Attn: Effects Pedal Service Technicians
RE:
Drivetrain II Smooth Cap Installation
This
modification applies to Drivetrain II (green) overdrive
pedals only (NOT BLACK VERSIONS).
We've
made a small but significant change to the current Drivetrain
II circuit. We've added a capacitor that results in a
smoother, less brittle sound with a more natural overdrive
tone. This change only affects the engaged sound (pedal
on), and does not affect the bypassed sound (pedal off).
We
made the change in response to complaints that it was
difficult to match the higher drive tones with the bypassed
tone in live situations - the pedal on sound was too bright
compared to the pedal off sound.
A
by-product of the change is that higher drive settings
sound less artificial and less fizzy. The tone is now
smoother but less compressed, and has more clarity. In
our opinion it is a significant improvement.
To
determine if your Drivetrain II is current:
Locate
the white arrow silkscreened on the bottom panel, just
right of the battery compartment. If there are TWO black
dots drawn on the tail of the arrow (figure
A), the pedal is current and will not require an upgrade.
One dot indicates the pedal has not been upgraded.
Upgrade
Procedure
This upgrade should be performed by a qualified technician
only. It is about a 10 minute job.
3.
Solder 470 pf cap (50 volt/10% tolerance minimum)
to back of circuit board using 20 watt or lower
soldering iron.
4.
Mark arrow on bottom panel with a second dot to
indicate completion (figure B).
5.
Install bottom panel and test pedal.
Upgrade
Service
Reverend can upgrade your pedal for $20 (includes return
shipping, mainland U.S. only). Ship pedal to: Reverend
(Repairs), 27300 Gloede, Unit D, Warren, MI 48088. Enclose
payment, return address (no P.O. boxes please), and a
day PHONE #.
