FoxRox buffer v847 install - always on?

[Sokar]

Howdy.

I'm about to install a FoxRox wah buffer in my v847 project along with a 3PDT switch.

Earlier today, I learned a little something about buffers in my 9-pedal chain when I took the only buffer (green label Boss BF-2) out of the middle of that chain. It sounded like my amp had a wet blanket thrown on top of it.

That made me start thinking about the first pedal I'll be plugging into, the modded v847.

Should I consider wiring this buffer where it will always be in the signal whether the pedal is engaged or not or is that a dumb idea?

Thanks!

[GuitarBrent]

Do you use fuzzes after the wah? Buffers and fuzzes generally don't mix well.

[stinkfoot]

The main reason to install a Foxrox FWR in the first place is because you have a fuzz immediately after the wah that "eats" up the wah effect (with both wah and fuzz running, the wah barely makes any difference, and sometimes you get weird oscillation and howling when you're not playing). But if you do, that fuzz will not like having that buffer in-line at all times. It works when the wah is on, as the wah makes things sound weird anyway. But without the wah, the buffer will make the fuzz sound like crap, which is why it's installed "inside" the switch (right after the wah circuit, but not in the bypass signal path).

So, if you have a fuzz there, I'd install the FWR the way it's indended (between the wah circuit output and the switch), so it's not in the signal path when the wah is off. If you don't have a fuzz, you shouldn't need the FWR at all. You do need to keep a buffer somewhere in the chain (as you noticed), but that's another issue. If that buffer isn't available in one of the pedals (like, if you were to take the BF-2 out of the chain), I'd get a separate buffer unit. That way, you could place it where you like in the chain.

/Andreas

[Sokar]

Thanks for the info, stinkfoot. It's when I start trying to reinvent the wheel that projects like this start running off the track.

You are correct. There is a fuzz after the wah. And not just any fuzz, a germanium fuzz.

The BF-2 is just fine where it is. Right in the middle of the chain and doing it's thing.

[Purplexi]

I am thinking about doing this mod to my Vox Wah as well. I just don't understand how Jimi Hendrix got through his career without any apparent Fuzz/Wah problems. Was there some kind of custom buffer in his set up that is not commonly discussed??

[dmczern]

Originally Posted by stinkfoot

The main reason to install a Foxrox FWR in the first place is because you have a fuzz immediately after the wah that "eats" up the wah effect (with both wah and fuzz running, the wah barely makes any difference, and sometimes you get weird oscillation and howling when you're not playing). But if you do, that fuzz will not like having that buffer in-line at all times. It works when the wah is on, as the wah makes things sound weird anyway. But without the wah, the buffer will make the fuzz sound like crap, which is why it's installed "inside" the switch (right after the wah circuit, but not in the bypass signal path).

So, if you have a fuzz there, I'd install the FWR the way it's indended (between the wah circuit output and the switch), so it's not in the signal path when the wah is off. If you don't have a fuzz, you shouldn't need the FWR at all. You do need to keep a buffer somewhere in the chain (as you noticed), but that's another issue. If that buffer isn't available in one of the pedals (like, if you were to take the BF-2 out of the chain), I'd get a separate buffer unit. That way, you could place it where you like in the chain.

/Andreas

Hey Andreas, does the FWR slightly increase gain when the wah is engaged?? I have a Roger Mayer retrofit wah.....there is a very noticeable drop in volume when I use it......could the FWR mitigate this issue or do you think it's something else??

Thanks,

Dave

[JLee]

The Foxrox Retrofit has a slider pot that can be adjusted for a volume/gain boost. I believe he generally marks the spot where it hits unity.

[JLee]

Originally Posted by Purplexi

I am thinking about doing this mod to my Vox Wah as well. I just don't understand how Jimi Hendrix got through his career without any apparent Fuzz/Wah problems. Was there some kind of custom buffer in his set up that is not commonly discussed??

You can hear some of the wah/fuzz problems in some of his later Band Of Gypsies live recordings. I can't think of any studio recordings where it sounds like a wah into fuzz without the usual "issues" like loss of sweep or feedback.

[charless]

Originally Posted by AbbeSauniere

You can hear some of the wah/fuzz problems in some of his later Band Of Gypsies live recordings. I can't think of any studio recordings where it sounds like a wah into fuzz without the usual "issues" like loss of sweep or feedback.

What about Voodoo Child (Slight Return)? That wah effect is unbelieveable. Did Jimi have a fuzz unit on this or was it just a cranked Marshall?

[JLee]

Originally Posted by Purplexi

I am thinking about doing this mod to my Vox Wah as well. I just don't understand how Jimi Hendrix got through his career without any apparent Fuzz/Wah problems. Was there some kind of custom buffer in his set up that is not commonly discussed??

I can't think of any instances where it sounds like he's not suffering the usual side effects of wah into fuzz like loss of sweep or feedback.

[Purplexi]

Originally Posted by AbbeSauniere

I can't think of any instances where it sounds like he's not suffering the usual side effects of wah into fuzz like loss of sweep or feedback.

Okay, so we're talking improvement here(buffer), more utilitarian control, for cleaner stuff?? Obviously then, it didn't affect Hendrix when playing less subtle, louder band parts? Makes sense now, thanks.

[JLee]

Originally Posted by charless

What about Voodoo Child (Slight Return)? That wah effect is unbelieveable. Did Jimi have a fuzz unit on this or was it just a cranked Marshall?

I always though he just kicked on the fuzz after the wah intro.

[smogfalls]

interesting stuff... I'm looking into getting one of these for my V847 too.
Would be cool if someone who has fitted one could chime in and give a brief review.
Cheers,
Xan

[Kind Of Loud]

Check out Jimi here at the Isle Of Wight, doing Watchtower. At the 2:30 mark he kicks in the wah, while the fuzz is already on. Listen to what happens. The wah isn't wahing, and he's getting that high "woo-ing" oscillation.

Then again, it's Jimi, so who cares, right..??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwCB...om=PL&index=17

[Bloodbath]

I've installed a few of these in peoples wahs. They work pretty well for having your fuzz after your wah. They do have a trimpot to adjust for unity volume.


Maybe you should try your fuzz before your wah to see if you like it too.