Volume dropping substantially and static.

[David Zornes]

Friends, I am using a DD 3 to go through my amp. I have noticed, however, that the volume is starting to drop substantially and then it gets real static. Could that be the battery going low in the DD three, a cord, or God forbid the amp itself? Any suggestions would be helpful. There’s also a toggle type switch on the back of the steel; could that be a problem? It is a Derby steel guitar. I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

[Patrick Huey]

Have you replaced the DD-3’s battery? That would be the first thing I would do.. also what amplifier are you using? And what all is hooked up between your steel and the amplifier? Does the amp have an effects loop? If so plug a patch cable into the loop between send and return … Is the problem still there? Also try running your steel without the delay pedal at all. That will eliminate the Boss from the equation and if you still have the same issue, then you know it is not the pedal. If you have an effect loop and do not use it. Sometimes you can get dirt and gunk on my contacts for the jacks that can cause poor signal path. De-Oxit or similar electronics, contact cleaner spray and clean inside all of your jacks including all the ones on the DD-3. your guitar, amp, etc

[David Zornes]

Thank you Patrick; I will try to break it down as you say. To eliminate this and that.

[Wiz Feinberg]

Friends, I am using a DD 3 to go through my amp. I have noticed, however, that the volume is starting to drop substantially and then it gets real static. Could that be the battery going low in the DD three, a cord, or God forbid the amp itself? Any suggestions would be helpful. There’s also a toggle type switch on the back of the steel; could that be a problem? It is a Derby steel guitar. I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

Why aren't you using a power block? Boss and One Spot make excellent power "wall warts" with the proper connector plugs for Boss effects pedals. One Spot even has a multiple connector cable that connects to the power brick and has 5 plugs that reach about a foot and a half each. With that, you could daisy wire 5 effects pedals. You'd just need to make short jumper cables with instant connector cabling. I did this first with Bill Lawrence cabling, then later, with George L's cabling and connectors.

Using this power system, you don't have to worry about dead or dying batteries anymore.