Are you the kind of player that dials up a pedal tone and leaves your pedal set up that way permanently?
If you answered yes to the above then you could be risking the effects of oxidation degrading your pedal’s performance. Do you have any pedals that are suffering from intermittent signal issues or low volume output?
Oxidation could be building up on your contacts i.e. jacks, sockets, and pots.
If you’re thinking that because your pedals are packed away in a storage container or similar that your gear is immune from the effects of oxidation, think again. My beloved purple G2D overdrive pedal (purchased 15 years ago) had been stored in a airtight container but it wasn’t immune from the effects of oxidation buildup. When I recently plugged the pedal into my pedalboard again, the oxidised contact points wreaked havoc with my amp. The impaired electrical conductivity of the contact points resulted in intermittent noise issuing from my pedal and a puzzling, low output volume on my amp.
When I removed my G2D pedal from my pedalboard and inserted another overdrive in its place, my pedalboard worked perfectly and my amp suddenly went back to full volume again. I immediately rang David (creator of the New Zealand G2D pedal line).
David has been building pedals for well over 30 years, his list of international clientele (as well as local clients) boasts some impressive names.
These include:
- Richie Sambora (G2D Custom)
- John Mayer (G2D Cream-Tone)
- Andy Summers (G2D Cream-Tone)
David was planning to be in my area the next day and we arranged a time for him to come out to my studio. After a quick greeting, he performed some open heart surgery on my pedal (removed the backing plate and got to work testing the pots).
My pedal was suffering from an oxidation buildup on the contact points and jack sockets.
What is oxidation build up? How does it affect your pedal’s performance?
Oxidation is a chemical process that occurs when metal comes into contact with oxygen and other environmental factors. This process can result in the formation of a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the metal, which can interfere with the electrical conductivity of the contact points. When audio signals pass through these points, the oxide layer can act as a barrier, causing a drop in signal quality or even complete signal loss.
David saved the day by removing the oxidization build up that had interfered with the pedal’s electrical conductivity.
We plugged it back into my pedalboard and my amp and guitar were back to making sweet overdriven blues tone again. David asked me to remind all the guitarists out there that all the pots on your pedals should be adjusted once every few weeks, and your jack connector sockets should be regularly cleaned to prevent the buildup of oxidation on the pots.
David also gave me a great tip to pass on to my RGR readers…
How to prevent oxidation building up on your pedals
Spray some WD40 onto the jack of a patch lead (or on a jack from a guitar lead). Plug the jack into the female sockets and roll the jack around clockwise and then anti-clockwise to clean out and break down the oxidation corrosion that naturally builds up on your internal connectors.
Once done, remember to wipe the gunk build up off the jack with a hard textured paper towel or similar. If you’re in New Zealand, Hell Pizza paper napkins are ideal for this, but any napkin or paper towel will do. This is a great way to maintain your pedals and your amp, and keep everything in 100% working order.
All you need to know about audio oxidation
In the world of audio equipment, oxidation can have a significant impact on the quality of audio contact points, such as jacks and sockets. These contact points are critical for transferring audio signals from one piece of equipment to another, and any damage or degradation can result in a noticeable decrease in audio quality.
Oxidation is a chemical process that occurs when metal comes into contact with oxygen and other environmental factors. This process can result in the formation of a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the metal, which can interfere with the electrical conductivity of the contact points. When audio signals pass through these points, the oxide layer can act as a barrier, causing a drop in signal quality or even complete signal loss.
One of the most common causes of oxidation in audio contact points is exposure to moisture. When metal is exposed to moisture, it can cause the metal to rust, which in turn can lead to oxidation. This is particularly common in environments with high humidity or exposure to liquids, such as recording studios, live music venues, or even outdoor stages.
Another factor that can contribute to oxidation is exposure to air pollutants or other contaminants. Over time, dust and other particles can accumulate on the surface of the contact points, which can lead to oxidation and other types of damage. This can be particularly problematic in environments with poor air quality, such as industrial settings or areas with high levels of pollution.
The effects of oxidation on audio contact points can be varied, but generally, the impact is negative. When the oxide layer interferes with the transfer of audio signals, it can result in a variety of issues, including noise, distortion, or even complete signal loss. In extreme cases, oxidation can cause the metal in the contact points to become pitted or otherwise damaged, which can lead to permanent damage that requires replacement of the affected parts.
Preventing oxidation in audio contact points requires a combination of regular maintenance and protective measures. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to remove any contaminants that may be present on the surface of the contact points, which can help to prevent the formation of an oxide layer. Additionally, protecting the contact points from exposure to moisture and other environmental factors can help to minimize the risk of oxidation.
In summary, oxidation can have a significant impact on the quality of audio contact points, such as jacks and sockets. Exposure to moisture, air pollutants, and other contaminants can lead to the formation of an oxide layer, which can interfere with the transfer of audio signals and result in a noticeable decrease in audio quality. Regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as protective measures, can help to prevent oxidation and ensure that audio signals are transferred accurately and reliably.
Better information leads to better playing!