacomp. The pots on mine date to 81 and 82, has the LED, power adapter plug, and a cream board with the switch not attached to the board. I should have pics up tomorrow.

I have read here and there that the vintage (pre-82?) ones sound the best, but for the longest time I assumed if it was a vintage one it didn't have the LED.

Can someone point me in the right direction with information?

Thanks,
millis

[giggedy]

look up info on the ross comp, that's what the dyna is based on.

[guirat]

There's good info on dating MXR pedals (and identifying the Dyna Comp versions) at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MXR

According to the above page they started production in 1972, and the desirable 'script' DynaComps were apparently still being made up until 1979.
Usually you can tell a genuine script Dyna Comp by the 'metal can' on the circuitboard rather than the later 'black chip' (sorry for my lack of technical knowledge) - pot code dating is recommended too.

I've seen some block logo pedals that had the metal can on Ebay (basically a script pedal in a later block logo case) so it pays to check inside before buying.

Edit>> I just opened up my 1980 block logo version, it has the LM3080(N?) chip.
I haven't tried a script version or a version later to mine, it's a very useful pedal though - for compression, sustain and boost.

[gtrfinder]

ask Analogman

[TheWarmth]

I don't know much about the history, but I just scored a limited D*A*M Dyna Comp that was made using NOS 70's MXR boards. Still waiting for it to arrive. Nice:

[guirat]

Beautiful pedal - if it sounds as good as it looks you'll never switch it off.

Whilst fruitlessly checking whether there were any left (there aren't according to the forum) I saw this link for the original Script MXR Dyna Comp. Worth a look:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jY7ziyoUuDE

[TheWarmth]

Here are the guts of the D*A*M model:

[gururyan]

I have a '78 that I cherish, I'll try to post a gut shot for you.

[lochry]

Originally Posted by TheWarmth

I don't know much about the history, but I just scored a limited D*A*M Dyna Comp that was made using NOS 70's MXR boards. Still waiting for it to arrive. Nice:

D*A*M*N :AOK

[gururyan]

Originally Posted by lochry

D*A*M*N :AOK

Nice one.

[bennettcab]

I also found this:
http://reviews.ebay.com/MXR-Vintage-Pedals-Block-vs-Script....

Guess I didn't read Wikipedia close enough:

All models after mid 1981, would have an 1/8" DC power input jack, and utilized a DPDT footswitch as well as a red LED indicator.

So, based off some assumptions I have made:

Mine is a true, vintage block logo (MXR Original Line "Reference Series" (1972 - 1984)). I need to take it apart and take a look at what chips are in there, just for curiosity sake. I think I will have it modded to true bypass, maybe keep my eyes out for a good deal on a non-LED block logo Dyna.

Thanks for the information guys.

millis

[bennettcab]

Originally Posted by lochry

D*A*M*N :AOK

Agreed.

Originally Posted by gururyan

I have a '78 that I cherish, I'll try to post a gut shot for you.

Thanks, it would be appreciated.

millis