Dearmond 1602 volume pedal sweep

[Joseph Lazo]

I just took delivery of a Dearmond 1602 volume pedal and am wondering if it's normal for these pedals to only have effect on the first 1/3 of the sweep. Once the pedal goes beyond the first 1/3 of its travel, there is no increase in volume.

I have a bad feeling I bought a dud of a pedal. I'm attaching a couple photos. Is it possible the pot is the culprit here?

[Tim Whitlock]

Type J is the correct pot for volume pedals. Maybe yours is just worn out. I'd suggest you replace it with one of Tom Bradshaw's volume pots.

https://steelguitarbradshaw.com/potentiometers.php

Also, I owned a Dearmond vol/tone pedal. The plastic gears wore out in a short time. Yours look pretty good but something to watch out for.

[Joseph Lazo]

Thanks for your suggestion, Tim. Am I correct to conclude then that this pedal should have a fuller sweep than what it has now...with max volume reached at only about 1/3 of the way down?

[Tim Whitlock]

It should reach max volume, or near to it, when the pedal is fully depressed. I'd suggest making sure the gear is set correctly. Depress the pedal all the way. Gently pull the shaft away from the sprocket and make sure the sprocket (and pot) is fully rotated to max volume. As mentioned, these plastic gears wear out over time and begin to slip. Also make sure any set screws and the nut on the pot mounting bracket are tight so there is no slippage. If all this is good, then I'd look at replacing the pot.