The Steel Guitar Forum

I have a scratchy volume pedal issue that has me stumped. The pedal is a Boss FV500 about a month old. Until last night, it had worked perfectly. Since last night, it crackles during motion when there is a signal running. Seems like a straightforward scratchy pot, except:
> It occurs with none of my other guitars using that pedal
> It occurs through all three amps I have (i.e. Not the amp)
> It doesn't occur with the steel plugged direct into the amp, bypassing the pedal
> I've switched out all effects, leads etc.
> There is no noise from pedal motion when the guitar is unplugged (unlike all other scratchy pots I've encountered) or when there is no or low audio signal from the guitar
> It doesn't occur with my old Ernie Ball pedal plugged in
So in summary, it only occurs with this combination of guitar and pedal. Change out either and they both work fine.
One other potential clue: it rained here yesterday for the first time in 6 months.
Is it possible that this is an electrical problem coming from the guitar that for some reason only displays with this pedal?
Any help appreciated.

Check connections in axe and pedal?

Check female connectors on the pedal and guitar. A loose jack by losing its connection can cause cracking and popping. Check the cable ends and bend the cables when guitar is plugged in with amp. may have short in cable. With a bad cable it could be shorting out inside its cover unseen. Good Luck in finding the problem and getting it repaired.

Hi Matt
I have the same VP which I bought about six month ago and I had exactly the same problem. My first thought was to return it to the supplier as a faulty item but as a last resort I removed the bottom cover and gave the pot a good spray with switch cleaner and its been perfect ever since. Worth a try.