Edwards Swell Pedal Problem

Bob Mainwaring · Post by **Bob Mainwaring** » 3 May 2001 11:23 pm

I recently aquired (with some other eqipment)an Edwards light-beam pedal. Trouble is - although the red light on the side comes on telling me there's power, it won`t work at all.
I was wondering if anyone knows where I might find a schematic or could there be another problem.

Bob Mainwaring Z.Bs. and other weird things.

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David Weaver · Post by **David Weaver** » 4 May 2001 6:08 am

I may be wrong, but I think the light bulb inside is a seperate light source from the litte red indicator. Pull off the bottom plate (2 screws I believe), plug it in and see if the light bulb is lit. If not, replace the bulb. It's an off-the-shelf bulb. If for some reason you can't match the bulb number, email me and I will get it for you.

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Sho-Bud Pro II Custom, Sierra Artist S-10, Fessenden S-10, Session 2000

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 4 May 2001 7:28 am

Bob I have studied the Edwards pedals. It could be a number of different things causing it not to work. These pedals are around 30 years old. I would be very careful if you do probe around inside, because there is a 120 volt AC transformer inside the pedal. If I were taking a "wild" guess about fixing it, I would replace the control light bulb inside. The control light inside is different than the red light you see. Try changing the light bulb and see if that doesn't fix it.[This message was edited by Keith Hilton on 04 May 2001 at 08:32 AM.]

Bob Mainwaring · Post by **Bob Mainwaring** » 4 May 2001 11:01 pm

Many thanks for the replies guys,
I took the bottom cover off and see the bulb(it was shrouded with a series of tape windings for some reason) and it`s a number 57 whatever that`s supposed to mean. The stamping on the equal-pin bayonet bulb is 12v but no sign of the wattage. I probably have this bulb in stock but would like to know for sure in case there's a problem elswhere.
In other words, 57 must relate to some kind of N.American number/type system???

Bob Mainwaring. Z.Bs. and other weird things.

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Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 5 May 2001 2:21 am

A #57 bulb is used in many older automobiles. You should be able to get one at any auto supply store.

Maybe that will make your "swell" pedal swell again.

Bob Mainwaring · Post by **Bob Mainwaring** » 5 May 2001 7:49 am

Hi there Jack - Wattage???

Bob Mainwaring Z.Bs. and other weird things.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 5 May 2001 8:11 am

A #57 lamp only comes in one size. There are not different "wattages" like there are in household lights.

Bob Mainwaring · Post by **Bob Mainwaring** » 5 May 2001 2:13 pm

Hi there again Jack,
I took a stock 12v-5w from the shop and it worked perfect. This physical size by the way comes in 12v-4w and 12v-2w as well.

This is the first time I`ve ever tried a light beam pedal and was surprised at the clarity, although the "swell" along with movement is only nominal.
Thanks for the input guys.

Bob Mainwaring Z.Bs. and other weird things.

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Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 5 May 2001 4:22 pm

You should get a regular #57 lamp. The replaements you used obiously fit but are not the same rating as the #57. With the regular lamp in it, the volume curve may be a little better.

#57 lamps were used as backup lamps, as well as other lamps in cars. They are relatively bright.

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 5 May 2001 5:28 pm

The operation of the pedal will be effected by how dim ,or bright, the light shines. So you should try and get what originally was used, if possible. Of course the brightness is determined by how many watts the bulb is. This light bulb shines, and the amount of light that gets through is determined by a brown piece of plastic that has a "V" shape cut in it. The "V" shape is filed thin to thick. The thin part of the V allows more light, and the thick part allows less light. The amount of light controls a Cds cell, better known as a light sensitive resistor. The same thing that turns on street lights at night. So you can see how the intensity of the light source could really effect overall performance. This pedal has limited up and down movement, only about one inch. As a reference,the old Sho-Bud pedals moved up and down 1 1/2 inches. The biggest complaint of "users" of these pedals was loss of high end frequency. Other than these factors, the Edwards pedals were many years ahead of their time. They were a quality product, and I consider them a collector's item that should increase in value over time. I gave $110.00 for the one I bought to inspect.

David Weaver · Post by **David Weaver** » 5 May 2001 8:18 pm

Bob...

I have an Edwards pedal that I bought from Don Edwards and I still use it on my practice guitar here at home every day. I looked, and like Jack said, it's a 57 that you can get at an auto parts store. Mine still has a sticker that says "USE #57 bulb only".

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Sho-Bud Pro II Custom, Sierra Artist S-10, Fessenden S-10, Session 2000

Sage · Post by **Sage** » 5 May 2001 8:36 pm

I use an Edwards too, & I'll keep it even after I get a Hilton. I got mine at a pawnshop in Ft Collins CO when I lived there- I paid $10 and straightened out an old Maverick to get the deal.
My bulb is not very bright- and I have a full range of swell (sounds kind of funny when you think about it

). You might try the 2W bulb.[This message was edited by Sage on 05 May 2001 at 09:44 PM.]