Footswitch issue; amp switches channels by itself.

[Tyuk]

The amp is a 2005 JCM 2000 DSL 50. I'm its original and only owner. The thing has been tank but the footswitch is almost 20 years old at this point.

The amp started to occasionally switch channels by itself but it turns out it's an issue with the footswitch:

PEDL-00001

For the Acoustic series.

marshall.com

Physically squeezing (or stepping on) the cable near the pedal itself causes the switch to trigger and changes the channel (or tries to). What could cause this; the shielding inside the black covering has somehow been damaged/split?

As you apply pressure further away from the pedal though, it stops. I'm comfortable with a soldering iron so ideally, I would like to repair it myself by cutting out the suspect portion of the cable and re-soldering everything, if possible. If that doesn't work, then I'd explore replacing the entire thing.

For those who know more than me, any other recommendations/suggestions?

 

[corliss1]

Sounds like a solid plan - knock off 6 inches or so and resolder the connections.

 

[Dacious]

Probably over time the plastic separating the wires has deteriorated. These pedals have a hard plastic sheath inside the outer black bit with fine wires. It's probably split due to being rolled up and//or being trodden on or pulled around sharp edges over years and you're getting contact between them. I can't remember if they're a latching pedal ot a momentary but either way it'd cause the relay in the amp to flick. You'll find the cable nut can also cause this - that's the hard plastic thing the cable passes through into the casing.

 

[northernguitar]

Unless it has to be a Marshall branded pedal, you can go to Long & McQuade and buy a generic one made by Apex. If you go used, any single switch passive pedal will work. Get one that detaches and uses a regular instrument cable.

 

[northernguitar]

Apex Electronics - Single Button Footswitch

Apex Electronics - Single Button Footswitch

www.long-mcquade.com